Break-In oil age VS mileage - Not the typical oil question

Checkswrecks

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Once upon a time when Snakebitten, EricV, and I wuz kids on Grandpappy Fredz's knees, break-in oil was usually plain old mineral oil with no additives. Some manufacturers do still use a specific oil for break-in, so there could be validity to the question. I just learned that first oil changes in Honda motorcycles show high levels of moly, although that could be assembly lube. But . . .


I called one of the nation's big oil analysis labs for you and asked specifically about what they've found from first oil changes in Yamaha motorcycles. I learned that they have records for private motorcycles and a number of industrial & govt users of Yamaha products, and while I waited the analyst I spoke with pulled up a number of test results to compare. So while this was not a scientifically accurate comparison, his initial gut reaction and then checking records was that their results show nothing unique or different for Yamahas. The specifications for the Yamalube oil they see coming from subsequent oil changes is showing them the same chemistry as from the first oil changes.


Change it and be happy.
 

WJBertrand

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I don't believe most car manufacturers use a special break in oil either. Most are now specifying your first oil change at the ongoing normal intervals of around 5000 or 7500 miles. The OM for my '13 Mustang GT says to change the oil when the change indicator says to. There were no special instructions for the first oil change. I know the dealers will encourage an early oil change. I'm just old-school enough that I did it at 1000 miles anyway. I probably wasted my money but it made me feel better. 45,000 miles later the engine runs strong and clean and does not use oil.
 

Sierra1

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Checkswrecks said:
Change it and be happy.

Thanks for your investigation. I agree, you will never damage an engine by changing too frequently. I refer to my owners manuals for the correct intervals. My truck has 140k+ miles, and absolutely no leaks.
 

Checkswrecks

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WJBertrand said:
I don't believe most car manufacturers use a special break in oil either. Most are now specifying your first oil change at the ongoing normal intervals of around 5000 or 7500 miles. The OM for my '13 Mustang GT says to change the oil when the change indicator says to. There were no special instructions for the first oil change. I know the dealers will encourage an early oil change. I'm just old-school enough that I did it at 1000 miles anyway. I probably wasted my money but it made me feel better. 45,000 miles later the engine runs strong and clean and does not use oil.

You keep sounding like my brother from a different mother.
::003::
 

stockcarver

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I rode mine 2100 miles in two and a half days on the break-in oil.
Daytime temps were mostly in the 100 degree range. I tried to vary throttle as much as possible, but many stretches of 50 miles and longer using cruise control.
I could not detect any oil usage on that trip. Oil was remarkably clean when I changed it.
At 11,000 miles it still requires no makeup oil between changes and performs very well.
I certainly do not recommend this for break-in treatment, but it does speak well of the robust build of the engine. While it is good to take care of the motorcycle, I doubt the engine will self destruct or die an early death if the instructions are not followed to the letter.
If you can screw up a steel ball with a rubber hammer, might be a good idea to follow the manual closely...

I think it is more important to check the oil in the final drive before leaving the dealership, mine had about 2 or 3 ounces of gear oil from the factory fill.
 

Hfjeff

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Yeah sometimes we over-analyze things. I changed it at 450 and called it broke in. It was really quite clean, but being 1 1/2 years old, I wanted fresh. Then I spent Sunday afternoon enjoying Sport-mode on rural WI backroads. ;D
 

ace50

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I changed mine at 500 miles and it was very dirty! Glad I didn't wait till 600!
 

Sierra1

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Hfjeff said:
Then I spent Sunday afternoon enjoying Sport-mode on rural WI backroads. ;D

Hard to believe it's a 600lb dirt bike isn't it? Some days mine thinks it's an R1. ::025::
 

snakebitten

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Checkswrecks said:
Once upon a time when Snakebitten, EricV, and I wuz kids on Grandpappy Fredz's knees, break-in oil was usually plain old mineral oil with no additives.

Change it and be happy.
I am late to the show because I have an aversion to "oil threads".
But I must be bored because................here I am.

Did YOU just call me something?
 

Checkswrecks

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snakebitten said:
I am late to the show because I have an aversion to "oil threads".
But I must be bored because................here I am.

Did YOU just call me something?

You're still younger than me.
btw - I got a new WV trail to take you on.
::001:: ::001::
 

snakebitten

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Well, if it only "old", I gotta live with that. Some things you just can't deny. That'd be one.
 

Clawdog60

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Funny how much of a secret manufacturers keep the type and weight of break-in oil to themselves. I don't think dealers know for sure.
 
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