I use the heat cycle method as found at johnnycoolguy.com with one exception the first 15 min of heat cycle I let idle on the box. I have had my engnes last well into the 8+ gal mark. Most engines aren't fully broken in until after at least 1 gal has been run through them. Break in is very important but just as important is tunning. You can perfeom the perfect break in and then blow it up within 5 tanks if it's tuned wrong. Every time before you start your engine ore heat it to 180 degrees and then start. Cold starts are very hard on the piston, sleeve, and rod. Always always pre heat before every start.