Break in?

Do I have to be concerned about breaking the engine in? I got it with 196 miles from the dealer who had just driven it 186 miles from RI to VT. I then promptly put another 100 highway miles. And then more the next day. Basically, about 450 of the first 500 miles were strict highway cruising.

I assumed these things were broken in from factory (this thought doesn't even cross the average carowner's mind, so how could they not be broken in already?), and the thought just crossed my mind now. Silly, too, because I just romped on my Datsun engine for a proper break-in a few months ago after rebuilding it.

 

I wouldnt say "broken in" as much as the engine was built, filled with fluids, tested, fluids drained, filled back up and then installed in the truck and now in your possession.

I'd say not to get wild, but the truck is fine for normal driving for the first few hundred miles. If you come out of the gate slamming the pedal to the floor, I'm sure the engine is gonna get jacked among other things.

 

Have you tried reading the manual? It's somewhere around page 155 iirc

1000 miles is the break in period.

edit: page 156

 

http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om-s/OM04005U/pdf/OM04005U.pdf

Bottom of page 156 in the Owners Manual.

 

There's a lot of different opinions on proper engine break-in and very little scientific information to back any one side. I've heard dealers say to avoind highway driving for the first 1000-3000 miles depending on make. Then I've heard product development staff and engineers say you should work your engine during break-in like fast acceleration and high revs (maybe once every few days).

 

Seems like this goes against the last break in recommendation of not driving a constant speed for extended periods of time.

 

Well at least I have another 500 miles to make sure I average out...

Not really my intention, but I will be more cognisant and avoid highway driving for the next bit.

 

I drove my truck on the highway everyday ever since I got it.

 

It's not the engine you're breaking in.

 

Mine told me to keep it under 2000 RPM's for the 1st 1,000 miles. Don't matter now, I have over 1K. I don't drive my street princess hard anyhow.

 

If you'll notice, the break-in procedure described by Toyota, is similar to many ring and pinion break-in procedures.
I could argue, Toyota doesn't go far enough...

https://www.ringpinion.com/TechnicalHelp/ContentFrame.aspx?FilePath=~/Content/Parts/RingAndPinions//New_Gear_Break-In.inc

http://www.differentials.com/technical-help/ring-pinion-gear-break-procedure

http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/ft-1479-new-gear-break-in-procedure.html

https://www.marlincrawler.com/tech/differential-break-and-care-information

 

"....I got it with 196 miles from the dealer...." Honestly I wouldn't loose any sleep over it.
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, when I was but a lad, a family friend flew to Detroit to pick a new Dodge from the factory and drove it back to NY state, brand new all hwy driving. When I asked him about it, he told me it had already been broken in at build. But I had my doubts.
He never had any issues or problems and it turned out to be a fine dd vehicle.
My first Toyota truck had 75 miles on the clock from the dealer and I drove it 275k till I gave up trying to kill it and sold it ( at a great price) to get a new Tundra.
I picked up my current one ('16 Taco) with 5 miles on the clock, and I've had to endure the computer learn my driving parameters, like when you disconnect the battery...Wish me luck, but it's looking great so far

 

I drove from Portland to bremerton in one shot all highway. Guess I am strewed

 

That seems impossible in a four cylinder especially.

I have kept mine under 3500 and varied my speed.

The constant RPM issue is with the cam break in. I doubt it is an issue on a new vehicle.

 

I think you will be fine,I got my truck when it only has 2 miles and I drove from lakewood to Renton everyday.

 

I bought my 04 new and smoked the tires leaving the dealership. ..170,000 miles not a single problem engine wise

 

Forgive me if this sounds naive... I have recently placed my truck on order, and sense then I have been spending all of my free time reading and learning everything I can about the new tacoma. From what I understand about the 2016 is that the auto transmission is learning your driving habits for about the first 1000-1200 miles, and starting to eliminate some of its annoying shifting habits after that time period. If that is the case, doesn't it seem counter productive to extremely change your natural driving habits?

 

I ordered mine from a dealer 400 miles away from me (due to arrive in April) so the first 400 miles will be highway driving as I get her home...

 

Yeah it was hard to keep it under 2000, I forgot a couple times to kick the cruise off when I started up a hill and the RPM's jumped up to 3500. 2015 Colorado I traded in just went right up the steep hill with no change in RPM's. It was the V6 also.

 

You would be correct. Drive as you normally do, I think the most important rule would be to avoid towing for the first XX miles(I
can´t remember what it says in the manual right now, but its there).