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2023 2500 Limited Break-in MPH

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ThankfulLutheran

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I’ve read prior discussion posts on how soon to change the oil and filters after receiving your new truck. But I can’t seem to find any prior posts on how fast we should drive with our new trucks. I’m flying out to Granger, from my home in Northern California to pick up my new 2023 2500 Limited MegaCab. As many of you already know, Interstate 80 has speed limits up to 80mph on the drive from Iowa to California. Is it okay to drive that fast or should I take it easy on the pedal? Thank you in advance for all your replies!
 
No speed restriction during initial break in. No towing the first 500 miles, and only going 50 for the first 500 miles towing…. Per the owners manual.

The owners manual has a few other things in it, but that’s all I recall on speed.
 
Vary speeds so the motor has different loads is best , but basically run it .
 
If its a Cummins then the engine could basically care less. The break-in is more for the gear set in the rear end.
 
jetrinka said:
If its a Cummins then the engine could basically care less. The break-in is more for the gear set in the rear end.
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The same for the Hemi, and almost all modern engines. Tolerances are much tighter than they used to be and engines are “broken in” before they even get installed in a vehicle.
 
jsalbre said:
The same for the Hemi, and almost all modern engines. Tolerances are much tighter than they used to be and engines are “broken in” before they even get installed in a vehicle.
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I’ve always wondered about (and admit some ignorance towards) this subject of already broken in. Unless the engines are each run prior to install under a variety conditions (are they?) how could this be true?

Better tolerances sure. I could see that vastly increasing the rate of break in. Exact bore and piston diameter. Ring gap. Exacting bore finish.

Also the differences between gas and diesel operating conditions is interesting - one of the main differences being gassers develop considerable vacuum and depending on the efficiency of the engine can go from making very little vacuum at WOT to 20ish inches of vacuum when the throttle closes. A diesel makes (almost) no vacuum at idle and under throttle almost always has a positive pressure in the manifold. This likely has a positive impact on the rings seating - although you run into gasser guys that say a steady slow pull in a low gear up to 4-5k RPM and then lifting off the throttle to engine brake down again is good and that the vacuum helps the rings seat.

Anyway. Just the Friday, wine driven musings of my mind. I’m still a bit more cautious (for whatever reason) with gassers than the diesels.

It should be said though that @jsalbre is right. It probably makes no freaking difference.
 
It’s not that engines are broken in, it’s that they don’t need much of a break in. The improvements in machining means fewer imperfections to wear away, which means engines can go a full OCI from day one… thou I still can’t bring myself to do it.

Gears need heat cycles to break in, and that’s where the initial restrictions in the manual come from.
 
You can download the manual from here.
You must have Cummins since 2023 Limited is not available with Hemi. From the manual:
The Cummins® Turbo Diesel engine does not require a break-in period due to its construction. Normal operation is allowed, providing the following recommendations are followed:  Warm up the engine before placing it under load.  Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged periods.  Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.  Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indicators.  Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.  Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight. NOTE: Light duty operation such as light trailer towing or no load operation will extend the time before the engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and power may be seen at this time. For additional vehicle break-in requirements Ú page 203. Because of the construction of the Cummins® Turbo Diesel engine, engine run-in is enhanced by loaded operating conditions which allow the engine parts to achieve final finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles (10,000 km).
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If anyone is wondering what the manual states for Hemi:
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle. Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable. Idle 700 to 800 RPM 10 psi (69 kPa) Full speed and load 30 psi (207 kPa) CAUTION! If oil pressure falls to less than normal readings, shut the engine off immediately. Failure to do so could result in immediate and severe engine damage. STARTING AND OPERATING 133 While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detrimental and should be avoided. The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recommended viscosity and quality grades Ú page 414. NOTE: A new engine may consume some oil during its first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be considered a normal part of the break-in and not interpreted as a problem. Please check your oil level with the engine oil indicator often during the break in period. Add oil as required.
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I don't really know what "moderately" means. The following sentences says "after the initial 60 miles, speeds up to 50 or 55mph" are desirable. So what speed is "moderate" for those first 60 miles?
 
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