Ghassan Automotive Recommended Engine Break-in Procedure

One of the most critical parts of installing a remanufactured or rebuilt engine is the engine break-in, if ignored or done incorrectly, the engine may sustain irreversible damage. A properly broken-in engine will provide the most torque and will have the most extended life. Here are the steps we recommend following to properly break-in our remanufactured engines.

1. Ensure that the engine is installed correctly with no oil or coolant leaks.
2. Fill the engine with factory recommended oil/oil level (follow factory oil recommendation for engine break-in), Ghassan Automotive does not recommend using synthetic oils for break-in. Do not use engine break-in oil after the break-in process is completed.
3. Prime the engine by turning over the engine via the starter without starting the engine, you can pull the fuel pump fuse for this or disconnect the ignition coils. Prime the engine for no less than 30 seconds.
4. After priming the engine, you may start the engine.
5. Upon the first startup, let the engine run around 800 to 1200 RPM, vary the RPMs until the oil and coolant reach operating temperatures, this should not exceed 30 mins.
6. Once the first startup is completed, change the oil and filter, at this point, your engine is almost entirely broken in. Alusil engines will require an additional hour of idle after the oil change, once the hour idle is done, change the filter and oil again. Alusil engines require this extra step to ensure all aluminum and silicon particles that are disturbed by the break-in process are filtered.
7. Drive the vehicle at partial loads under 3000 RPM, within the first 30 mins the engine should be fully broken-in. We recommend that you continue driving the vehicle for 1000 miles under 3000 RPM, change oil and filter then gradually introduce the engine to higher loads. This step will ensure that the engine will get the most chance to break-in and filter any machining/break in particles. 

This recommendation is for the average driver who wants to get the most out of their engine; many racing engines get little to no break-in at the expense of the engine's lifespan. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.