Confused about Break-in

totalnewb

totalnewb

New Member
Ok so typical newb here...I'm confused about break-in. I've heard don't rev high, don't roll down hill fast, constantly vary speed and I'm nervous to make any mistakes. This is slightly unpleasant but I'll get through it. Also, four tanks of gas? That's like 300 miles. I've been on my first tank for several days now and I'm not even three quarters through it. Today I opened the throttle a bit more than I have yet and discovered there is some power in that engine. Hmm, now I wonder if I'm not running it at too low rpm most of the time. So confused. I really don't want to destroy this engine. I have looked through the threads, but perhaps not enough. I will do some more searching tonight.
 
In your other thread we gave you some advice about break-in. http://motorbicycling.com/showthread.php?p=640446#post640446

Use our 'Search' and read some of the discussion about it. In short...don't baby the engine. Let it run. After 300 miles you can ride the bike like you plan to ride it normally.
Even a well broken in engine can suffer from abuse. Try to avoid long WOT runs. By "long" I mean miles of it. That's asking for trouble.

Tom
 
It's not bad to go wide open during break in for short periods. Don't be afraid to use the entire throttle range. I think the important thing is just not let it get too hot. Take it for short trips and then let it cool down until you have burned enough fuel to get the rings to set. It will run hotter during break in because there will be more friction so make sure you increase the oil in your mix.
 
All your going to get is peoples opinions, myths and gossip. I've rode mine at wot since I first built it. It really doesn't matter.

Just run it rich for the first couple tanks. Then lean her out for power after rings set. Done.
 
Cylon,

Thank you, I've been very cautious, speeding up and slowing down. Opening up the throttle and then slowly backing off. Holding in the clutch down hills and not running the engine too long. I've used 16:1 with synthetic oil so far. My next tank will be 32:1 with synthetic oil. This may be too cautious but I don't think it can hurt. I'm guessing at worst this will prolong the break-in period.
 
Many engine guys discourage using synthetic oil for the break in... (It works too well & the engine parts won't wear in correctly)
 
This information in counterintuitive to what I was taught in the 90's about breaking in 2 stroke dirtbike engines, I used to do a little racing when 2 strokes still ruled. Every race team utilized the Hard break in, warm it up and run it hard.

But in fairness these were much more refined engines with tighter tolerances.
 
much like not wanting to watch sausage being made, one might not want to measure tolerances in chinese motors
 
i am around the 300 mile mark and all i have done is run around town varying speeds from 12 up to around 20, i'm set up i think for hills so i really do not go over 20 or so. today i seen light through the head seal with the jug as i inspected the bike so i took the head off and honed it down a bit with the flat pane of glass technique, reassembled, took her for a spin and she was a BEAST! i could not believe the difference in the power.
all that being said, i guess i babied my bike in the beginning with low speeds, but once again, i'm in this for the power we can wring out of these little china girls while keeping some sort of durability/reliability.
Check all of your head bolts/studs, be sure they are properly seated and tightened down, check everything daily if not twice per day or before and after each ride, these girls won't let you down if you care for them ;)
well i was going to post a few pics of my setup but i think i am not allowed , was told i had already posted in the introduction area
dnut
 
LBC----Replace that horrible spark plug boot and replace it with a quality rubber one from any auto parts store (about $5). It will save you from future problems
 
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Tyler6357 said:
LBC----Replace that horrible spark plug boot and replace it with a quality rubber one from any auto parts store (about $5). It will save you from future problems
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I'm tryin lol i decided to get a front disc brake wheel and the disc brake with the assembly, just got that paid and will be getting a new plug boot and wire ;)
i think i will do the coil wire and to an NGK 7HS.
the one you see in the pics is actually the BikeBerry Upgrade, not sure if i will be using them for anything important anymore though.
 
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totalnewb said:
I'm broken-in now and it is soo nice.
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how many miles you have on your bike so far, totalnewb?
i like the looks of your bike by the way, i think that style will last forever :)
been thinking about building another one though, mountain bike style i think, what ya think?
 
LBC said:
I'm tryin lol i decided to get a front disc brake wheel and the disc brake with the assembly, just got that paid and will be getting a new plug boot and wire ;)
i think i will do the coil wire and to an NGK 7HS.
the one you see in the pics is actually the BikeBerry Upgrade, not sure if i will be using them for anything important anymore though.
Click to expand...

Okay good, I think the NGK 7HS is a good selection given your location. I don't know about BikeBerry, never done business with them.
 
waiting on the sprocket and the hub adapter assembly, says it arrived in my post office this morning, but that don't mean i'll get it today lol
had to change the fuel tank last night due to a leak, not sure how that sprung up or from where but she was dripping pretty good and smelled up the whole house lol
 
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