New Engine Break-In

This article is written for a new production Optimizer 6500 engine but can be applied to other builds, where applicable.

During break-in, use CONVENTIONAL oil only! Do NOT use synthetic oil

Your new from Quadstar comes full of conventional break-in oil because the final step in the build process was to prime the system by manually turning the oil pump drive shaft while slowly turning over the engine. Therefore, it's ready for the initial fire up! We'd recommend double checking the oil level after installing your dipstick, however.

These engines come out of the crate with a 2WD oil filter so we'd recommend leaving the front driveshaft out during the break-in period. That'll save you one oil filter replacement and make changing it a lot easier.

• 15w40 Break in oil

• 15W-40

  • Can be run year-round in most climates

  • We prefer 5W40 in the cold season

• 5W-40

  • We run modern 5W40 diesel oil year-round, especially in the PA, USA winter

  • May run low pressure at idle on blocks with piston oilers

• Oil Ratings

  • CI-4

    • Higher ZDDP/Zinc content. Not super important for these since they are hydraulic roller lifter.

    • Higher sulfated ash content - detergent

  • CJ-4

    • Lower sulfated ash, phosphorus, and sulfur content

    • Backwards compatible with CI-4 otherwise

  • CK-4

    • Latest style. Backwards compatible for CJ-4 and CI-4

    • Improved aeration control and shear stability (maintains viscosity better over time)

    • Better at suspending & transferring soot to the oil filter

• 1hr Run time

  • Drain out the break-in oil and change filter

  • The rings should be seated now and this will drain the majority of excess metals out from the break-in period

• 500 Miles

  • First normal oil & filter

• 1000 Miles

  • This one is overly cautious

• Every 3000 miles after

  • Proceed with normal oil changes

  • We don't recommend running past 3000 miles regardless of that oil you run. Even the best oil can't change the fact that an IDI diesel is going to put soot in the oil

• 6000 Miles

  • You can change to synthetic oil at 6000 miles