Break-in period

[denverpete]

Originally Posted by GmanMD

I know there have been a few threads about the issue of easy vs hard break-in but I wanted to bring this up again as my Porsche dealership told me to break my Boxster in the hard method and not worry about an easy break-in. I am now at 600 miles and just decided to start the hard break-in today. My salesguy pointed me to this website

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

which makes a convincing argument. He also says the oil should be changed rather quickly and with regular petroleum oils, not synthetic, during the break in to properly seat the rings, then change back to synthetics after 1500mi. Also, one thing I did notice today after revving it up to th 5k range was the engine gave off a smell that was very reminicent of the initial week I had the car, which I believe many referred to as the cosmolene burning off. Has anyone else had this same thing happen after their break-in period?

Sorry to drudge up another thread about the break in again.

I find it a bit scary that a Porsche sales guy is giving you advice that contradicts what Porsche actually says. Then again, I generally don't ask a sales guy for mechanical advice any more often than I ask the cable guy for stock tips.

As to the "break in secrets" - yes that has certainly made the rounds on this board. I didn't feel like searching for it to link to - but I'd advise looking it over. In short, however, those "secrets" were basically developed for high rev motorcycle engines.

[z12358]

For me, things are simple: Qualification and motive. Porsche engineers are by far the most qualified to give break-in recommendations about Porsches, and those are summed up in the manual. The only thing that would prevent me from listening to those recommendations would be lack of honesty on their part i.e. if Porsche would somehow benefit from giving me the wrong advice. It's in Porsche's interest to minimize its warranty costs, which is aligned with my interest in having a trouble free ownership. Since our interests are aligned, I have no reason to question their honesty. Hence, I follow the recommended break-in procedure.

Btw, salespeople both lack the qualification AND have questionable motives. It's difficult for a salesperson to recommend the proper break-in procedure to a potential buyer who just flogged that "demo" at 6rpms during the test drive. He wouldn't be selling THAT demo to THAT customer for sure.

Z.

I religiously followed the Porsche break-in period. And then added the extra step of an oil change at the 1,200 mile mark with Mobil 1. I also added a fuel cleaner with Techron during the very early stages of the break-in.

[Brucelee]

Generally speaking, your dealer is an idiot.

I do like the 1000 mile change idea IF you intend to keep this car for beyond the warranty period.

Otherwise, don't bother.

And change your oil at 7500 intervals IMHO.

Find another dealer if this is indicative of what they know. The "hard break in" theory is nonsense.

Originally Posted by Brucelee

I do like the 1000 mile change idea IF you intend to keep this car for beyond the warranty period.

Brucelee, I think the "future owner" will see value in this too! So, I did it for my ownership experience (however long that may be) and in mind for the future person who owns my car.

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

The Hard Break-in advice is aimed specifically at engines, but these aren't the only components which break-in. The Transmission, Brakes, Wheel Bearings, Bushings, Shocks, Fuel Pump, Oil Pump, Coolant Pump, Alternator Bearing, etc. all establish wear patterns during this critical period. Easier is better in my experience.

On an engine rebuild, the scenario is different and a Hard Break-in is more appropriate. But you're only dealing with the engine and not the entire unit.

Using Mineral Oil during the break-in was done at a time when Synthetics were thought to be more slippery, which just isn't so with todays better refined organic Oils. Also, it was cheaper to replace.

No one has ever suffered from following the manufacturer's advice on the break-in. Stick with that. I'm not even going to go into what Salesmen do or do not know...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[SD987]

For me, things are simple: Qualification and motive. Porsche engineers are by far the most qualified to give break-in recommendations about Porsches, and those are summed up in the manual. The only thing that would prevent me from listening to those recommendations would be lack of honesty on their part i.e. if Porsche would somehow benefit from giving me the wrong advice. It's in Porsche's interest to minimize its warranty costs, which is aligned with my interest in having a trouble free ownership. Since our interests are aligned, I have no reason to question their honesty. Hence, I follow the recommended break-in procedure.

Couldn't agree with this more, and for the same reason I have followed and will follow the 20K oil change/service interval. Other 987 owners follow the break-in but not the servicing recommendations, which makes me wonder why they selectively second-guess Porsche engineers.

Ricklin, having a white 06 S myself, I'd be interested in seeing pics of yours with the blue/blue combo. BTW, do you frequent the UTC area at all? I saw a white 987 S getting on the 5 north off of Genessee and am wondering if that was you.

[Rail26]

I followed Brucelee's advice because it made the most sense. I religiously followed the break in period and changed the oil at 1500 miles. I change the oil regularly at 7500 miles. Might be overkill, but I want to take care of my engine for the long term for me or for the next buyer.

Originally Posted by Brucelee

Generally speaking, your dealer is an idiot.

I do like the 1000 mile change idea IF you intend to keep this car for beyond the warranty period.

Otherwise, don't bother.

And change your oil at 7500 intervals IMHO.

Find another dealer if this is indicative of what they know. The "hard break in" theory is nonsense.