Predator 212 Break In?

[SquidBonez]

FINALLY got my hand on a Predator 212 (hemi) after about a year of pushing it off. Just wanted to know how I should break it in. The manual recommends letting it idle for 3 hours, but I know there are other ways. I've also heard letting it idle/low speed driving for 15 minutes, change the oil, 5 second intervals of WOT between moderate driving, change the oil and then you're good. But how should I do it? I know some of you run the crap out of these motors straight from the box but I don't want to risk it.

 

[Kartorbust]

I like to do what the manual says, because it's an easy guide to follow.

 

[Randy H]

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

I think it depends on who you ask. Haha.

 

[Flyinhillbilly]

I bought one specifically to test with zero break in. I pushed it onto the track and went wide open as soon as it started and ran the crap out of it. I even went as far as to put a milled big valve head on it and switch it to methanol. It ran fine, and never showed any abnormal wear.
Pour oil and fuel in it and send it is my recommendation.

 

[BigWes]

I bought one specifically to test with zero break in. I pushed it onto the track and went wide open as soon as it started and ran the crap out of it. I even went as far as to put a milled big valve head on it and switch it to methanol. It ran fine, and never showed any abnormal wear.
Pour oil and fuel in it and send it is my recommendation.

This...

Break it in like you are going to run it.

The worst thing you can do to an air cooled engine for a break in is let it idle for hours straight. You are going to setup a low rpm ridge line up inside the cylinder. Not a good thing.

I do agree on a break in oil change though. Run it till you don't like the way the oil looks then change it. Those engines come pretty nasty out of the factory. I wonder if they even clean the mill debris out sometimes, I mean I know they do, just not real good. Half an hour or so. Oil is cheap but if you change it too soon it'll just be right back nasty again.

 

[J.S.@SMS]

That's why in the manual (or at least in the manuals I have for predators) it says to break it in at 1/3 throttle, which should be about 2400 rpm ish (don't quote me on that).