Originally Posted by
West03
The worst thing you can do to a new engine is to let it idle like that during the break in process. The rod was put under enormous stress when the engine was run too cold. You must make sure you get the engine up to temperature as soon possible and maintain that temp. I would advice you do a search on heat cycling during the break-in process. When running a new engine in, more damage is done when the engine is below 80 degrees then if it was running at 130 degrees plus. After breaking in an engine, I would replace the original rod after no more then 3 litres.
When idling, temps were between 85 to 90. I try to keep it within that range. I do know the importance of getting the engine up to temp asap. But admittedly, am quite new to all this. I try to read what I can and then apply it.
Obviously have not been reading enough and something obviously gone way wrong some where.
the conrod that broke was the original conrod (same used throughout the breakin process). so i guess lesson learnt. expensive lesson.