Going to be running the new splitter this weekend...27 Ton Champion......I can't remember where but I read that after the first few hours to change the oil.....Sounded kinda strange to me....Any one familiar with this??? The only thing I can think of is possibly small metal shavings from the engine running...Want to flush them out....
Pretty common practice. I change the initial fill oil after a handful of hours on almost everything I buy new. Nice to get any casting slivers, break-in metals and assembly lube out of there.
It's a must with most any engine. I recommend changing the oil more often than recommend intervals as well.
Thought this was a good read. ----------------------------------- Engine Break-In Procedure Breaking in the engine is a good practice for new lawn mowers or outdoor power equipment. For our EXi series engine. which does not require an oil change, please reference your operator’s manual. For all other engines, the two major points to consider when using an air cooled engine for the first time are: Step 1: Do not operate the engine at full load during the first 5-10 hours of operation. In the past, the engine break-in period was very important to the overall life and durability of the engine. Engine design improvements, like better piston ring materials and designs, has decreased the break-in period (now 5-10 hours) compared to engines of the past. You can break-in your mower engine at any speed above idle. The break-in process may occur faster if the engine is operated at varying loads and speeds. It is recommended that an engine not be operated continuously at full load during the initial hours of operation. This can lead to permanent deformation of the cylinder bore. Step 2: Change the oil after the first 5-10 hours of use. It is very important to perform the initial break-in oil change. After the first 5-10 hours of operation, the oil should be changed to remove asperities that have broken from the bearings of the engine components and cylinder wall. The break-in oil change can be performed using the recommended grades of standard or synthetic oil. To save money, use standard oil for the break-in procedure, and if desired, switch synthetic oil afterwards. WARNING: Always read the engine and equipment manual(s) before starting, operating, or servicing your engine or equipment to avoid personal injury or property damage. See an authorized dealer or contact Briggs & Stratton if you are unsure of any procedure or have additional questions.
Aircraft mechanic, I always do the first oil change no later than 10 hours. It is amazing what you find in the filter when you cut it open at that time - bits of fibrous material (shop rags), metal shaving (from the machining processes), bits of rtv (sealant), etc.
When you do the first change on a non liner B&S engine, the oil will look like it has a bunch of anti-seize graphite in it.
Like everyone else has posted. Yes oil change in first 5-10 hours. I did my first at just over 5 hours , then a second around 15 hours just to be safe. Maybe a little overkill but oil is cheap compared to a new engine. If you are going to run synthetic oil stay away from it for the first couple oil changes. Synthetic oil does not work well for breaking in the piston rings.
Yes, this is actually quite important. you want accelerated wear on the rings the first few hours, that is what break-in is all about. Synthetic oil is too good, and prevents that. I would use an appropriate single-weight oil until the first oil change. Also, not a fan of "run it easy the first few hours." In aviation that is a no-no. We run them at 75% power or above for the first few hours, in order to better seat the rings. It takes cylinder pressure to do that. But don't overheat it, which is easier to do during that time as well. I would be running it like normal after a couple of low power runs to verify proper operation, no leaks, etc. YMMV, the manufacturer probably knows better than me, but that is what I would do.
Not always but sometimes the engine may be shipped with a special oil formulation meant for break in purposes. Best to follow recommendations.
