Westerbeke 12C-TWO Operators Manual And Installation Manual page 35

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:
I.
Start the engine according to the "STARTING PROCEDURE" section. 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
0
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 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.)
35 Westerbeke Engines