Proper engine care at the start is critical for future protection.
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Published on January 28, 2013
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:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/IMG_3763-9148bc50eb5c4aa8998b43f72ba8da66.jpg "John Deere Maintenance Monday: Breaking in a New Engine (1)")
In this edition of Maintenance Monday, we're answering a question from Pete in Virginia. He's purchasing a utility tractor, and wonders how to break it in, especially how hard to work the tractor, and what oil is recommended.
Mike Daly is a senior marketing representative with John Deere. He says an owner should put at least 100-hours and up to 500-hours on a new engine for proper break-in. It's also important that the tractor be used in different modes of operation.
"We usually suggest that at least 30% of that time is under heavy loads, and then various conditions throughout the rest of the break-in period," says Daly. "What that will do is give this wear mechanism a chance to occur, so that the piston rings and the piston liners will match-fit to each other so that there's a good mating surface there throughout the life of the engine."
When John Deere wet sleeve diesel engines are built, they are filled at the factory with an oil called Break-In Plus to help wear the piston rings and liners. If the surfaces don't correspond with each other, the mismatch could result in an inconsistent oil film on the cylinder wall, allowing excess oil to be consumed during combustion.
After the initial break-in is complete, Daly says they recommend premium, heavy-duty off-road diesel engine oil, which provides excellent protection for your engine.
"With that product and using John Deere filters, we support 500-hour service oil intervals. If the customer puts in another product, it needs to be at least API category CJ-4," says Daly. "And with that product we offer a 250-hour service interval."
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