Probably the most over-looked and under-though process after building or even rebuilding an engine by the average enthusiast is what to do after you’ve put it together. Most would assume that running regular oil and a cheap oil filter is the way to go. Some feel that running with synthetic right away with a premium filter is the only way to prepare an engine for its service life. Some more think that running just straight weight oil is the only way to go, no matter what age the engine is. There are even experts who say that you should only run the oil you intend to run in its entire life. Really the answer is all of the above and none of the above. What is really the best Honda Ruckus parts that help with break-in?
Ok, you’re looking at me like I’m really crazy how can the answer be everything I described, yet none of it, too? Well, when it comes to properly breaking-in your rebuilt Honda Ruckus, Yamaha Zuma, or even your freshly rebuilt, high-compression, short-stroke, 14,000RPM GY6, all of those points have good and bad intent in them. Let’s start with the first example, using a cheap oil and filter.
There is easily a major benefit in running a cheap oil and filter; you’re going to change the oil several times after break-in, what’s the point in spending so much on high-quality oil right away? So the cost of running your engine on cheap oil is a huge benefit for those who are budget minded. However, this is where you don’t want to really skimp, at least on the oil filter. Using a high-quality filter would ensure that you are running with clean oil through the entire break-in process. However, you shouldn’t also use cheap oil as well. That $3-4.00/qt inexpensive, conventional, store-brand oil may not contain any zinc or not enough additives for proper engine break-in.
So, that should mean that the more expensive synthetic oil is best for your engine during its first start. You’d actually still be wrong. While synthetic oil can protect your engine for a much longer period than conventional oil, the short time you will be using it won’t allow it to break down its additive packages to be useful. Really, all oils designed for a certain amount of service time in the engine. Too little and you can damage your engine without realizing it. Initial start and break-in is not one of those times.
So what about straight weight oil? You could use it and it won’t be bad for initial start unless you live in a cold climate that the oil was not designed for. That’s what the “w” stands for in all oils, “winter” or better yet cold starts. 5W30 oil will act like 5 weight oil, which is thinner, then act like 30 weight oil after warm up, which is thicker. So, if your Zuma 125 or any other scooter will see cold climates, you need to strongly consider an engine oil that has a cold weight designed into it.
How about running the same weight of oil throughout the life of the engine? That is something you should do and that does start with the initial start. What you should use is a motor oil designed for break-in at the weight you intend to use when the engine is warmed up. Torco TBO Break-In Oil is the perfect oil for your initial start. TBO 30 is designed for engines that will use 30 weight (warm) oils in conventional, synthetic, or blends and is what most scooters will require after warming up. TBO is also designed with high concentrations of Zinc and “scrubbing agents” that ensure clean starts until your engine is ready for its running oil. So don’t waste your money on those expensive Honda Ruckus Parts and start your engine right!
