Any new engine requires at the first stage gentle operating modes for the “running-in” of its individual parts. However, failure to fulfill this condition is unlikely to seriously damage a good power unit. Proceeding from this, the question of whether running the outboard motor in general and how exactly to produce it is appropriate. The answer is extremely simple: failure to comply with the requirements of the instructions (where running-in is mandatory) will void the engine warranty. Well, besides this, by correctly “breaking in” a new motor, you may significantly increase its service life.
Running in the outboard motor
If for some reason the seller or his service did not “run-in” the new motor, it should be done independently, following the diagram below:
- The first fifteen minutes we warm up the engine idling. In this case, it is necessary to audit the operation of the cooling system. The control "stream" of coolant should not be interrupted, but should go in a steady stream. If the cooling system is in order, you can proceed to the next step.
- The second stage lasts up to two hours of engine operation. Here, let’s say “gas” for half the stroke of the handle, which should be no more than 3500 rpm. Every ten to fifteen minutes you should change the engine speed, but do not exceed the above limit. As in the first stage, special attention should be paid to the uniformity of the control jet stream.
- The third stage. Raise the engine speed to 2/3 of the handle stroke (4500 rpm). Every fifteen minutes we manipulate the "gas" within the above limits. In this mode, the outboard motor should be run-in within two hours.
- The fourth stage. For three hours, periodically for one two minutes we give full throttle, and then reset it to three quarters of the stroke of the handle.
As in the previous stages, we try to change the speed every fifteen minutes and do not forget about the control of the water pump. After the running-in of the outboard motor is over, you should avoid constant work at full throttle for a while (3-4 hours). You also need to try to manipulate revolutions every fifteen minutes. The maximum permissible values recommended by the manufacturer should not be exceeded. Then you need to carry out maintenance, replace the oil in the gearbox, check the compression. That's it, the run-in is complete.
Features of running some motors
Break-in of the Yamaha outboard motor is carried out with the addition of oil in excess of the norm. In the first ten hours of engine operation, the ratio of the mixture of fuel and this liquid should be 1/50.
Similarly, with a high oil content in the fuel mixture, the Mercury outboard motor should be run-in, but with a different ratio - 1/25. In both cases, these engines must not be started outside the water. This can lead to failure of the cooling system. And one more thing: if these motors are run-in in the cold season, it will be advisable to put more “hot” spark plugs, which should prevent the formation of soot on them due to the increased oil content in the mixture.
General rule
Replace only with engine oil recommended by the manufacturer. Its expendable volume is small, and saving here is completely pointless. Moreover, there is a risk of damage to the engine or loss of warranty on it.