Optimax engine break-in recommendations
ALWAYS READ THE INSTRUCTIONS IN YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL AND FOLLOW THEM!
Proper engine break-in is critically important to the performance, life and longevity of your engine.
In addition to (and in combination with) the manual recommendations, I would make the following recommendations:
-Quickleen should be utilized in EVERY tank of fuel.... from the FIRST TANK- to the LAST.
-Start engine and allow it to warm up to operating temperature. I strongly recommend the use of a Smartcraft Instrument, which will allow you to monitor and ensure that the engine reaches a MINIMUM of 120 degrees before accelerating above 1200 RPM's.
-During the first 1 hour of break-in, keep your engine trim "no higher" than "level trim". If you're running a hydraulic jackplate, keep the jackplate down as far as "safely" possible. This will help to load the engine, and promotes proper break-in.
-Make your first acceleration of the day GRADUALLY. Your target RPM for Breakin (per manual) is 4500-5500 RPM (approximately 3/4 throttle). In all honesty, RPM's between 4000-5000 RPM's are very suitable for break-in. Vary engine RPM's at least once every 2 minutes.
-During the first 3 hours of break-in, it is wise to plan a complete shut-down of the engine, while allowing the engine to completely cool down. This can be accomplished while you fish, or- if you prefer, by continuing your break-in on another outing. This "cooldown" is often referred to as a "HEAT CYCLE". I personally recommend a MINIMUM of ONE heat cycle during the first three hours of operation.
-It is ALWAYS wise to allow the engine to idle for approximately 60 seconds before shutdown. This allows engine temperature to stabilize within it's "thermostatic control" temperature range, and can help to extend your engine's life.
-After one hour of operation, FULL THROTTLE and additional trim may be used for SHORT RUNS (recommend five minutes or less).
-Continue to vary engine RPM's at least once every 5 minutes over the first 10 HOURS of operation.
-Once 10 hours have been reached, begin "NORMAL" operation.
-Recommended that engine be serviced at approximately 20 hours.
Footnote: These engines will continue to mechnically "wear-in" through approximately 40 hours runtime. Peak horsepower and torque are usually attained by the 40 hour mark (this is NOT a programmed event... it's simply due to the mechanical wear-in of moving components).
