Almost all well-known outboard motor manufacturers recommend that a new outboard be properly run-in before testing its full power and ultimate performance.
Running in a new outboard motor is a gradual reworking of the crankshaft with bearings, cylinders, piston rings and gears. According to experts, this procedure is necessary primarily in order to gradually prepare all engine units for full, many hours of operation.
The Basics of Proper Boat Engine Break-in
During the first break-in, it is not recommended to overload the boat, use the motor at maximum speeds, and also engage in towing of other boats, move at high speeds in strong currents and high waves. Violation of these recommendations can lead not only to a reduction in the service life of the engine, but also cause its failure.
During the first break-in, only mixtures with a high oil content should be used as fuel. The manufacturer, as a rule, indicates all the corresponding proportions in the engine operating instructions. Upon completion of the run-in, the spark plugs and oil in the engine gearbox should be replaced.
The quieter you go, the further you'll get
On average, running in one outboard motor should take 6-10 hours. It is necessary to start driving during break-in only after the engine is completely warmed up at idle speed. The speed should be picked up gradually, making sure that the engine speed is not too intense. Among other things, during the running-in process of a two-stroke motor, it is not advisable to move at the same speed for a long time.
Roughly the same applies to boat owners with new four-stroke engines. Manufacturers of such power units recommend for some time after starting the engine to continue driving only at minimum speed and only gradually increase their number, bringing it to 3000-4000 rpm. With further running-in, you should move at a different number of revolutions, but do not force it unnecessarily.
Based on the foregoing, the main thing in the correct running-in of two-stroke and four-stroke engines is to gradually increase the engine load, which will facilitate better oil access to the interface zones and more intensive washing out of wear products from the points of greatest friction. In other words, by moving smoothly, you can give the engine a chance to rest.
When running around a new boat engine, it is necessary to have some measuring instrument available, in particular a speedometer, a tachometer, a temperature gauge, a GPS navigator. With the help of these devices, you can accurately measure the speed of movement, fix the number of revolutions, temperature conditions of the engine.
