Break-in suggestions?

[Terry C. Tullier]

Just about to take delivery on our new 3/4 ton Chevy silvarado crew cab with the Duramax/Allison that has been ordered for two months now.
Certainly before we hook up our 34' Ltd later this summer I will want to put some "un-Hooked" miles on this enourmously expensive jewel first and would appreciate any insight/observations/opinions/etc.
Thanks up-front for your two cents sense.
GOD bless;
TopCat

[CanoeStream]

Hey TopCat! Devil is in the details they say -- or in the owner's manual in this case. I love my '06 D/A. More particular to the '07s, I think I'm seeing the ULSD at most pumps -- the pumps aren't labeled the best to tell just what it is you're pumping... .

The manual says the first 500 miles of breakin should be without any towing at all. Then you have to keep an individual tally on your first 500 miles of actual towing and keep the speed no higher than 50mph during tow breakin. I did that with the load of my Safari behind and no doubt it is a very good idea for a 34-er. It helps to keep those initial trips regional. The last 300 towing breakin miles were on a single trip to our daughters a state over -- longest 300 miles I ever spent! Took all day. Congrats on a stunning duo!

[Dawgfan]

I used mine for my daily commute, about 300 miles per week. It doesn't take long that way. I think it is best to go by the manual, don't tow for 500 miles.

I'm looking at the 5000 mile service in the next few weeks. Probably several hundred dollars. The Duramax/Allison sure is a great combination.

[ZoominC6]

TopCat,
Congrats on the new TV. You're going to love all that torque and the wonderful tranny. You should notice your first big improvement in mileage at around 25K miles! I always considered mine broken in by then while others think it takes a bit longer. We shall see. Enjoy.
HAPPY TRAILS

[jdalrymple]

Drive It Like You Stole It! Hook up your AS and go someplace good.

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by CanoeStream

The manual says the first 500 miles of breakin should be without any towing at all. Then you have to keep an individual tally on your first 500 miles of actual towing and keep the speed no higher than 50mph during tow breakin.

Yeah, that is what the book says. When I got my 06 they had to bring it from 2 States away, took delivery about 7:00 on a Thursday, we were hooked up and on the road by 2:00 Friday heading North to NH(~250 miles). I did keep it to 50 mph.
When new the mpg was no better than our Suburban (16mpg highway, 13 mpg town) but I am approaching the 10k mile mark and mpg has improved significantly, last ski trip (3 people, maybe 500# in the bed) we averaged 21 mpg. I expect 15-16 mpg towing this season.
You will not believe towing with that Allison-awesome! I can't imagine towing with anything but this combo from now on...
I will tow anywhere, anytime, ready to go!

Good luck with the new rig,
Bill

[Midamrail]

While this article appears on the Ford diesel site, I've read nearly identical instructions on both Dodge and Chevy/GMC sites. We've used this method on both Ford 6.0L and Duramax engines with good results.

TheDieselStop.Com - www.thedieselstop.com

[ZoominC6]

Another good site worth considering;

The Diesel Page for the 6.2L, 6.5L, and Duramax 6600 (6.6L) GM Chevrolet and GMC diesel engines.

HAPPY TRAILS

[Terry C. Tullier]

Just a note to those terrific folks who replied to my questions;..."THANKS".
My most sincere appreciation and will give careful consideration to all of your thoughtful reccomendations.
Thanks again!
GOD bless;
Top Cat

[BillTex]

From 06 Owners Manual;

Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle

New Vehicle Break-In

Notice:

Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:

•

Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less for
the first 500 miles (805 km).

•

Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the first 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake, or slow, the vehicle.

•

Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time your new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with new
linings can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline
every time you get new brake linings.

•

Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See Towing a
Trailer on page 4-67 for the trailer towing
capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.

Ignition Positions

With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn it to four
different positions.

Notice:

Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is all the way in. If
it is, turn the steering wheel left and right while you
turn the key hard. If none of this works, then
your vehicle needs service.

If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer

Notice:

Pulling a fifth-wheel trailer with a vehicle
that is equipped with the SS trim package could
damage the vehicle. Do not pull a fifth-wheel trailer
with a vehicle equipped with the SS trim package.

If you do, here are some important points:

•

There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live
but also where you’ll be driving. A good source for
this information can be state or provincial police.

•

Consider using a sway control. See "Hitches" later
in this section.

•

Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.

•

Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.

•

If you have an automatic transmission, you can tow
in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the
transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower
gear selection if the transmission shifts too often,
such as under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions. If
you have a manual transmission and you are
towing a trailer, it’s better not to use the highest
gear. See Tow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-49.
Three important considerations have to do with weight:

•

The weight of the trailer

•

The weight of the trailer tongue

•

The weight on your vehicle’s tires

[hiker]

Based on recommendations posted on

Diesel Place - Duramax Diesel Discussion Forums

at 5K miles I replaced the Allison external spin on transmission filter and drained and refilled the rear differential fluid to remove break in material.

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by hiker

Based on recommendations posted on

Diesel Place - Duramax Diesel Discussion Forums

at 5K miles I replaced the Allison external spin on transmission filter and drained and refilled the rear differential fluid to remove break in material.

Don't forget crankcase oil too at this point...I switched to syn, but that is your choice.

You will LOVE towing with this truck...

Bill