Break‑In
Initial Break‑In Procedure
It is especially important that the following procedure be used on new diesel engines. This break‑in procedure allows the proper
seating of the pistons and rings, which greatly reduces the likelihood of problems.
IMPORTANT: It is recommended that the boat not be accelerated hard until this procedure has been completed.
IMPORTANT: Never operate the starter motor longer than 15‑seconds at a time to avoid overheating the starter motor. If the
engine does not start, wait approximately 60‑seconds to allow the starter motor to cool; then, repeat the starting procedure.
1.
See the appropriate Starting, Shifting, and Stopping section, and start the engine. Operate the engine at a fast idle until
it has reached normal operating temperature.
2. Operate the engine in gear for three‑minutes at 1200 RPM, 2400 RPM, and 3000 RPM.
3. Operate the engine in gear for three‑minutes at 1500 RPM, 2800 RPM, and 3400 RPM.
4. Operate the engine in gear for three‑minutes at 1800 RPM, 3000 RPM, and maximum rated full throttle RPM.
Sterndrive 10‑Hour Break‑In Period (New or With Replacement Gears)
It is important that the following procedure be used on new sterndrives and rebuilt sterndrives with new replacement gears. This
break‑in procedure allows the proper seating of the sterndrive gears and related components, which greatly reduces the
likelihood of problems.
• Avoid full‑throttle starts.
• Do not operate at any constant speed for an extended period of time.
• Do not exceed 75% throttle during the first five‑hours. During the next five‑hours, operate at intermittent full throttle.
• The sterndrive should be shifted into forward gear a minimum of 10 times during break‑in, with run‑in time at moderate
RPM after each shift.
Engine Break‑In
20-Hour Break-In Period
IMPORTANT: The first 20 hours of operation is the engine break‑in period. Correct break‑in is essential to obtain minimum oil
consumption and maximum engine performance. During this break‑in period, the following rules must be observed:
• Do not operate below 1500 RPM for extended periods of time for the first 10 hours. Shift into gear as soon as possible after
starting, and advance the throttle above 1500 RPM if conditions permit safe operation.
• Do not operate at any constant speed for an extended period of time.
• Do not exceed 3/4 throttle during the first 10 hours. During the next 10 hours, occasional operation at full throttle is
permissible (in five‑minute intervals).
• Avoid full‑throttle acceleration from an idle.
• Do not operate at full‑throttle until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
• Check engine oil level frequently. Add oil as needed. High oil consumption is normal during the break‑in period.
•
At the end of the 20‑hour break‑in period, change the engine oil and filter as specified. Refer to Specifications and
Maintenance.
After the 20-Hour Break-In Period
To help extend the life of the power package, Mercury Diesel recommends the following:
• Select a propeller that functions efficiently throughout the recommended engine powerband for a fully‑loaded boat. Refer to
Specifications and Maintenance.
• Never operate at wide‑open throttle for prolonged periods. Operation at 3/4 throttle and below is recommeneded.
End of First Season Checkup
At the end of the first season of operation, contact an authorized Mercury Diesel repair facility regarding scheduled
maintenance items. If the product is operated on a continuous, or year‑round basis, contact the dealer at the end of the first 100
hours of operation or once yearly, whichever occurs first.
Section 2 - On The Water
90-8M0145546 eng MAY 2018 Page 31
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