Honda Engine Break-in

Gerry Harris · Joined: 08 Aug 2001 Posts: 7 Location: Canada, Toronto

I just had a Honda GX160 totally rebuilt (top and bottom end), my engine builder told me to break it in by doing 10 easy laps, oil change, then 10 agressive laps, oil change and it should be ready to go.
I did this, however the engine feels weak.
I used my regular oil (power plus, synthetic)
during the break in period, should I have used a non-synthetic to 'bed' the rings, can I change the oil to mineral at this point and
go through the break in cycle again?

Thanks

Gerry Harris

gillickm · Joined: 13 Sep 2001 Posts: 33

Use a non-synthetic for your break in, so that your rings will seat properly.

Chad Stapleton · Joined: 19 Jul 2001 Posts: 4403

Ask your engine builder, but synthetic is not a good idea for break in.

Chad Stapleton · Joined: 19 Jul 2001 Posts: 4403

Ask your engine builder, but synthetic is not a good idea for break in.

Stan Smith · Joined: 22 Aug 2001 Posts: 36 Location: Afghanistan,

Yes you can! Be sure that your oil mixes with conventional oils, it'll say on the jug. Most of the so-called racing oils will not mix with real engine oil be it syntheic or conventional.
Funny how you can break in with racing oil but syntheic is too slippery?

Stan Smith · Joined: 22 Aug 2001 Posts: 36 Location: Afghanistan,

Gerry.
I forgot, you say it seems weak. Have you done a leakdown test and a compression test? This is the only way to know if the rings and valves are up to it.

Gerry Harris · Joined: 08 Aug 2001 Posts: 7 Location: Canada, Toronto

Hi Stan

I have not done a compression or leakage test, guess its about time I did one.

Everyone, thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.

Gerry

Steve Clark · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2001 12:08 pm Post subject: Honda Engine Break-in

Gerry,

I tried to reply by using the e-mail link but for some reason I was not allowed. Who is your engine builder. I raced 4 cycle at Waterloo for a few years and had a great builder. I never had a problem with a break in. I always used Mobil 1 5/30. It did not carbon up the engine. Never used the fnacy cool power stuff. My builder never wanted me to use it. Always had a top 5 motor.

Steve Clark · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2001 12:10 pm Post subject: Honda Engine Break-in

Oh yeah. Another idea. How are your lap times with the motor? If you are quicker then I guess the motor is fine.

Saro Marcarian · Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2001 9:49 am Post subject: Honda Engine Break-in

Most of the resons for not using a synthetic during break-in are co$t related... Do you want to spend large dollars on oil you're gonna toss after 5 minute's worth of running? Much of a synthetic oil's strength is related to LIFE.

As far as being a BAD choice TECHNICALLY, it's just oil. I doubt that it's BAD to break-in a motor with synthetic, though as I mentioned before, your wallett may disagree...

DO heed the don't mix warnings if they apply to your brand of oil...

-Saro