During the engine break-in period, which practice helps to ensure proper lubrication?

Priming the engine lubrication system prior to starting is essential during the break-in period, as it ensures that all parts of the engine receive adequate lubrication from the very beginning. This practice helps to eliminate the risk of dry starts, where the engine components could suffer from wear and damage due to insufficient lubrication. By ensuring that the oil is circulated and that the engine is pre-lubricated, you help establish a proper oil film on critical engine components, thereby reducing friction and wear.

Priming is particularly important for new engines, as they rely on effective lubrication to help seat piston rings and reduce the chances of build-up or scoring on cylinder walls. Proper lubrication during this critical break-in period helps ensure a longer lifespan for the engine and promotes optimal performance.

Other practices mentioned, such as operating at high RPMs or running at idle for extended periods, could lead to issues where components may not break in properly or could even lead to overheating without adequate oil circulation. Maintaining a constant load, while sometimes useful for stabilizing performance, is not as crucial in establishing initial lubrication immediately as priming the system before start-up.