break in

[reel drag]

can anybody tell me if there is a break in period for a brand new inboard/ outboard? I am sure the dealer can tell me, but I'm trying to plan ahead.

[Hot Reels]

I repowered in 07 with a brand new 383 MPI Stroker, I believe the break-in period was at least 10 hours of nothing over 3/4 throttle and no steady RPM's. (trolling)

Dave

[W.W.IV.]

If I remember that far back they called for about 20hours break in on my inboards. Thats about four trips from Rochester to the Niagara.. Its like forever. LoL.

[rail bird]

I was told on an out board to go about 20 hours. Not wide open and also to vary the speed. Don't look into a particular rpm.

[Silver Fox]

I don't know the exact # of hours but yes you will need to vary speeds. Also it's pretty boring unless you can troll at 15mph.

[seasquirrel]

10 hour break in. No more than 3/4 throttle until 10 hours. No one constant speed for more than 20 minutes. Do not troll until you meet the 10 hour break in period and then change the oil.

[reel drag]

Thanks to all for your input. It will be a boring time!!!

[Gill-T]

Break-in with regular oil, then you can use a synthetic.

[sandman2]

I just repowered last year and was told by the engine builder that with the tolerances as close as they are now a days, the only breakin on the engine was put the idle at 1500rpm for 15 minutes in neutral to get a wear pattern on the cam. After that you are done with breakin. However, the same isn't true for the outdrive. The outdrive manufacturer want a ten hour breakin, varying the speeds every 20-30 minutes and nothing over 3/4 throttle for the full ten hours. They don't want the whole time to be trolling, instead vary the speed and burn some gas.

[alloutdoorsman]

Drive it like you stole it!!! Run the motor like your going to use it but dont idle(troll) with it for the first 5 to 10 hours and change oil after 10 hours and good to go!

[L&M]

Well I wasn't going to post a reply to this thread because I figured there would be to many that disagreed with me. Run it at 800 to 1800 hundred for a 1/2 an hour or so at the dock with no load varying back and forth to beak in the cam, lifters, and rings. Change the oil with a new filter and if you already didn't at start up initially, fill the new filter with oil before you install it before restart. ( if possible that should be done at every oil change ). Then as allout said run the dang thing varying rpm's & speed on plane for 4 ta 5 hrs and have at it with your normal trolling & engine maintenance after that

I'm sure J'Bill will chime in here as well.

[Rob]

Do you guys break in your new car or truck engines - of course not.

I agree with L&M.

[seasquirrel]

I just repeated what was told to me from my marine mechanic. Break it in anyway you see fit. By the way, you cant compare the load placed on an automobile with that placed on a boat. Marine engines are subjected to loads that most auto engines never experience.

[jekyll]

Do you guys break in your new car or truck engines - of course not.

I agree with L&M.

Of course I do. I break in aircraft engines, chain saw engines, car/truck/motorcycle engines, boat engines etc. per the manufacturers recommendations. I've never had an engine of any type prematurely fail or use excessive oil in any equipment. Maybe I'm lucky or blessed or maybe proper break in does help to ensure better service.

Why not follow the manufacturers' recommended proceedures. After all, they are the designers, manufacterers and testers. They have a vested interest in their engines providing good service to thier customers.

[Rob]

jeky I am being sarcastic, I would buy any of your used engines, you are the exception to the rule.

Most people don't think about whats going on under the cover, just turn the key and go.

I have 220,000 miles on my truck and the service dept. always try to sell me special high mileage oil. I ask them how did I get this many miles in the first place with normal 10w-30 all these years? They just look at me funny.