Question for RAMCARES - Break In Procedure For Hurricane Engine

[Shutterbug57]

@RamCares - I have read the instructions in the manual for my yet to be delivered 2025 Bighorn with the SO Hurricane engine. The instructions are pretty vague on how to drive for miles 1-60. Miles 60-300 are to be kept under 55 mph. Am I supposed to do the first 60 miles as city driving? Please provide clarification. I appreciate your help.

PS, if you can tell the production folks to get my truck into production that would be great .

 

[Hagar1]

I have always had the approach to break them in hard. Drive it like it was stolen. I've never had an engine fail me yet.

 

[Hellcatsrock]

I don't know where you even found that much information! They don't tell us squat about our new cars anymore.

 

[HemiLonestar]

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.
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.

What don't you understand?
Baby it the first 60 miles (driving it moderately under 50-55 mph).
After the first 60 you can go up to 50-55.
Floor it every now and then but don't keep it floored.
After 300 miles game on.

 

[Shutterbug57]

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.
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.

What don't you understand?
Baby it the first 60 miles (driving it moderately under 50-55 mph).
After the first 60 you can go up to 50-55.
Floor it every now and then but don't keep it floored.
After 300 miles game on.

I understand that “moderately” is lawyer speak and if there are any engine problems right out of the box, well then, you were not moderate in your driving. It would be nice if Ram gave clear info that was not subject to interpretation.

 

[DAflyer250]

I asked my dealer that question. They told me there is no breakin procedure rquired for the Hurricane engine.

 

[Wild one]

I understand that “moderately” is lawyer speak and if there are any engine problems right out of the box, well then, you were not moderate in your driving. It would be nice if Ram gave clear info that was not subject to interpretation.

There's this thing called "Google" and AI they're wonderous inventions for finding out some info that you don't grasp,lol.


During the break-in period for a Dodge vehicle, moderate driving means avoiding excessive strain on the engine and transmission. This typically involves keeping the engine speed (RPM) below a certain threshold, usually 4,000 RPM, and avoiding hard acceleration, which could strain the piston rings and cylinders. It also means varying engine speeds rather than maintaining a constant speed for extended periods.

Key aspects of moderate driving during break-in:

• Keep RPMs low:
  Generally, aim to keep the engine speed between 2,000 and 4,000 RPM.
• Avoid hard acceleration:
  Steer clear of quick, forceful acceleration, as this can put undue stress on the engine.
• Vary engine speeds:
  Avoid driving at a single speed for long periods. Instead, vary the engine speed to allow different parts to settle and break in properly.
• Short-shifting (if applicable):
  If you have a manual transmission, short-shifting (shifting at lower RPMs) can be helpful to keep the engine speed within the recommended range.
• Limit heavy loads:
  Avoid carrying excessive weight or hauling heavy equipment during the initial break-in period.

 

[Dodge 1500 4X4]

Don't do any cookies for the first 2,000 miles.

 

[KeithP]

I have always had the approach to break them in hard. Drive it like it was stolen. I've never had an engine fail me yet.

I’ve told this story before on here:

Dad ordered a new 1969 F100. Base model RWD, 302, 4 speed, no A/C, no power steering no anything but an AM radio. Dad went to pick it up, dealer said let’s go for a ride before you sign anything. Dealer drove, ran it up 100mph and held it there for a mile before backing off. Looked at dad and said “it didn’t blow, it’ll be a good one”. It was.

BYW: sticker price was just a little over $1,900.00.

When I get a new one I drive the first mile like it’s the 100,000th mile. Zero issues with anything I’ve ever bought new regardless of make, model or drive train.

 

[Wild one]

I’ve told this story before on here:

Dad ordered a new 1969 F100. Base model RWD, 302, 4 speed, no A/C, no power steering no anything but an AM radio. Dad went to pick it up, dealer said let’s go for a ride before you sign anything. Dealer drove, ran it up 100mph and held it there for a mile before backing off. Looked at dad and said “it didn’t blow, it’ll be a good one”. It was.

BYW: sticker price was just a little over $1,900.00.

When I get a new one I drive the first mile like it’s the 100,000th mile. Zero issues with anything I’ve ever bought new regardless of make, model or drive train.

My wife was the first to drive my truck and her 1320 when we brought them home,and when she brought the truck home from the dealer that was over 2 hours away,she beat me home by well over a 1/2 hour,i couldn't even come close to staying with her in my company 1 ton,and i tried,and when she brought her 1320 home from the dealer that was a little over an hour away,when i checked the top speed on the car,she'd already had it to 152 mph,and both ended up being faster then any other comparable stock vehicle at the track,lol. My 3.21 geared 4X4 easily outran 2 other 3.92 geared R/T's when all 3 trucks were stock and we ran them side by side at the track,and her fully loaded 1320 was a full tenth quicker then my buddies stripper 1320,and 2/10's quicker then my other buddies stripper 1320.I'm a firm believer in driving them like you stole them right from word go,it's never bit me in the rear yet and that's over almost a 50 year span of buying vehicles,lol

 

[Riccochet]

It's not really the engine you are breaking in. It's the rear differential.

 

[Silver21Ram]

I asked my dealer that question. They told me there is no breakin procedure rquired for the Hurricane engine.

This is the correct approach.
Keep it no more than what the speed limits are for a week or so ....
After that, give it what you please.
My Hurricane is performing as expected.

 

[Hagar1]

I don't know where you even found that much information! They don't tell us squat about our new cars anymore.

Mostly because there is a lawyer stored somewhere in that vehicle.

 

[Dodge 1500 4X4]

she'd already had it to 152 mph,and both ended up being faster then any other comparable stock vehicle at the track,lol.

The heaviest limb on your sweetheart's body is her right foot!!

 

[Wild one]

The heaviest limb on your sweetheart's body is her right foot!!

The skinny pedal sure doesn't scare her,when she's driving my brake pedal foot is usually putting dents in the pass side floorboard

 

[Dusty]

I asked my dealer that question. They told me there is no breakin procedure rquired for the Hurricane engine.

I don't know who you talked to at the dealership, but I would advise that person to peek into an owners manual once in a while and educate themselves.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, 18” wheels. Build Date: 3 June 2018. Now at 129640 miles.

 

[CanuckRam1313]

I've always fleeced my new vehicles right off the dealership lot!

I figure, if it's going to break, do it now and in full warranty.

I remember buying my new Accent 6-spd in 2015 from Port Hope Hyundai; was living in Pembroke at that time (Ottawa Valley). Picked it up for $11K cash all in and used it for my commuter car as I was all over that region back then.

I literally dumped it, speed shifted and laid rubber out the parking lot in front of the salesman, and fleeced the living S_h-i..t out of it in every gear as I drove back home. It was a good drive home!!!!

I received an email from the salesman and he loved that I laid rubber out the parking lot and said I'd have no issues with that car. I never did, and put 144,000km's on it with zero issues.

When I picked up my new Ram last Feb I flipped off the traction control (held TC button for how ever many seconds for full disengagement) and put a set of 11's on the dealership driveway in front of the Service Manager and Salesman...they were thumbs up and laughing like school kids!!!

I had to make sure the 3.92 anti-spin was working properly (it was indeed working properly!!!)

 

[1RHO]

I asked my dealer that question. They told me there is no breakin procedure rquired for the Hurricane engine.

Typical car salesman

 

[Hagar1]

I remember years ago when I had the good fortune to tour an engine plant where they assembled the old 318 and the V-6. When they started those engines it was straight to 3000 RPM, hold for 1 minute, then down to 2000,hold for 1 minute, then 1000 for a minute. If the held together off to the vehicle assembly plant they go. I remember too, the oil stains on the concrete where some didn't make it.

 

[Hagar1]

One other thing, back in the day, the theory was, hard acceleration, load that engine. The purpose was to get the pressure as high as possible and thus force the rings tighter against the cylinder wall. They both need that close relationship.

And then, not a Dodge but ........ there is the ring "chatter" which makes one a little sick after doing an overhaul. If you ever hear it, you will never forget the noise. Happened to me on an overhaul on an International VS549 ........ ugly to work on and even uglier after it sat for a weekend and the glue fully cured on the oil pan gasket. Those who worked on those old vehicles back years ago will likely understand.