Break In Oil FAQs
When you decide to put your time and money into rebuilding an engine you should do everything possible to protect that investment. Choosing the right lubricant will help protect valve train components, bearings, and cylinder walls during initial startup, break-in period, or “running-in” of an engine.
What is Break-In Oil?
Break-in oil, or break in engine oil, is a lubricant specifically designed for use in new or rebuilt engines. It reduces friction and helps “seat” engine parts.
Do You Really Need Break-In Oil?
Yes, when rebuilding an engine, break-in motor oil is recommended to promote controlled wear while providing the right amount of lubrication. Most new stock vehicles don’t require break-in oil any longer, but when rebuilding engines or changing out major parts, break-in oil is a great idea. Break-in oil can also be useful in breaking in high-performance and racing engines.
How Long Should I Use Break-In Oil?
You should use engine break in oil for the first 500-1,000 miles or so after rebuilding an engine.
Why Choose Brad Penn Break-In Oil?
It’s important for a break-in oil to have the right blend of ingredients and additives.
Brad Penn provides the ideal chemical makeup for breaking in an engine is by blending zinc, phosphorous, and a specific detergent package.
Zinc and Phosphorous both function as anti-wear and when blended together form the compound ZDDP (zinc dialkyldithiophosphate).
Additionally, soap elements in detergents work to prevent seizure of components such as piston rings.
Zinc & Break In Oil
More zinc is not always better for break-in oil. At a certain point, too much zinc can create a surface condition where the rings will not be allowed to seat. On the other hand, too little zinc may promote excessive wear during break-in.
Brad Penn stresses that their formula of ZDDP, a specific detergent package, and Pennsylvania Grade Lubricants base stock results in a break-in oil that works synergistically together to prevent wear.
Can I Use Other Additives with Brad Penn Break In Oil?
It is not recommend that other additives be used with Brad Penn products.
What to Do Following a Break In Cycle
Following a completed break-in cycle, the oil should be drained immediately. Do not use break-in oil during normal operation of your vehicle.
In most VAG applications we recommend switching to a synthetic oil after using Brad Penn break-in oil.
Specifications of Brad Penn Break-In Oil SAE 30:
- 100% made in USA
- HTHS viscosity of 3.57 cP (centipoise)
- .1% ZDDP concentration
Additional Brad Penn Break-in Oil FAQs
When should I use break-in oil?
You should only use break-in oil when “running-in” a new engine or changing substantial internal engine components. Do NOT use break-in oil after completing a break-in procedure.
Specifically, are there certain engine components that should be broken-in following installation?
We recommend using break-in following the installation of any of our assembled race engines (cylinder heads, short blocks, long blocks), camshafts, connecting rods, pistons, or stroker kits.
How long should I run break in oil? How many miles?
Check our Blog about this topic!
What do I look for when changing the break-in oil.
Fine metal dust is OK as it is a result of wearing-in components. You should not however find large shavings or debris. It is also common for dirt or machining residue to be found in the first oil changes.
What type of fuels is it OK to use this oil with?
Brad Penn Break-in oil was specifically designed for use with gasoline and diesel engines. However, we have found that using Brad Penn with E85 is OK, but the car should not be stored for long periods with Brad Penn oil in the crank case. When stored for long periods gumming or deposit issues have been encountered.
Can I run Brad Penn Break-in oil with a catalytic converter?
The use of Brad Penn Break-in with a catalytic converter is not recommended for extended periods of time as high phosphorous levels can lead to catalytic converter ‘poisoning.’ However, the effects on the catalytic converter appear to be minimal during a short break-in procedure.
If you have any other questions please email us at sales@performancebyie.com.