How to break in Merc OptiMax?

[WalleyeRanger]

Anyone know the rules for breaking in a new Merc Opti Max Digital????

[mrducks]

I was told to run it beteen 3000 and 4200 rpms with the motor all the way down--no trim for one hour with no more than 10 minutes any one time at the same rpm's! Then go for it!!

[Bigeye]

Here are the instructions I received with mine.First hour of operation:Allow engine to warm-up for 30-60 seconds. Avoid continuous operation at idle speed for more than ten minutes. Run the engine the majority of time between 3000 and 4500 RPM, approximately three quarter throttle. Vary engine speed; change engine speed approximately every 2 minutes. Avoid trimming the outboard out [up] beyond a vertical trim position during operation. Short bursts of full throttle for periods up to 10 seconds are acceptable. Next three hours of operation: Change engine speed every 10 minutes. Worked for me , the dealer said you will know it is broken in when your oil consumption is cut in half.

[Sorry to be Rude]

Read the owners manual and ask your dealers head mechanic. Heck, go to www.mercurymarine and call them to find out!! Have you ever had a boat before?

[Ron]

Sometimes manuals aren't provided at all, and if they are they may be written poorly. I think that the individual who asked the question got some good information from the respondees. I'll have mine in about a month and will be glad to share my experiences.

[Pat]

Who in the world did you buy this motor from ?

[Joel B.]

Read the owner's manual!!!

Joel B.

[walleyegal]

Read the owener's manual. It is very important to follow the exact instructions, not only for warranty issues, but for accurate resale value. It doesn't take that long to actually read the directions-- you will find it especially helpful if you are running the digital gauges.

[rmblam]

I broke mine in as per the mfr on p.43 of the manual. Myself, I watched the rpm's and bumped it about 200 rpm every 30sec or so. Vary the speed like this for over an hour. After that your good to go. You MUST break it in properly or you will void your warranty if you have any problems related to improper break in. How will they know? The optimax has a computer control center that records your rpm's over time. At any time this info can be retrieved. Enjoy your new motor. They are awesome!

[Lance Lemmen]

The reason for keeping your motor untrimmed or tucked in, is that running the motor in this position tells the motor's computer to mix the gas with a double ratio of oil. Trimming the motor up negates this command. Upon reaching the 8 hour breakin period and trimming your motor the double oil mix ratio will cease. It is very important NOT to trim the motor during the breakin period.

[fishin_fool]

Bigeye obviously read his owners manual. varying the rpm from 3000-4500 for the first hour is the correct procedure. At least that is what my owners manual says. when you consider the cost of one of these moters, I would'nt think of breaking one in without personaly reading the owners manaul.

[Mr walleye]

GETT RID OF IT IT'S A PEICE OF #####! BELIVE ME I USED TO HAVE ONE