Breaking in Merc 200 ProXS

Won’t let me upload pic of the sheet the mechanic gave me so I’ll list what is written on it:

1) For the first hour of operation, allow engine to warm up for 30-60 seconds

2) Run engine at varied throttle settings, the majority of the time between 3000 & 4500 RPM or three-quarters throttle

3) Change engine speed approximately every 2 minutes, and avoid continuous operation at idle speed for more than 10 minutes. Short burst of full throttle for periods up to 10 seconds are acceptable.

4) Avoid trimming up beyond a vertical trim position during operation

5) For the next 3 hours of operation, change engine speed every 2 minutes.

6) Motor has to run 2 hours over 2500 RPM to kick out of break-in.


Now, I can’t say this is the most clear set of instructions. What is the first thing I need to do with this engine in order to break it in properly and then what is the next step?

It's simple. Just don't leave it at a constant speed or RPMs for any length of time. I always warm mine up for at least 5 minutes, sometimes 10min in winter, not neutral but in gear and idling out (in neutral you are only warming 4 cylinders). Don't run full throttle until you have a couple of hours on it, then, only very short busts of full throttle. Continue varying RPM's. Not for sure, but last time I broke a boat in it was double oil for first 10 hours, and break-in was considered complete at 20 hours....guess they don't require that anymore?

GL, and if you need help and are close to me, holler. I'll go out with ya...972-571-7513.

Okie

Actually, I’ll be breaking her in on Lewisville tomorrow and Wednesday for a few hours each day starting 2:15-2:30 if you want to meet me there. I launch from Little Elm Park.

From Mercury web site/owners manual, page 59.

Break‑in Procedure Always vary throttle settings during Break‑in 1st Hour • Allow engine to warm‑up for 30–60 seconds.
• Do not idle for more than five (5) minutes
• Run the engine the majority of the time between 4000–5400 RPM (approximately three quarter throttle).
• Change engine speed approximately every two (2) minutes.
• Avoid trimming the outboard out (up) beyond a vertical trim position during operation.
• Avoid using hydraulic jack plate (if equipped) to raise engine during break‑in cycle.
Next 3 Hours: Change engine speed every 10 minutes.

Go to the lake with the intention of doing nothing but driving around the lake to break in the motor.

For the first hour, don't touch the trim switch. You're going to do nothing but plow water. Drive the boat and change rpms every 2 minutes. I held my phone in my hand and used the stopwatch. I would drive at 3000 then 3200 then 3400, then 3600 etc. go up the tach and then back down. Do not go past 4500. Do this over and over for an hour.

During the first hour you can "bump the rev limiter" by going full throttle but not more than 10 seconds at a time. So each time you get to the top of the rpm range (4500) bump it to full throttle for 10 seconds. Then back to 4500 for a minute. Then full throttle for 10 seconds. Do this 3 times each time you cycle thru the rpms and get back to the 4500 cycle. These full throttle blasts will help seat the rings

For the next 3 hours do the same thing but now you can use the trim switch. You can also go all the way up to full Rpms.

The last statement is letting you know the computer will still register "break-in", doubling the oil, and whatever else the ECM tells it, until you have two hours logged over 2500 RPM.

i-fish.......left you a PM.