Is it safe to hit the rev limiter on my car?

Question

I have a '93 Pathfinder w/ 148,000 miles on it. Today, I revved it higher than ever before, to the red line at 6,000 rpms. It seemed to not go any further than that, I think the rev limiter is right at 6,000 rpms. Is it safe for your engine to hit the rev limiter?

Answer 1

The older the engine the more likely it is to fail, especially at high RPM. Springs in the heads wear out over time and at extremely high RPM the piston could hit a valve and lead to catastrophic engine failure.

If you want to rev it up high, make sure the engine is plenty warm first and also make sure you have decent oil pressure with clean oil (less than 3k miles).


To make your engine last quite a bit longer you will stay away from that red line unless you really REALLY need it.

Mike

Answer 2

Generally it's safe to occasionally hit the rev limiter providing that the engine is warmed up. It is a good idea to avoid hitting the rev limiter on an engine with 148K miles on it.

Answer 3

Rev limiter is exactly that it limits or stops the engine so it can not be damaged. But look at it as a sfe guard. I would not hit the limiter as a shift point.

Answer 4

it probbaly will. limiters are built into the engine computer . the only way you will know is to just speed till you hit the limiter , if your speed keeps going up you aint got one but tth e only way you can take care of that is get another engine computer without the rev limiter

Answer 5

No not really...good way to fry your lower end. Its set really high, but you dont want to hit it often..especially on an engine with 148k on the odometer...unless you want to pan a piston.

Answer 6

safe yes , but for how long ?
it's best not to tempt fate & just use some mechanical sympathy .
remember : how long would like to really sprint your heart out for ?
cheers:
paul :-}

Answer 7

no not an old car

Answer 8

sure it is and you should do it a couple times every day.