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Old 10-26-2012, 07:40 PM   #25
sierra
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eikond View Post
Nice write-up.. except it's all a moot point.

Engines are hooked up to a rig and tested and broken in at the engine factory before they leave final assembly. They are run up and down the revs multiple times to ensure proper initial seating of the piston rings. They are then sent to the auto assembly line where they are installed in the car and then they are run again through a brief break-in and test period. After they come off the line they get driven out to large parking lots by attendants who are instructed to get there quickly and get back.. same drill loading onto trains and boats.

Bottom line is this: You can do about 95% of the seating of piston rings in the first few minutes to an hour of operation. That is done at the engine factory and vehicle assembly line. The last bit of seating takes up to 5,000 miles to accomplish and that will be accomplished by the owner of the car.


And yes... this is a debate that will never end. Ultimately you, as the owner of the car, need to make a choice and stick with it.
I think the break in comments are fantasy. Some engines may well be tested for quality control but I doubt all engines are bench tested and when they are it's to test the function of the components, not to help run it in. It's probably not even under load. Why would they bother?
All they are concerned with is doing the least amount of work to get the cars out the door without any problems. That's what quality control is all about.
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