Bass Fishing Forum - Westernbass.com

I have heard a lot of discrepency's about how to properly break in a motor. I pick up my new boat on Friday and being brand new and never having to break in a motor I am looking for some suggestions, the motor is a Mercury 175 Optimax, dont want to blow the thing up so I need some advice thanks in advance

cleb19

From what i heard never hold it at one rpm and speed,Adjust the rpms and speed,Just what i heard so some else will know the actual break in routine.

Call Phillip at C&C Marine. They are very helpful. (916)729-0590. I believe that it is a 10 hr break in period. Probably the first three hours are the critical time. Take the boat out and just drive the boat for three hours. Vary the RPM and don't go over 4000 Rpm. Make sure it is trimmed correctly and make sure you have good water pressure. Don't hold it wide open till the 10 hr mark.

Why not read the manual and break it in to the mfr's recommendations? After all Mercury is the one you have to make happy for any warranty work...

when I broke my motor in, the first two hours were constant running between 2500 and 3500 RPM. Once you get thru the first two hours, then it was varied RPM until the 10 hour mark with an OCCASIONAL burst of 5000 to WOT. After that and a 20 hr. check-up, it was game on.

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Scott Shambre
FOLSOM BASS LEAGUE
www.folsombassleague.com
www.rangerboats.com

Hey Cleb; What comes attached to that Opti 175?What is your new boat going to be?Always follow the manufactures book on break in procedures.

It's been 5+ years since I broke mine in but I think Scott has it right from what I remember. Add to that, keep the motor trimmed completely down so it puts the greatest load on the motor during the first 4 hours... Mine came with very specific break in instructions and I'm sure yours will too. 1-2 hours varied low rpms, hours 3-4 varied higher RPM'S with very short bursts (5 seconds or so)WOT.. still trimmed all the way down.. after 4 hours I think your good to go, trim it out and all, just try not to keep it pinned for extended runs, the on board computer injects extra oil up to hour 20 just to keep you safe

Cafish the boat is a new basscat, thanks guys i will read the manual very closley, hey cafish you get your boat out of the shop yet.


cleb19

I would agree with following the manufacturer's schedule. But, if you're not happy with that, here is what Lyle Gossett told me to run after doing some repair on my Yamaha.

2 hours at idle
2 hours just on plane at 2~3K
2 hours at 3~4K
2 hours at 4~5K
2 hours at over 5K

And vary rpm at all speeds above idle every 30 seconds.

Doesn't anyone have a manual they could look in for this guy rather than say what you think might be the case or some mecanic told you... Mercury has set guidelines for a reason and if you break them, they may not fix your broken motor!

What is the proper break-in procedure for an OptiMax outboard?

Break-in is important to insure correct engine performance and life. Follow the procedure listed in the Operation, Maintenance and Warranty Manual. Generally, for the first two hours we recommend avoiding extended periods of idle or wide-open throttle, or holding the engine at one speed for extended periods of time. New two-stroke engines require additional oil during break-in; OptiMax engines use programming inside the computer to increase the oil mixture during the specified break-in period.

Break-in procedures are described in the Operation, Maintenance and Warranty Manual supplied with each engine. Use the Bookshelf link on the Mercury Dockstore page if you need to place an order for a replacement manual.

http://northamerica.mercurymarine.com/s ... imax.php#1

Awesome info Ron, im reading up on it now, can't wait till the new boat arrives and I can break in the new 225 Pro XS

Thanks guys for all the info like I said i pick the boat up on thursday so ill be breaking it in on friday saturday sunday so if im getting this right I will be able to run the boat however I please after the break in period of 10 hours right thanks

cleb

Is the 175 on A Sabre? What prop and are you running A jack plate? My 150 Opti break in was exactly what Big Daddy Blue Ranger said. Keep the engine trimmed all the way down is probably the most important to keep the pressure on the motor. You will go through A LOT of fuel and oil during the break in period so fiil it up. But after that you will have the BEST 18'boat on the market. Please inform us of your number after you break it in. My 150 Opti Sabre 23 Temptest Plus goes by 185 Rangers with 175 Opti all of the time and if I put the 25 Temptest Plus I can play with the Rangers running 200 Optis. YOU WILL LOVE YOUR NEW BASSCAT!!!!!!

Terry

I will be running with the 25 tempest prop, I pick up the boat tommorrow night it is a Sabre Brand New, never had gas in it nor touched the water, Ill let you know how it goes I heard these boats are fast WEll see

cleb

Sent you A PM hope you got it. My partner and I will be at Berryessa this Saturday if you would like to hook up to get that boat broke in some. I live in the Sacramento area right off HWY 99 and Calvine.

Terry

P.S. how many times did you get up last night just to look at your new boat????

I got up a lot just to check it out put all my tackle in and out twice Im bad really bad.

cleb