Triumph MAYFLOWER 1951, Instruction Book

Page: 17 / 86

16
MANAGEMENT OF CAR— The Engine
NEW ENGINES
When the car is new, the engine may seem to be somewhat lacking in power due to the
working surfaces not having become fully bedded down. This will continue for the first
200 or 300 miles (300-500 km.) during which time the engine will become gradually "
run-in " (with proper use). The power will then improve as the car is used for the first
1,000 miles (1,600 km.), and this will be accompanied by a corresponding improvement in
petrol consumption. The engine sump should be drained and refilled with new oil at the
completion of the first 1,000 miles (see page 20).
At approximately 5,000 miles much benefit is gained by having the valves ground in,
although this involves some slight inconvenience in giving attention to a new engine, the
trouble is well repaid by the results obtained.
It is inadvisable to drive a new car fast or to run the engine at high speed in the low gears.
The good and lasting bearing surfaces obtainable by careful running-in are well worth the
patience required to drive the car at only moderate speeds for at least the first 500 miles
(800 km.).
We do not recommend that the engine should be religiously driven at the specified speeds
for the first 500 miles (800 km.), but suggest that " running-in " should be progressive and
that no harm is done if the engine is allowed to " rev " fairly fast so long as it is thoroughly
warm, providing it is not
pulling hard. Also do not let the engine pull hard at low speeds,
always select a lower gear.
The following table gives the maximum permissible speeds in top gear: