Motor break in period?

[Locator79]

This may sound like a silly question, but I thought maybe you folks could help. I have never owned a brand new motor before, only 2nd hand ones. Im not sure I understand the break in period from my owners manual. Says I should run half throttle for so many hours, then 3/4, then less than 3/4. Does this mean thats the only way to operate until its broke in? Should I not run full throtle till after break in? Hope somebody can clarify this for me. Thanks in advance. Lots of good info, and good people willing to help on this site. I have not been a member for very long, but I really enjoy this site.

[DADAKOTA]

Do not mess up the break in. It is sooooo very important. If the manual says don't run at full throttle then resist the urge and do not do it. Each manufacturer is different in regard to break in. Call your dealer and discuss it if you have questions. After my breakin period I ran another tank of double oil just to be safe. It can be a pain, but it is so important. Take your time and do it right.

[Quackrstackr]

Every engine model/configuration is different. The Etechs are different from the Optimax, all regular two stroke manufacturers say something different, the 4 strokes are different still.

I would follow exactly what your manual says. It sounds like you have read it correctly.

New engine breakin isn't a lot of fun. Everybody wants to see what their new rig will do.

I'm going through the same thing myself. I have a new 90hp Merc. that called for varying rpms between 1/2 to 3/4 throttle every two minutes for the first hour along with double oil. The manual says the breakin is one hour but the website says no prolonged WOT or maintained rpm's for two. Who knows. I just filled the tank and went joy riding the first time I dropped mine in the water. I know I let 'er eat a couple of times after that first hour was up because I wanted to see what it would do. :D

I still have about a half hour to go to get the full 2 on mine. I'm sure it will see WOT several times this afternoon because I'm going to be testing props. It won't be maintained, though.

[skeetbum]

Most folks I have spoken to about breaking in a new motor took the boat and all things necessary to spend the break in period on the water and left all else home. That removed the temptation to hurry up and get this done so we can fish or whatever. 2 tanks of fuel takes a while to burn so patience is needed, but worth it in the long run. Lots of these folks ran offshore( uesd to live in fl) so a breakdown got pricey, and all was done "by the book". Good luck with the new ride, catch lots of fish.

[Barnacle Bill]

By all means follow the manufacturer's directions. Some of these newer motors have computers that record all that. I would imagine they could not honor the warranty if you didn't follow directions. Its important to break in those rings and bearings properly.

[crappiewishing]

Skeetum is giving some good advice. When i broke in my new motor my wife and I packed a picnic lunch and just went for a joy ride. I found alot brush that I over looked before. Break in time is good time to check out new areas for brush and other structure. Take your time and enjoy the GREAT OUTDOORS. cw

[ShilohRed]

Also not sure what motor you have. But most they can hook up and tell you how you ran it to break it in. And that can bite you if something happens and they say you did not break it in right.
Also I know on my Suzuki, And Yamaha I stated not to run at one speed all the time also. So adjust the speed back and forth. Good luck and take the time to do it like the manual shows. Also read the manual again. And if it does not show to run it wide open do not do it. If it shows after so lone you can open it up for a few minutes. Do that.
That is what i sure like about the new E-Tec. hammer it right out of the box. No breakin running on it.
pete

[BamaFan]

Some of these newer motors have computers that record all that.

They told me after the breakin to bring it by so they could check it out. They hooked the scanner to it and downloaded the RPM's, they could see exactly what I did during the breakin. Glad I went by the book, now it is recorded that I did it correctly. I also left all my stuff at home, just took out the boat for a couple hrs until the breakin was done.