breaking in new motor

[dhagens]

so what is the process of breaking in a new motor? or is there no process? new 4 stroke 60 hp

 

[jestor68]

Re: breaking in new motor

Your owner manual should have a section on break in procedure. Generally it is a procedure to follow for the first 20 hours or so. ( Page 22 in my Mercury manual)

Some general procedures ( can vary from motor to motor ) are:

Don't idle for extended periods for the first 10 hours.

No full throttle acceleration from idle speed for the first 10 hours.

Don't exceed 3/4 throttle for the first 10 hours; don't run at one speed for extended periods.

After the first 10 hours, until 20 hours short full throttle runs(5 min max).

After break in, refrain from full throttle operation for "extended periods" to prolong the life of your motor.

 

[tazrig]

Re: breaking in new motor

Your owner manual should have a section on break in procedure. Generally it is a procedure to follow for the first 20 hours or so.

Some general procedures ( can vary from motor to motor ) are:

Don't idle for extended periods for the first 10 hours.

Don't exceed 3/4 throttle for the first 10 hours; varying the speed.

After the first 10 hours, until 20 hours short full throttle runs(5 min max).

After break in, refrain from full throttle operation for "extended periods" to prolong the life of your motor.

^^^^+1

 

[Texasmark]

Re: breaking in new motor

The main reason for break-in is overheating due to the increased friction encountered when newly machined parts are "wearing in" to each other. So, as described above, the process attempts to control that.

Used to be you had to be careful with an automobile for the first 500 miles. Today you don't due to things like tin plating the rings and other niceties to control that heat, just like you used to have to bring it in for the head bolts to be retorqued which you don't any more.

Mark

 

[kfa4303]

Re: breaking in new motor

I understand the all of the procedures except the last one. Why no prolonged WOT runs after break-in? Is it a 4-stroke issue?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: breaking in new motor

No, it is not a 4 cycle thing. Full throttle is where the engine generates its full rated horsepower (if propped correctly). Generally speaking, the more horsepower you make (out of limited cubic inches), the shorter the engine life--5000 HP Dragster engines have a service life measured in seconds. 5000 HP locomotive diesels a LOT longer

So, it does stand to reason that extended full throttle operation will reduce service life of the engine. How much? I have never seen studies of this and way back in the early 60s, both Mercury and Chrysler ran their engines wide open, non-stop, for days to prove reliability. So, this just may be another urban myth.

ANYWAY-- extended full throttle operations certainly do reduce the service life of your wallet! LOL

 

[bwint48]

Re: breaking in new motor

I have the same question. I'm buying 2 boats, one with a Suzuki 150 and one with a Suzuki 175. The dealer says don't worry about the braek in which I really question. He is giving a 7 year warrantee so the onus is on him unless one of my people is 20 miles off shore. I've only ever owned two new motors, a big mercruiser and a 115 Yamaha 4 stroke. Both were sticklers about break-in.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: breaking in new motor

Hi bwtin48. I believe Evinrude E-tec motors are the only mass produced outboards that do not require a break in of some sort, straight out of the box. I would triple check to be sure of any procedures for your Suzuki.

 

[82rude]

Re: breaking in new motor

Hi bwtin48. I believe Evinrude E-tec motors are the only mass produced outboards that do not require a break in of some sort, straight out of the box. I would triple check to be sure of any procedures for your Suzuki.

correct about the etec.even extra oiling is taken care of via the computer.

 

[speed_demon]

Re: breaking in new motor

Don't baby it too much if it's a 4-stroke. You need good cylinder pressure to seat the piston rings correctly before the cylinder hone is polished away.