Engine Break in, when to switch to Synthetic

Hello Everyone...

I did not see an engine section in the Garage forum . . . Mods, If needed please move to appropriate area.


Let me preface by saying I just need a generic answer and I know on other forums engine break-in questions are like religious topics and that really isn't what I'm after. I haven't seen any discussions on new engine break-in procedures and in part I presume that's due to the fact nothing specific is needed for the 4.0 Tacoma???

With that:

1. Is there a break-in procedure? ( I will rtfm when I get the truck )
2. I plan on going with a 7,500 mile synthetic oil schedule. Is this acceptable? I have heard between 5k - 10k so I'm splitting the diff.
3. When is a good time to switch to synthetic?

Thanks

 

You could switch it now or wait till your first oil change. I just switched at the first 5K mile change.

 

For break in, just take it easy for the 1st 1k miles. Basically try not to go over the pay load capacity, and refrain from towing if it is feasible. Other than that, you can put whatever oil you feel comfortable with in your engine when ever. 5w30 is the recomended on 4.0L, so stick with that.

 

Excellent. Thanks Guys!

 

Personally, I would just try to vary the RPMs and make sure the engine is nice and warm before dipping into the throttle and upper RPM range. Change the oil at 1K with conventional oil, then change it again at 5K with whatever you want, as long as it is the right weight.

 

I got my 2015 last month with 1 mile on the odometer ... drove 1200 miles to Denver the next day.
I just varied the speed and gear (6 speed manual) and avoided using the cruise control.

I changed the oil around 1300 miles, with Valvoline 5w-30 conventional. Still haven't decided what I'm going to do long term. I'm leaning towards sticking with the conventional and changing every 5K - my other truck has 327+K miles on it, and that's worked just fine for it...

 

My 2011 had synthetic in it from new, I changed it after the first 1500 miles because new engines have small metal shavings and other particles floating around in them from production that need to be flushed out. It wasn't until about 12k that the engine was fully broken in and started getting good gas mileage, at first, the mileage sucked.