checking out an 86 mk3 tomorrow

cre · 01-15-2010, 12:52 AM

Me, I'm wasteful after big jobs like this. I run the car up to normal operating temps at idle while searching in a frantic and paranoid manner (frantic is key) for any leaks, sparks, weird green critters chewing on wires and so on.

Then I'll take the car for a short drive, about 5 miles, head home and inspect further.

No leaks? Then I'll go for a 20 mile drive. When I come home I'll look again for signs of trouble and let the car cool. After the car has cooled I replace the oil filter and change the oil.... hope you used cheap oil...

And top off the coolant.

For the next few hundred miles (500-600) I'll change the filter one or two more times (not the oil), top the oil off and keep a VERY close eye on coolant and oil levels and watch for signs of contamination.

After five or six hundred miles I'll change oil and filter again and return thereafter to my regular maintenance schedule. I may change the coolant at this point... depends on how clean I think I was and if the cooling system as a filter or not.

Thanks Joe, I keep forgetting he's also breaking everything in. I agree with your methodology for the break in side of things.

01-15-2010, 12:52 AM	#198
cre Toyota Racing Development Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,038	Me, I'm wasteful after big jobs like this. I run the car up to normal operating temps at idle while searching in a frantic and paranoid manner (frantic is key) for any leaks, sparks, weird green critters chewing on wires and so on. Then I'll take the car for a short drive, about 5 miles, head home and inspect further. No leaks? Then I'll go for a 20 mile drive. When I come home I'll look again for signs of trouble and let the car cool. After the car has cooled I replace the oil filter and change the oil.... hope you used cheap oil... And top off the coolant. For the next few hundred miles (500-600) I'll change the filter one or two more times (not the oil), top the oil off and keep a VERY close eye on coolant and oil levels and watch for signs of contamination. After five or six hundred miles I'll change oil and filter again and return thereafter to my regular maintenance schedule. I may change the coolant at this point... depends on how clean I think I was and if the cooling system as a filter or not. Thanks Joe, I keep forgetting he's also breaking everything in. I agree with your methodology for the break in side of things. __________________ If something breaks or you need to contact a member of the administration please post HERE. Unless it's a private or administration matter please post it on the forum. It benefits no one else if car related questions aren't posted for future users and takes away from the time I'm able to spend helping on the rest of the forum. If you're so inclined I'm always more than happy to accept tips via PayPal. Tip Jar ---> Last edited by cre; 01-15-2010 at 01:46 AM.