Breaking in a new Suburban.

[KYSkipper]

Here's the Cummins manual. It tap dances around it but says break it in under load. It takes a long time to break a diesel in, particularly these Cummins. They get top fuel mileage once broke in. Mine took about 80,000 miles to fully break in and it's not been babied.

[CJ1]

Put as may miles on it as you can before you leave. Get it serviced and run it. I agree on not holding it at one speed for along time or max load continuous. I break in everything by varying the load and speed and being sure not to overheat the engine. Heavy loads seat the rings and that is really the only thing in a modern engine that needs to be broken in. I will run a diesel a lot harder than a gas engine for break in. If anyone wants proof about not loading a engine heavy enough, look at all the issues with Yamaha and their SHO break in instructions. Don't be afraid to run it hard just don't run it steady, vary rpms and load. CJ

[n2ratfishin]

My gas GM’s and both my Tundras said 500 miles. The specs should be in the owners manual. I bet you can Google the owners manual for a 2018 Burb.

[TRCM]

Here's the Cummins manual. It tap dances around it but says break it in under load. It takes a long time to break a diesel in, particularly these Cummins. They get top fuel mileage once broke in. Mine took about 80,000 miles to fully break in and it's not been babied.

Interesting, your manual says almost EXACTLY the same as mine. What year is that ? and what section of the manual is that from ?

Anyway, here is a cut & paste from the diesel supplement for a 2012 Ram truck:
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The Cummins turbocharged diesel engine does not require a break-in period due to its construction. Normal
operation is allowed, providing the following recommendations are followed:
• Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight.

NOTE: Light duty operation such as light trailer towing or no load operation will extend the time before the
engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and power may be seen at this time.

For additional vehicle break-in requirements, refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting and Operating” of the
Owners Manual.

Because of the construction of the Cummins turbocharged diesel engine, engine run-in is enhanced by
loaded operating conditions which allow the engine parts to achieve final finish and fit during the first
6,000 miles (10 000 km).

Note the italicized part...which directs you to the regular owners manual for towing break-in, NOT the diesel supplement.


Now, here's a cut & paste from the Trailer Towing section of the regular owners manual:

Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain components the following guidelines are recommended:
CAUTION!
• Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle or other
parts could be damaged.
• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do not
make starts at full throttle. This helps the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.

Also note that the towing requirements are for the drivetrain components, which has nothing to do with it being a diesel or gas engine, which is why the diesel supplement directs you to the same towing break in requirements as the gas engine.


I also googled the 2017/2018 owners manual and diesel supplement for Ram trucks, and it says the EXACT same thing as my 2012 does....engine break in not really required, but towing break-in is to be per the regular owners manual (which is the gas version).

It's on page 94 of the supplement section which covers 2500/3500/4500/5500 trucks. There is a 1500 section of the supplement that covers the 3.0 diesel, and it doesn't have the note (page 11).


Now, it's your truck, do what you want, but from reading my manual and google, the dealer who told you to load it heavy and keep getting it is not following the recommendations in the owners manual, which could void any warranty in the future, and setting you up for failure.

.

[billnorman1]

That guy is a idiot. Find a new dealer.

He's not the only idiot GM dealer. Stay away from him.

[TRCM]

diesels are a different animal, they like the heat/pressure and typically operate at lower RPM's attaining peak performance, I have always been told "don't baby them"

I always thought that was wierd, cuz diesel or gas, they both have oil pumps & lubrication systems, bearings, rings, & valves that all need to be seated and broken in properly to last.

[suck my wake]

When airing up the tires do you use the manufacture’s recommendation on the door jamb or the pressure stated on the sidewall?

[lakefolk]

well,,,,,,,,,,,, we've learned all about diesels in this thread...

[jimsch]

Drive it like you stole it.

[billnorman1]

Yeah, stand on it they're cheap: 2019 Chevrolet Suburban/

MSRP From $50,600

[Cestratton]

My Tundra said 500, I bought it the night before a fishing trip so with about 120 on the odo I towed the boat about 250 miles there then 250 home. FTW.

[bdog7198]

When airing up the tires do you use the manufacture’s recommendation on the door jamb or the pressure stated on the sidewalk?

Never trust the sidewalk, those kids will mess with you when they have chalk

[KYSkipper]

How do you roll the odometer back on a Dodge 240,000 miles so you can properly break it in?

[KYSkipper]

My warranty went out a long time ago and when I told Tiffany the cell phone calling woman I was driving a Dodge with 240,000 miles on it she hung up on me.

[n2ratfishin]

How do you roll the odometer back on a Dodge 240,000 miles so you can properly break it in?

When in doubt Google it. I found this.

[Duece22]

Are these motors not tested before they are shipped?

[billnorman1]

Are these motors not tested before they are shipped?

There's other things besides the motor that should be "broke in" such as the transmission, differential, and brakes.

[bshort]

I towed at 15 miles. It's what I bought it for.

[ericm]

If it tows anything like my 2002 Chevy Silverado 5.3 did, I'd recommend no towing for the first 250,000 miles.

[gdi]

If I recall correctly on my new Tahoe it said no towing for first 500 miles and for the first 500 miles of towing keep it under 55 mph...

^^^^ this