What are the speed grades for cold running-in after an engine overhaul?
3 Answers
Cold running-in starts at a speed of 400r/min to 600r/min and ends at 1000r/min to 1200r/min. The following is an introduction to the engine: 1. Introduction: An engine is a machine that can convert non-mechanical energy into mechanical energy. 2. Classification: Includes internal combustion engines, external combustion engines, jet engines, electric motors, etc.
I remember working on many overhauled engines, and the cold run-in speed staging is actually quite particular. Generally, it's divided into three to four steps. Start from the lowest speed first, such as 1000 to 1200 RPM, and run for about 10 minutes to let the new components gradually adapt and undergo slight friction. Then gradually increase to 1500 RPM and maintain for another 5 to 10 minutes to ensure even oil distribution. Finally, ramp up to 2000 RPM or higher and run for a short period before concluding. The entire process requires monitoring temperature and noise—if rushed, it can easily damage piston rings or bearings. Each speed increase should have intervals; never jump directly to high RPM. This is all to protect the new engine and extend its service life. It's recommended to follow professional manual procedures.
A while ago, I personally helped a friend with a major engine overhaul. During the cold break-in, we strictly followed a step-by-step process. We started at 1000 RPM and ran for about 5 minutes, then gradually increased to 1500 RPM, taking another 7-8 minutes. Next, we raised it to 1800 RPM and ran for approximately 10 minutes before finally increasing to above 2000 RPM. Each step required patience—absolutely no skipping stages or sudden acceleration, as it could cause new components to wear prematurely or overheat. During the operation, I also found it essential to use high-quality engine oil and monitor the pressure gauge to ensure stability. This step-by-step approach ensures even break-in and prevents abnormal noises later on—simple, practical, and quite effective.