04-10-12, 08:44 AM
Years ago engines werent machined to such close tolerances and the lubricants were less "sophisticated". Running in was a long drawn out process, valves needed grinding & cylinder heads had to be decarbonised fairly often. I would consider it very strange if any properly serviced modern car/bike engine didnt go round the clock at least once. Was talking to a mechanic friend & he was saying that running in is still important but the main thing was to avoid loading/straining the engine & avoid over-revving in first few hundred miles. REGULAr oil & filter changes using the makers recommended grade of oil for local conditions. The greatest wear occurs on start up before the oil is up to temp & circulating & the best advice with modern vehicles is to drive straight off but avoid putting the engine under excessive stress -at least let the motor reach operating temp. There is a lot of rubbish talked about oils Its the SAE/JASO spec & viscosity rating that counts-forget the packaging & marketing hype & be suspicious of claims that the oil is good for 20,000milesetc. One of the worst things to do to any bike/car fitted with manual choke is to leave it warming up with choke out. The excess fuel just washes all the lubricant off the cylinder walls leading to premature wear :eek