Engine break in?

[mnm99]

I'm in the process of buying a 2003 340 with re-powered 8.1 Horizon engines. As of right now one has 2.9 hrs and the other 3 hrs. From what I've read there is a 20 hr break in period. I need to keep it above 1500 rpm as much as possible and never over 75%. I feel this is going to be kinda hard since I have 5 mph wake zone to get out of my channel, a 15 min ride. I think I'm going to be around 1000-1200 rpm. When I sea trial I guess I'll find out. Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[Gary Hill]

The biggest thing is to vary the rpm. So while in the no wake zone bump it up and down once in a while.

 

[Billfletcher]

You probably know this, but your oil change will be early. Mine were done at 50 hours, but I don't know what yours will be. Good time to start a baseline with oil samples. Good luck with your 8.1's - great engines.

 

[dpvandy01]

when i bought my recent 185 the break-in was 20 hours but there was no stipulation on a LOW RPM range. Just that i didn't exceed the 75% MAX and I varied the RPM. It is a LOOOOOOONG 20 hours no matter what. Best of luck

 

[2000SR380]

The biggest thing is to vary the rpm. So while in the no wake zone bump it up and down once in a while.

What Gary said :0) Also, do not go long periods of time at any RPM until you are past the break-in hours. decelerating tends to pull oil up into the rings and helps them break in. You do not have to be a crazy person about this with wild sings in RPM's Just vary the rpm some as per Gary's recommendation.

 

[speakrdude]

Flat tappets really need, no-less-than 1200-1500 RPMS for oil to reach them sufficiently for the first few hours at least.

 

[Ottawamerc]

I just had my 5.7 rebuilt, bored to .30 over, new this, new that! I asked my re builder about a break in period and he said get it fired up right away and keep it at 1500RPM for 20 min. or more to break in the cam then drive it like normal. He also told me that the oil that he added during the build was fine for the first season and no need to change out early.

Scott

 

[geo737]

Adding to the cam break in question, here are a couple links (hope they work) about proper camshaft/lifter break in when running a flat tappet camshaft. Running a hydraulic roller camshaft, break is not as critical to the lubrication time requirements as a flat tappet cam. When I had the engine rebuilt for our boat, I went with a hydraulic roller and the builders advice was to vary the rpm's during the initial running to get a proper ring seat/break-in. I monitored the oil consumption during the ring break in time and now I'm at a point for the first oil change and ready to go from there. As is always the disclaimer-follow the manufacturers recommendations for break in times and type/spec of oil to be used



http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/ccrp-0702-break-in-new-cam/

http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/ccrp-1108-camshaft-break-in-guide/