Hello,
I have seen several threads recommending breaking in new engines. What would constitute proper breaking in for most new Modern engines , specifically MTH?
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Oil the engine as instructed in the manual. Prime the smoke unit (if equipped) with 20 to 30 drops of smoke fluid. On the first run, I usually run backward for a minute and then forward for a minute. Then the first couple of trips around the main I run without sound and pretty slow, around 3 to 5 SMPh, then watch & listen carefully for any mechanical binding or other oddities.
I usually run the engine slowly without sound before lubrication and watch/listen for any signs of binding. Then I give it a little, maybe 10-15 mins of run time and see how it runs. Then I do a proper lubrication and away we go. I do this because first, the lubrication can mask a binding issue and I'd rather catch it early than down the road when it's become worse, and second, if there's an issue right out of the box, it's less of a mess to inspect/send back the engine.
