engine break-in problem

[t michael jennings]

Engine Experts;

We recently moved into a new home. 
The home has other homes about 25-30 feet from both sides and behind us.  Additionally, there are several restrictions (covenants) that govern our subdivision.

Also, recently I purchased a new 40 size engine that needs breaking-in.

Typically one does not break-in an engine with a muffler.  I always break-in and engine on my engine stand and never on an aircraft.

   1.  Can you break-in an engine with a muffler installed?

   2.  Has anyone tried to break-in an engine with the garage door only open 6-12 inches? 

   3.  Has anyone went to an isolated Public Park to break-in their engine?


What are some of the techniques that you use to reduce the noise level when breaking-in an engine? 
It is unlikely that I am the only one with this engine break-in problem.

Thanks for any effective suggestions,


t michael jennings

 

[Marvin Denny]

  I use a muffler on all my new engines during break in.  It seems to keep the temperature more even.  I just don't let it load down  or get too lean.  Just on the lean side of a four cycle for ABC and AAC,  and in a hard four cycle for steel and iron  engines.  I use the fuel recommended for the engine  by the mfr.  On some, I also use an extension tube that goes over into a plastic lided peanut can that has a large number of holes cut into the top lid for additional silencing.  Some people I have heard say they put the extended tube into a bucket of water,  But I have never tried that.

  Bigiron

[wmiii]

 Randy Smith told me about the jug of water trick, works just fine.

 Walter

[Dave Adamisin]

Engine Experts;

We recently moved into a new home. 
The home has other homes about 25-30 feet from both sides and behind us.  Additionally, there are several restrictions (covenants) that govern our subdivision.

Also, recently I purchased a new 40 size engine that needs breaking-in.

Typically one does not break-in an engine with a muffler.  I always break-in and engine on my engine stand and never on an aircraft.

   1.  Can you break-in an engine with a muffler installed?

   2.  Has anyone tried to break-in an engine with the garage door only open 6-12 inches? 

   3.  Has anyone went to an isolated Public Park to break-in their engine?


What are some of the techniques that you use to reduce the noise level when breaking-in an engine? 
It is unlikely that I am the only one with this engine break-in problem.

Thanks for any effective suggestions,


t michael jennings

 

1. No reason that you can't. I have always liked to collect oil just out of the exhaust on something (usually my index finger) to keep an eye on whether any metal is comming out during the first couple runs (little silvery specks....) so I haven't used mufflers during break in very often. I use a muffler when I run in my backyard and tell anyone who complains that it's a leaf blower......

2. I tried this once....... You won't believe how fast you can fill a garage with smoke......

3. Yes. I am fortunate that there is a park near me where I can be a couple hundred feet from anyone who might object. I also point the exhaust away from them. Good luck and if anyone comes up to ask you what your doing, recruit them to the hobby..........

DaveA

[Harleyman]

Haven't tried the garage door trick, or in the park.  I have fired one up in my basement for a tank and had to leave my shop and close the door.  Wow, smokey, but left my shop smelling like burnt Castor. - - - MMMMMM, now that's a smell I can live with.  Kind of like seasoning the shop. 

I've been lucky enough to have neighbors that are pretty cool about it.
But, just to be safe, I've talked to them about the occasional engine runs, explained what I'm doing, and asked if they would be OK with it.
I just make sure it is done in the middle of the day, not after 4:00PM and not before 11:00AM.  I run them right in the back yard.
If you try to exercise common courtesy, I'm sure you'll find your neighbors won't mind an engine break-in from time to time.
At least, that has been my experience in the last three homes/neighborhoods I've lived in.

Go ahead, knock on their doors with a fresh batch of cookies.

Lastly, USE the Factory Muffler for break-in.  If you want to fly with a tongue muffler, that's fine, but at home use the quieter, factory unit.

[Steve Helmick]

When I was a kid, we had some engines to bench run, and we put an open cardboard box behind the exhaust, with some weight inside it to keep it from blowing away. It was pretty impressive how much it helped kill the bark. No mufflers, in those days. A bigger cardboard box would help even more, and then you could put some of that egg-crate foam in the box to absorb sound. The muffler would help even more. If you have an industrial area nearby, go there! Nobody can whine about the....ah, whine. Still, try to be considerate, and stay away from offices.  Steve

[Patrick Rowan]

I break in engines the way they are going to run on the plane with the muffler installed.

When I lived in the city I went to a park to break in engines.

I seem to have more time in the fall to break in engines. I'm doing it in my garage. Doors wide open. Use hearing protection. It's really loud in the garage.

I put 2 hours on my PA 40 ultra lite. My new LA 46 has 20 minutes on it. I just bought a PA 40 used that needs some run time on it as well.

Tomarrow it will be sunny & 58 degrees. Time to get the LA break in done.