new s2000 and a 3 hour interstate drive
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Knoxville, TN
Originally Posted by FrostyWinters,May 12 2006, 09:13 PM
Only this morning I over rev'd the engine to 6000 rpm. 
Hope I didn't damage it or cause the engine to lose 5 hp. 
Hope I didn't damage it or cause the engine to lose 5 hp. 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 42,315
Likes: 45
From: Central Massachusetts
Hell yeah! Drive the car! Switch gears like a madman; that's what this car is all about anyway. 
(seriously, keep it below VTEC until breakin is over)
While newer cars don't seem to have as much appetite for oil as our earlier year cars, I still recommend checking the dipstick at each fillup while you're breaking in.
(seriously, keep it below VTEC until breakin is over)
While newer cars don't seem to have as much appetite for oil as our earlier year cars, I still recommend checking the dipstick at each fillup while you're breaking in.
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,063
Likes: 4
From: Durango, Colorado
Here's what I think is causing the concern about taking a "green" S2000 on a freeway trip. The owners' manuals of many cars warn against long driving at a constant speed, and advise the owners to vary the speed during the break-in period. BUT, I don't think that warining is in the S2000's owner's manual. If you want to follow that warning just because it's so common with other cars, you can drive the S2000 on the freeway, and just vary your speed a bit.
Thanks,
Richard
Thanks,
Richard
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 42,315
Likes: 45
From: Central Massachusetts
Richard,
Technically speaking, the whole thing about varying engine speed during breakin is in order to properly seat the valves and the piston rings in a new engine. Varying the speed causes varying loads on the pistons and the valves. I have always assumed that what's happening is that the metals are deforming and shaving off slightly to make a correct fit for your engine's tolerances.
It may not be in the owner's manual, but I think this is what's behind the recommendation to vary speed during breakin. I think this is pretty much true for any engine out there.
And, AFAIK, the VTEC warning (about staying below 6K during breakin) has something to do with the correct wear of the camshafts themselves if not the valves and bucket tappets as well. I don't really know why that's an issue (and I could be wrong), but I have always stuck with Honda's recommendation to new owners on this subject.
Technically speaking, the whole thing about varying engine speed during breakin is in order to properly seat the valves and the piston rings in a new engine. Varying the speed causes varying loads on the pistons and the valves. I have always assumed that what's happening is that the metals are deforming and shaving off slightly to make a correct fit for your engine's tolerances.
It may not be in the owner's manual, but I think this is what's behind the recommendation to vary speed during breakin. I think this is pretty much true for any engine out there.
And, AFAIK, the VTEC warning (about staying below 6K during breakin) has something to do with the correct wear of the camshafts themselves if not the valves and bucket tappets as well. I don't really know why that's an issue (and I could be wrong), but I have always stuck with Honda's recommendation to new owners on this subject.
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,063
Likes: 4
From: Durango, Colorado
Good advice! Personally, I followed the owner's manual totally during break-in, PLUS varied my speeds and revs regularly. I did drive on freeways, but varied my speeds a bit. Seems to have been OK.
Thanks,
Richard
Thanks,
Richard
