Tips for Breaking in a Rebuilt Diesel Engine

When rebuilding your engine, it’s a good idea to take the time to break it in. Breaking in the engine helps ensure that all the pieces work together and connect without any issues. Just as you would break in a pair of shoes to make them more comfortable on your feet, breaking in an engine helps your engine adjust without pushing it too hard. This is an essential process that can help your engine last for many years. Here are some helpful tips for breaking in a rebuilt diesel engine and ensuring it’s in good condition.

Run the Engine

One of the first things you should do when breaking in a rebuilt diesel engine is to leave it outside of the frame and run it for about 10 minutes. This process gives you a great opportunity to make sure that all the parts are moving correctly and that there aren’t any leaking fluids. We recommend not using high RPMs during this part of the break-in process to avoid overloading it.

Monitor the Data

One helpful tip for breaking in a rebuilt diesel engine is to hook your engine up to a diagnostic machine or dyno. You can use this machine to closely monitor essential factors like general power, RPM, fuel rail pressure, transmission temperature, and more. Breaking in a diesel engine is a much more straightforward process when you can carefully keep track of the data to keep it at acceptable levels and make adjustments as necessary.

Test the Limits

After testing your diesel engine to check that there aren’t any initial concerns, you want to run your equipment at the heaviest possible weight for about 100 to 150 miles. This process helps ensure that it can safely operate at maximum loads and with a higher RPM. Weight limits may vary depending on the engine manufacturer, so always keep the brand in mind.

ATL Diesel has everything you need for engine rebuilds and guides on how to get the most out of your equipment. If you need a Cat C15 turbo rebuild kit, we have the parts you need. Stop by our online store and use your engine serial number to find the right parts for your machine. ATL Diesel has high-quality kits for a range of diesel engines. If you have any additional questions, comments, or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.