new mercury break in

[popsmazz1]

I just bought a new 3.5hp merc. the manual says to break it in for 10hrs, run it at no more than half speed for the first hr. then no more than 3/4 for the second hr. then not to run it at full speed for the next 8hrs. for no more than 5 min. is this really what people do? seems like it is alot to do. I have bought new engines like snow blowers, lawnmowers, cars, never had to break them in like that, are they just trying to find a loophole to void the warranty? or is there a good reason behind this?

 

[quicktach]

Re: new mercury break in

Mechanically, it's a wise idea to do this. Gives everything a chance to seat/wear/fit together and adjust itself. Takes some patience, but it's worth it. Use good quality oil too.

 

[Lurch77]

Re: new mercury break in

Some food for thought: I don't know if the little engines have this feature. My OptiMax 75 has the same break-in recommendations. The engine computer logs all run time, RPM, etc. I was told that if the break-in recommendations are not followed, and the engine fails, the warranty may be denied if they see I did not break it in properly and the problem was caused by this.

 

[tazrig]

Re: new mercury break in

You don't have to break any other kind of motor like a boat motor because no other kind of motor is under the kind of non stop strain that a boat engine is. You have the factory recommendations the rest is up to you...:facepalm:

 

[eggs712]

Re: new mercury break in

Only lawn equipment takes a beating like boat motors, which is why even the commercial grade stuff like I have for my business is considered high quality if it can survive only a few short years of constant use at the high RPMs and loads I put it through.