Breaking in a new kicker

[El Toro]

What do you think... can I perform the "10-hour break in period" in a gabage can filled with water? Or is driving the boat my only option?

[FastActionRodTip]

No
Yes

do not break it in out of the water...you need to put it under a load to properly seat in the internals. I believe most manuals state this as well. Follow the manual instructions.

[OTH]

Yeah, I agree with FastActionRodTip. How you break in the motor is very important. I know it is boring running around with only the kicker, at different RPM's, none of which are good trolling speeds, but, how you treat the motor in it's first 10 hours will determine how it treats you over the next several hunderd. And of course, don't forget that first 10 hour oil change.

[Herring Impaired]

You can do like I did when I installed my new Yamaha T8, Dunk your boat in closed waters, and start "Trolling".

The looks I got were hilarious! :shocked:

[Okie]

Herring Impaired;
Has it correct. Breaking in a new engine in this modern times is superpulous, Not neccesary.

Good Luck

[Starfish]

Herring Impaired;
Has it correct. Breaking in a new engine in this modern times is superpulous, Not neccesary.

Good Luck

I don't think that that's what Herring Impaired meant, although HI will have to speak for himself. I certainly don't agree that no break-in is needed... I'd say follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Once you're past the part of the break-in that requires limiting the RPMs, I've heard that it's a good idea to "run it like you stole it" and get the motor heated up enough to seat the rings. Otherwise you might end up with a kicker that "makes oil" due to gasoline vapors blowing past the rings into the crankcase. (Obviously only a problem for 4 strokes). Starting immediately with just trolling on a new kicker (no break-in)is a bad idea becaue the temperature will never get high enough.

[boater]

i usualy put about 15 easy minutes on them then run them hard like 3/4 to full throttle for about an hour and they have always ran good after doing that.

[Mr. Carp]

Put gas in it and turn the throttle wide open and let her scream....

[Herring Impaired]

I don't think that that's what Herring Impaired meant, although HI will have to speak for himself.

And I will. I did break in my New T8 according to the manufacturers instructions. One hour at 1/3rd throttle followed by another hour at 1/2. It then states that the following 8 hours should be at varying throttle positions. So when I am trolling, I goose the gas and change up the speeds. Good idea anyway....

My original comment referred to the timing of breaking in my engine. It was done on the columbia when salmon/steelhead fishing was closed. I had a few boats slow down and check me out pretty good.... :whazzup:

[Okie]

All engines should be operated at fairly low RPM until they reach operating temperature. After that you can use them like you would normally use them. New or old engines this rule should always apply.

Good Luck;