Engine Break-In Procedure; Starting The Engine - Mercury 135 Optimax User Manual

Engine Break‑in Procedure
Severe damage to the engine can result by not complying with the Engine Break‑in Procedure.
GASOLINE/OIL BREAK-IN MIXTURE
NOTE: Do not use pre‑mixed gas and oil during break‑in. Use straight gasoline during engine break‑in and after
engine break‑in.
The engine break‑in procedure for an OptiMax outboard is important to ensure proper performance and maximum
life from the engine. The following break‑in procedure allows the internal engine parts to wear‑in evenly. Incorrect
engine break‑in can shorten the engine life.
The engine automatically receives extra oil during the first hours of operation. For most boaters this extra oil mode
will be complete in about ten hours.
BREAK-IN PROCEDURE
1. For the first hour of operation, allow the engine to warm up for 30‑60 seconds.
a. Run the engine at varied throttle settings, the majority of the time between 3000 and 4500 RPM or
three‑quarter throttle.
b. Change engine speed approximately every two minutes, and avoid continuous operation at idle speed
for more than ten minutes. Short bursts of full throttle for periods up to ten seconds are acceptable.
c. Avoid trimming the outboard out (up) beyond a vertical trim position during operation.
NOTE: It is the driver's responsibility to always drive in a safe manner. Improper trim angle of the outboard when
driving at speed can be difficult and dangerous. The purpose of specifying trim angle is to help guide the operator
in determining how to put the propel load on the engine. They are intended to be guidelines and do not suggest
or require unsafe boat operation.
2. For the next three hours of operation, change engine speed every ten minutes.

Starting The Engine

Before starting, read the Pre‑Starting Check List, Special Operating Instructions, and Engine Break‑in Procedure
in the Operation Section.
Never start or operate your outboard (even momentarily) without water circulating through all the cooling water
intake holes in the gearcase to prevent damage to the water pump (running dry) or overheating of the engine.
1. Lower the outboard to the vertical operating position. Make sure all cooling water intake holes are
submerged.
OPERATION
CAUTION
!
CAUTION
!
30
ob01079