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Bloodsport

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Can anybody tell me how long you should run-in a new Navara (2.5litre) before towing?

I presume there is a standard running in time on the Nav but do I need to give it a bit longer before towing? Please bear in mind that this is for a private vehicle and not a company vehicle.
 
I cant comment specifically on the Navara, but generally speaking i believe lots of engines are pre run-in nowdays?

Also the engineering quality and tolerances of components have vastly improved, making for less of a run in period.

To be on the safe side (if this was my own personal, new truck), i would be inclined to take things easy for perhaps the first 1000 miles.

This may not be required, but wont do any harm and IMO will give your new engine 'the best start in life' :thumbleft:

I look forward to other views on this :D
 
I agree. I did not go over 3000 rpm for the first 1000.
Ive done 2100 miles now and still taking it easy, not more than 4000rpm.

I know you don't have to run them in anymore but doing it anyway.
 
When I got my Navara, I didn't bring the revs above 1500rpm for the first 1000km (i.e changing up the gears as soon as possible without labouring the engine). Stayed below 2000rpm until 5000km. Had it serviced at 5k because a new engine will have more metal "powder/dust" in the oil than a new one while components seat in against each other. The metal in the oil can increase wear on engine (which is one of the reasons you normally need to change your oil).
I stayed below 2500rpm until after 10k, and only went above 3000 (which I rarely do anyway) after I'd 20,000km on the clock.

This might be excessively cautious, but it's a small inconvenience for the service you'll get back out of your Navara. Three years later I've 285,000km on the clock and it's still purring like a lion.

About towing:
I think it depends on the load you want to carry. If it's a fairly light load, I'd say there's no harm in it. If you want to tow a heavier load, I think it depends on how much throttle you're going to need while towing. If you can pull the load while keeping revs low and keep your foot light on the throttle (i.e not towing up steep hills, towing fast, accelerating hard, or driving into strong head-winds), I think it won't be a problem.

You'll have to judge the load for yourself. If it's not a necessity, I'd say it's better to be safe than sorry.

Hope this helps.
 
I'm with "oldskoolmark". Cars don't need running in like they used to. Last new company car I had they just said "keep it below 3000rpm for 1000miles". I asked if they then wanted it back at that time to change the oil and they said "No, we don't need to do that anymore cos' the engines are so clean. Just bring it back at 20,000 and we change it with its 1st service".
Not that I would wait that long with my own car.

KC
 
mine arrived from Wales ( I'm in Newcastle ) with about 400 miles on the clock, took it straight to the caravan dealers to pick up my new van, which was 1.8t. Towed no problem :thumbleft:

I didnt have much of a choice in the situation though, because I should have had the truck 3 months before the caravan.

In an ideal world I think I too would have given it a 1000 miles first :roll:
 
I just picked up my Navara today, the dealer quoted thet Nissan say dont tow within the first 500 miles and dont exceed 4000rpm for at least 3000 miles with regards to not going over the 4000rpm mark it is also important to remember to fluctuate res regularly (i.e dont sit on the motorway in 6th at 2500rpm for long periods) as this will create a Flat spot in the exceleration. Personally i never run a diesel over 6000 miles without changing the oil.... threes times more than the service intervals.

Rob
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
I did the 500 miles before towing and then didn't do over 2500rpm for the first 1000 miles but made sure not to labour the engine either. I'm only up to 3000 miles on the clock now but I'm still not caning it.

The strange thing is, I got used to driving it steadily. It makes for a nice stress free driving experience but I know I've got plenty of power if needed (as that dozy cow on the Beaconsfield roundabout over the M40 found out yesterday).

I'll be changing the oil at 6000 miles just to make sure.
 
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