Engine Break-In Oil - Is It Science or Just Marketing? 

Whenever someone asks me about performance additive products, I say "Don't use them. The oil certified for your car has everything it needs and nothing it shouldn't have." That gets the point across to everyone. I never thought about calling it automotive Russian roulette.

On my second round of Driven break in before switching to the XP4 in my Total Seal equipped SBC> Thanks Guys for your many on-line classes! Might still want one on Total Seals official way to clean and prepare a cylinder wall for final assembly.

Back in the day when we had zinc in street oil, break in oil wasn't a thing. Then they took the zinc etc out without letting anyone know, and everyone spent 2 years replacing burned up cams. Ah yes the good old days.

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it and I just directly ordered it from the company. Thank you so much. Have a wonderful Christmas.👍

I never use a "break in oil", however when first start the engine I will change the oil after a couple of hours when their may be some micro-particles in the oil. Doesn't hurt to change the after a couple of hours.

I got a new rebuild 5.7 engine from Jasper with a 100k mile warranty back in April 2023 for my 2005 Ram 1500, and I couldn't find break-in oil anywhere. In fact, I couldn't even find conventional motor oil in the viscosity my engine requires. So, I had to get a synthetic blend. I chose a cheaper brand so that it wouldn't be overly inundated with moly. I drove it easy the first 100 miles and then changed the oil and filter. Drove it al little more aggressively for 500 more miles, and then changed the oil and filter again using the same brand of synthetic blend oil. Then I changed it again 3k miles later and swapped to full synthetic of a better brand. So far so good. No oil consumption at all, and everything seems smooth and quiet other than the happy exhaust note from my Flowmaster Super 40. 8k miles in now, and I will be needing my 5th oil change soon. Thinking about swapping to Penzoil Ultra Platinum and a Purolator Boss filter from here on out.

THANKS guys...for another informative presentation. Best regards from Yucatan Mexico, Ben

Another informative topic/discussion. Cheers guys

Amsoil also has a friction-modifier-free break-in oil. I used it in my supercharged small block combination.

How do you know when your engine is finished breaking in?

Awesome video guys. I think the question about what to use after 500 miles pertains more to what TYPE of oil, not brands etc.... continue using break in oil? Go back to a conventional? Does it solely rely on blow-by and if the rings have truly broken-in? Should they be broken in by 500 miles? (I think I know the answer to that one...) I think the real question is when can we safely reintroduce an oil with friction modifiers? Thanks again, keep 'em coming!

I plan on using driven break in oil in my bigblock mopar when i get all my parts and can finally assemble it,haha

I use lucas 20w50 break in for my harley and driven for my oil great video you 2

I used BR30 on the LS6 I built last year. Seems like it worked pretty well, however I can't say for sure because I was rear ended in that car and the car was totaled after less than 2000 miles of driving with that engine :(

If a 90's high performance (re)build Toyota turbo engine was broken in on a 5w30 fully synthetic motor oil, is there a process to swap in a break-in oil to get proper seating of the rings which the synthetic oil may have prevented? What type of effect would a synthetic oil have on break-in process, and can it be undone, or is there permanent alteration/bonding/wear of the metal surfaces that cannot be "cleaned", and then properly broken in for ring seating? Great job as always! Thanks guys.

I don't believe they are speaking about those who buy a new car having to change their oil and put in break in oil, , but instead, those who rebuild engines. Maybe I'm wrong..... but I don't think so.

So, you seem to be really good about responding to questions, so here's one. Ive been reading a blog by "Rat 540". As I understand his testing, its the oils ability to hold its film strength that primarily determines its protection? . IE, how much pressure does it take to penetrate the film and allow wear. Why is he wrong????

Most motorcycle manuals all say to coat valves and valves springs in moly grease. If I am rebuilding road bike engines would it be better to swap moly grease for different assembly lube? But again wouldn't that assembly lube also contaminate the break in oil? Great video lots of details love it

Make a video about : "PREMIUM FUELS vs REGULAR FUEL WITH ADDITING ADDITIVES" - I am really interested should I waste my money on just tanking premium fuel or should I use regular cheaper fuel but adding an additive to the each re-fuel

I am going roller cam now on my engines for obvious reasons , so this new oil chemistry should work great on the rebuild.

How do I break in a new car / truck engine since they come with synthetic motor oil already in them from factory ?

Is Royal Purple engine break in oil ok?

Looks like Break-In OIl uses a 45 - 50 Viscosity oil. What viscosity oil do auto manufactuers use in their cars comming off the line? Is it 8 - 16 - 20 weights?

Great info, thanks guys! I am guilty of “chemical Russian-roulette”. Have been using TurboMaxx which basically stops steel on steel wear. It has plenty of moly, zinc, calcium, etc, etc. I used TotalSeal gapless second rings set. Will my blow-by likely be excessive? If so, could I re-hone the cylinders and use proper break-in oil?

I was instructed to change my break in oil after 500km and put in a non-synthetic for the next 5000km. Is there any benefit in doing an initial change at 250km w/ break in, then again another 250km w/ break-in and then change to Dino oil for the the 5000km change?

Very surprised on Zmax, though they do admit the sponsorship, due to past lawsuits from FTC on Zmax putting out products that don't do what they claim.

Is the ZMax break in oil a better choice for initial break in on a full roller 383 sbc @ 530 hp than a mineral oil based 30 weight break in oil? I contacted ZMax without a reply

Which break in oil should i use for my 2024 Toyota Rav4?

Is there any need to change your break in oil after say 20 miles of initial break in? Im wondering if the initial break in oil might contain any metal particles from the initial break in? So Im saying change the initial break in oil and replace it with more break in oil and then run it for the 400 500 miles thats recomended? Or just run the initial break in oil for the 400 miles then go to your standard running oil?

What is the best oil chemistry I should be looking for to break in (just) the flat tappet hydraulic camshaft and lifters in an engine with rings already properly mated to their bores - both seeming to be in good shape, with good leak down numbers in a mid mileage (under 60k miles) 1960s Pontiac V8 engine?

I though the manufacturer prefill breaking oil with brand new vehicle and often require change oil for the first 1000km back in the dealership. Isn't that the normal case?

It's difficult to argue science when the science tells you all break-in oils are substandard in film strength to virtually any off the shelf oil available. Test the film strength of any break-in oil of your choosing and you will see exactly what I mean.

Should the weight of the Breakin oil be same as what you will be running afterwards?

If moly is bad in break in oil. I use moly graphite assembly lube on the bearings because i found the transparent products dripped out. I do before initial start up remove the spark plugs and the oil filter. Use a remote starter button to spin the engine just a few seconds till i get oil from the filter mount. Screw the filter on and crank 10 more seconds . Then get ready for first start. Eye on oil pressure. Am i wrong in using the moly graphite assembly lube. I really have not experienced any ring break in issues.

I'm very curious on something. What about the break in oil on something like a small engine for a lawn mower, snow blower, lawn edger, etc.? I know some people say just to use Briggs & Stratton Small Engine Conventional Oil and change accordingly. It also makes me curious if Amsoil's Synthetic Small Engine Oil would work since it has no friction modifiers? Or maybe there is something I am unaware of? I know this is a car care channel but I always drive old cars that I had nothing to do with the break in. But I am buying some brand new small engine equipment this year and plan to rebuild an old Briggs Quantum Engine. I would love to hear your opinion on the subject even though it may not concern cars. Please and thank you.

My TotalSeal gapless ring set says to install the piston/rings into the cylinder dry, to aid in break-in. Is this still up to date information?

Should i use a break-in oil in my 2024 Toyota Rav4?

My car requires 0W-20, preferably synthetic. Are you suggesting I should purchase a different weight oil for break in?????…if so, synthetic or non-synthetic???

How are you doing a quick question I’m to the part where the breaking on you so I have a 7 quart oil pan that will mean I need 7 quarts of either Zmax driven or Moto anyone of them correct? Each one is a quart can you get back to me? Thank you.

Any off the shelf oil , not necessarily breakin oil that you would recommend? So low molly like Pennzoil Ultra would work ?

we buy a new GM suv today, do they put breaking oil in it? say they put full synthetic in it, is that breakin oil?

Ok I'm trying to break in a Saab 4 cylinder iron block steal ring with hydraulic lifters. It's a forged piston deal. What would you suggest for a break in oil

Doesn't Total Seal Quick Seat contain a moly? If not, what is in it?

I do have a degree in chemistry and what you don’t know can put a big hurt on you. I’ve never used additives for that reason. You are rolling some pretty nasty dice.

We used to ask for non-detergent oil

I use straight 30wt (mineral based) non-detergent oil from a good oil company. After cam break-in, leak check, adjustments, I drain that and go to a conventional (again mineral based) multi grade oil - weight dependent on the customer's ultimate use for the engine. I recommend first actual oil change at 500mi, and then on to regular oil change intervals using regular or synthetic based oil(s)

Do you think shell rotella t4 15/40 work for break-in oil on my motorcycle and thanks from Higganum Connecticut USA

Can you test the lofty claims of tvt green? There is absolutly nothing on it other than trust me bro testimonials and 2 friction tests. i think it works, but they claim after the proper introduction into the engine, that it can run for a long time without oil and with minimal wear to the engine. Also that it doesnt hurt ring seal. Eigther it contains the god partical or its just great marketing.

I'm rebuilding my CBR 600rr, Is LUCUS SAE 30 Break-in Oil HIGH ZINC something I could look at (It was a gift)

Hey guys, the only race I'm interested in winning is going 300k miles without internal engine problems.

Non detergent SAE 30 oil work? 🤔

Looks like a couple of Italian's, talking with their hands. That aside, using a good quality mineral oil for the first 1000 km or 600 miles is probably a wise decision in most applications, as can be seen thats what's on the Motul label.

I don't want to win any races. I just want my rebuilt engine to last as long as possible under reasonable daily driving.

Computerized oil huh? Oil that allows wear in one area and prevents it in another. Ya! I would call that magical properties and marketing

Anyone had tried Amsoil break-in oil, any feedback is appreciated

Get to the point. What oils done

Tried to listen to three videos from these guys. Waaaaaaay too much talking. My God, get to the point.

Valvoline 15-40 super diesel

Break in oil I bought was nothing more than mineral oil.................I was disappointed to say the least

I understand what you guys are saying but I just wished you didn't sound like those fake tv evangelists or the goofy infomercials that are on at 4:00 in the morning. I almost stopped watching just because of that.

It is all "marketing" Lake or you would not be getting kickbacks from companies. LOL.

Does it ever occur to you guys that possibly it is high time that a class and ingredients by proportion is defined so that people don`t have to lose their minds about what it is that constitutes breaking oil .? Friction is good for seating rings but not for con rod and crank bearings ..what kind of voodoo chemistry are you too talking about without revealing the correct proportions ? Yeah ok , we don`t recommend brands, but recommend the chemistry ...fine...what is that chemistry ? Oh the brands that you are mentioning but not recommending are all three equal ? Oh masters of the twilight zone !!

Keith is the reason I continue use Total Seal. Top guy 👍🏼

Hey Lake! SO very much appreciate your informative videos, and I am officially diving into the rabbit hole! My question concerns using break-in oil in a motorcycle, which would have a wet-clutch system where the engine oil would also lubricate the transmission as well (JASO MA-2). Do you foresee any issues with using a break-in oil for this application?

I would love to see you guys test LAT Race Oils. Very expensive But I will say a lot of pro mod and no prep race cars have switched over to LAT Race oil. There transmission fluid is amazing, but maybe you should test it.

What about GP-1 breakin oil. Compared two BR TAKE driven?

I bought a GM V6 4.3L engine. Besides the other brands is 10W-30 Royal purple breaking oil ok? Or should stick with ZMax?

Hey Sirs I purchased new let’s say 2022 Ford with 6.2 engine. Would it have been a good idea to drop the original oil at 5 odometer mileage replace with one of your breakin oils change filter run for 3000 miles ??? And if not just change out original oil before 1000 miles and use good synthetic oil and new filter ??? Excellent tutorials

I luv this topic,,,or should i say myth,,, it aint zinc its film strength you seek. Look up " Rat540" oil tests. A racer,engineer.

What’s the general consensus on running the driven break in oil after initial break in while dyno tuning? I plan on changing the oil and filter after the break in but there will some break in in the system (cooler and lines)

Well said and essential.

What about 4 stroke outboards?

Bla bla bla low detergent, high zinc, no moly, bla bla bla

is lucas a good breaking oil for flat tapped cam

You all don't spit in your oil?! Extra extra. Lol

What are the factories, such as Ford using ?

Stupid question: is there ever a benefit to cycle back to a break in oil? For example, after 25k km…run break in oil again for 500 km. My guess is “no”. But, the question fascinated me.

This may be a long shot but I've been trying to get a recomendation for an oil to use while breaking in new piston rings on a 25 hp kohler. I have ordered lucas sae 30 break in oil but I'm not sure if I am going to use it

Hey Bob, Greetings from down under. Love your videos. So refreshing to find somebody who presents the science to back up claims. I wonder if you could test or give us the 'good oil' on Castrol Magnatec. 'The oil with intelligent molecules that cling to an engine's moving parts to protect your engine from the moment you turn the key and even if you wait for 100 years, Magnatec will still protect your engine like yesterday. Sounds too good to be true. With Magnatec in my engine, it ought to never wear out. Castrol makes these wild claims, but presents no evidence of these intelligent molecules and it's strange that none of the other oil companies have tried to call Castrol out on this, or come up their own intelligent molecules. I'd be very intersted to hear anything you can say about this.

hey lake is there a chart that has break in oil and classic flat lifter oil chemistry. break downs ???

Is it a good ir bad idea to run break in oil if a car gas been broken in ? I have 40k, bought my 6.4 with zero miles abd broke in with the stock filled pennzoil 0w40 ultra platinum, and added a bottle of Redline break in additive. I removed tge oil at 500 miles, dud tge same orocess again for aporix 1000 miles, tgen continued to run the pennzoil 0w40 for 36k. I change my oil every 3000 miles. I just switched to Amsoil signature 0w40, and continue to cgange every 4000 mikes now...

Do you change oil after cam break in and again after engine break in?

I used Comp Cams 5W-30 break in oil. Seems to have done the job.

You guys need to research Penn Grade motor oil. Not Pennzoil, Penn Grade coming from Western Pa. Very high in Zinc and Phosphorus. Great for break in and Racing.

Looking at the virgin oil analysis from a brand new car, I have it has a little bit of friction modifier and the detergents, and appears to be the same off shelf Pennzoil based on other oil analysis. Why would the OEM have friction modifiers and detergents if it was detrimental? Definitely down the road when I do a full build on my Toyota 7M turbo I’m going to be using the driven braking additive and using total seal rings for that and follow the procedures on the video.

ho cares???