2006 Mercruiser 3.0L Break in procedures

[wgoodhoofd]

Anyone have a good break-in procedure for a new 3.0L 135HP Mercruiser with an Alpha 1 drive? I haven't looked at the manual yet, as we do not have the boat, but I've heard that throttle should be kept below 3/4 and varied every few minutes. Any opinions?

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: 2006 Mercruiser 3.0L Break in procedures

Doubt you'll go wrong following the manual. I don't know what it recommends though. An oil change earlier than scheduled would never hurt either.<br /><br />Never run it much above 1200 RPM and under load, until is's fully warmed up, regardless of break in procedure.

 

[4poco]

Re: 2006 Mercruiser 3.0L Break in procedures

I bought the same last year, needless to say i didnt follow break in.... just took it out and ran it like i was gonna use it. prob not recommended in manual,after 150 hrs. still runs like a champ.... did do the 20 hr. oil change tho

 

[tystick]

Re: 2006 Mercruiser 3.0L Break in procedures

There is somewhat of a controversy as to weather the break-in procedures typical outlined are antiquated. <br />The argument to just go out and run them is based in the newer engine design - tighter tolerances - improved gaskets etc.<br />There are actually studies done where each method was done on identical engines . There was no decrease in performance either way.<br />There is a web site outlining this issue - will try to find it.

 

[Don S]

Re: 2006 Mercruiser 3.0L Break in procedures

Just wait and follow your owners manual. <br />Merc went through a lot of testing and info from GM to determine how they want their engines broken in. Look at it this way, they have to warrant the engine, so why give bad info.<br />Who knows what they put in them for breakin oil, I've never tested it, and I doubt anyone else has. They also don't say what's in a brand new engine, who knows, it may be 10W oil with a dab of snake oil, but they don't say. They do have recommendations for the oil when you do change it and they list when to change it. IF you do it early it may not break in properly, can't say for sure. <br />But if you go by the Merc recommendations in your owners manual (when you get it), you can't go wrong.

 

[lilmandavis]

Re: 2006 Mercruiser 3.0L Break in procedures

the first day you buy that brand new truck are ya gonna hot rod through the mud or put put around town? probably the same with a boat right?!?

 

[DJ]

Re: 2006 Mercruiser 3.0L Break in procedures

I would agree that a break in period is required for a 2-stroke.<br /><br />I haven't "broken in" an automotive engine in YEARS. No need to. I've never had an engine issue.

 

[Don S]

Re: 2006 Mercruiser 3.0L Break in procedures

So guys, when was the last time you drove a brand new car up a steep hill in low gear at WOT for hours on end...... When you was doing the breakin????

 

[tommays]

Re: 2006 Mercruiser 3.0L Break in procedures

I dont think the 3.0 has very many up to date parts just the same old school stuff i want it to last 20 years whats 10 to 15 hours of being carefull <br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: 2006 Mercruiser 3.0L Break in procedures

Basic reason for breaking in an engine is that when new,machining has left minor imperfections on the machined surfaces.<br /><br />They have to come off.And will.<br /><br />Now you can gently scuff them off OR hammer them into the bearing surfaces.<br /><br />Your choice.<br /><br />DHP