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Engine Break-In Procedures
Although your engine has experienced a minimum of one hour of test operations to ensure
accurate assembly and proper operation of all systems, break-in time is required. The service
life of your engine is dependent upon how the engine is operated and serviced during its initial
50 hours of use.
Your new engine requires approximately 50 hours of initial conditioning operation to break in
each moving part in order to maximize the performance and service life of the engine. Perform
this conditioning carefully, keeping in mind the following:
1. Start the engine according to the "Starting Procedure" section found on page 46; run the
engine at fast idle while checking that all systems (sea water pump, oil pressure, battery
charging) are functioning.
2. Allow the engine to warm up (preferably by running at fast idle) until the water temperature
gauge moves into the 130-140' F range.
3. While using the vessel, run the engine at varying engine speeds for the first 25 hours.
4. Avoid rapid acceleration, especially with a cold engine.
5. Use caution not to overload the engine. The presence of a gray
or
black exhaust, and
the inability of the engine to reach its full rated speed, are signs of an overload.
6.
During the next 25 hours, the engine may be operated at varying engine speeds, with
short runs at full rated rpm.
Avoid prolonged idling during this break-in period.
Breaking-in a new engine basically involves seating the piston rings to the cylinder walls. This
cannot be accomplished by long periods of running at Idle, nor by early running at full rpm.
Idle running may glaze the cylinder walls, resulting in excessive oil consumption and smoky
operation. Excessive speed or heavy overloading, especially with a cold engine, may cause
scoring of the cylinder walls, producing similar results.
As indicated above, operate the engine in moderation during the 50-hour break-in period. (Don't
baby the engine, but do not abuse it.)
50
Westerbeke Diesel Engines
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