Breaking In Procedures: Take Your Pick

[Bill Balch]

 

[Bill Balch]

Here's something I don't get. Given that breaking in a new motor is a big deal, why are there so many widely different understandings about what the proper procedure is? I mean, what is apparent is that many, maybe most of us, were given verbal instructions by the salesmen, hence the lack of uniformity. Why doesn't Tracker Marine provide its customers with a standard WRITTEN list of steps? Maybe they do, but I don't hear that from you. I didn't get one, although I followed the verbal instructions I received to the letter, and as far as I know they were valid instructions. But they differ quite a bit from what some others on this site have posted, in some cases a lot!



One member, Trepman, has posted a very good set of steps in the Grab Bag that he received from a dealer, but why isn't such a list universally available to all, if breaking in a new motor is really important? Maybe the motors come already pretty well broken in anyway.



Does anyone know of a problem with a Mercury motor that was improperly broken in? What would be the symptoms of an improperly broken in motor? I would really like to hear your views on this.



Thanks, Bill

 

[James D.]

Bill,



I've never had the pleasure of "breakin in" a new motor. Maybe over time as the new technology engines have come out there are different break in procedures with different types of motors. I wouldn't think that the break in procedures for a 40hp would be the same as a 200hp EFI or Optimax as the motor design and technologies are different. I don't know for sure. I would think that a new owner would receive the break in procedures in writing and also receive the information from the motor manufacturer. The manufacturer of the motor knows what needs to happen for proper break in. I would check with Mercury and see what they suggest as they know that motor better than Tracker or any salesperson and they are the one to back the warranty.



jd

 

[gone bye bye]

Different motors have different break ins. READ your owners manual. Contact the manufacturer if you dont understand it. Ultimately the manufacturer has final say in any warranty work, and you want to insure you do everything correctly to maximize your chances of coverage in the event of a failure.



Mini

 

[gone bye bye]

Even if your dealer "goes over it with you" make sure you READ the manual to see what the manufacturer recommends for your model motor. Nothing against salesmen, service reps, techs....etc. Mistakes do happen and you dont want your motor to be one of them.



Mini

 

[TOMMY RICH]

Bill..I was told 10 hours of double oil and varying throttle speed and NO outright WOT's. After that...run it the way you want..youll be fine.

TEE

 

[Bill Balch]

OK, that makes sense. Different motors, different years, different procedures. And I do have enough sense to read an owner's manual when one is provided. I've called my dealer several times to request a copy of the owner's manual. No luck. So now I'll go to both Tracker's and Mercury's websites and request a manual via email.



Thanks to all. Bill

 

[Bill Balch]

Called Tracker Marine. Got somebody's voice mail. Called Mercury Marine and talked to a service rep. He was very surprised I haven't received a user's manual for the motor. Said he preferred that I go back to the dealer and insist they order a manual for me. He looked up the specs on my 2003 Mercury 50 ELPTO and said double oil for first 10 hours, variable speed for first hour, no WOT. Return for maintenance after first 20 hrs. Said my two hour break-in was just fine, more than required by the manual. WOT OK now. Said in past years break-in procedures were more stringent. Procedures have been relaxed with new research and technology, just as some of you assumed.



I feel reassured. But it does seem odd to me that the amount of printed information I've received for a $12K plus boat is about one-third of what I got when I bought a $130 VCR. Go figure!



Thanks for all your help.



Bill

 

[TOMMY RICH]

Bill...even after that I took it easy as far as holdin' it wide open for long periods...I think it can only help the rings seat better and makes longevity better. Now it's just hammer down all the way. Set the water on fire....

TEE

 

[TOMMY RICH]

Hey Bill BTW...did you get that deck looked at?

TEE

 

[Bill Balch]

TEE, I think that's good advice about holding the throttle back for a while. I'm taking the boat over to Waypoint Marine in Austin this week to deal with the squeeky deck and to ask that an owner's manual be ordered if they don't have one. I know after working in a large urban school district for many years that sometimes you just have to get people's attention. Most people really do want to do the right thing, if given a chance.



And I sure don't intend to worry about every little dent and scratch. Just go fishing and don't sweat the small stuff because as somebody said, "It's all small stuff."



Bill