new lower unit break in

**birddog one** · 09-08-2014, 06:46 AM

Had a new SEI lower unit on my 175 evenrude. Would putting muffs or the lower unit in a tank and letting it run in gear for the first 5 hours work?

**"G"** · 09-08-2014, 06:50 AM

Needs to be ran in the lake under load at varying speeds to break in properly. I sure would not run on mutts for over a few minutes.

**birddog one** · 09-08-2014, 06:57 AM

got it 5 hours on the lake at low rpms not fish just doesn't sound like much fun.

**kyjohn** · 09-08-2014, 07:05 AM

I agree with G .. not a good idea to run with muffs for a long period of time. Also, I've been told by a mechanic to not run the motor at much more than an idle with muffs.

**Barnacle Bill** · 09-08-2014, 07:33 AM

Originally Posted by kyjohn

I agree with G .. not a good idea to run with muffs for a long period of time. Also, I've been told by a mechanic to not run the motor at much more than an idle with muffs.

This is very true.

**wilbur** · 09-09-2014, 04:45 PM

Whats there to break in on a lower unit? Nothing but bearings and gears.

**"G"** · 09-09-2014, 04:53 PM

You have to break the gears in by running about five hrs. And varying your speed. Then drain and change the lower unit oil to get rid of metal particles from break in. They claim the lower unit break in is just as important as the engine break in.

**Clear Solution** · 09-28-2014, 07:58 PM

Sei lowers have poorly machined parts. You need to idle them to allow them to "wear" into the pattern of the other components. The $899 (for big lowers-what I priced) looks good, but in my application (running 100 miles offshore, 30' and twin 250 merc optimax) I couldn't take the chance. For small boats, like under 3000 pounds and 200hp, you should be fine.

Pack up the portable BBQ, pack some drinks and go on a scouting mission.

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