I am hoping to take the porta-bote out this weekend and start breaking in the new nissan 5hp 4 cycle. The manual is very brief concerning how to break it in-it just gives the hours and speed to run it. So what else do I need to know about how to take care and break in my motor so I don't screw it up? I am a rookie and have no experience with outboards so any advice is much appreciated. Thanks
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3]Run it full throttle for two hours right out of the box. It'll be broke real good! NO DON"T DO THAT! [/size][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3]Just follow the directions.Your Nissan owner's manual is very specific as to how long and how much throttle you should give it during the break in period. As I recall, the break-in for Nissans took about 20hrs? The first hour is just idling around, then no more than half throttle, then full throttle for no longer than a couple minutes, etc.[/size][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3]You won't hurt it by adding a little richer oil to gas mixture. You may need to replace a plug though.On my rebuilt Johnson Ocean Pro 115 hp, it is recommended to run the oil at double the normal ratio (which is 50:1 even though my has oil injection) for the first tank. (does that mean my 50 gallon main tank or a 6 gallon plastic tank? DOH!)[/size][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3]My Mercury 4-stroke had very little break-in period.(even though just idled around for the first 10 hrs trolling).[/size][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3]Every manufaturer has their specs and procedures, so be sure and follow Nissan's owner's manual to the letter or you may void the warranty.[/size][/font]
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The worst part about the break in period is the time it takes to drive the engine around at the various throttle settings.
The trolling speeds are fine, but I cant stand driving around a lake at half throttle forever while I could be fishing. You end up taking your boat out one or two times without doing any fishing at all.
Is the break in that serious? I dont know, but like BLM said, its not wise to take any chances and void your warranty.
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I bought a Johnson 6HP new in about '88. The instructions for it called for mostly low speeds with short bursts at higher speed but not full throttle until after the break in period. But the thing I wanted to mention the most is that is clearly stated to vary the throttle speed so that you didn't run at the exact same speed, until it was broken in.
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The reason you want to break it in by the book is because you won't be bringing it back to us for warranty work. So follow the directions of those who are offering you the warranty.
The only other thing I can add to what's already been said is to not use synthetic oil as it won't break in. You want to use petrol-based oil first until break-in is complete. And follow the mfg's recommended oil change intervals. Then when the break-in is complete, you can replace the oil with synthetic.
Lots of good advice here ,follow what the others have said and i think you will ok porta.One thing i want to bring up is to keep a close eye on your water flow.watch for that steady stream of water comeing out.On your model i dont know if it comes out the side or the back,on my merc it comes out the side.BLM i know what you mean about the directions for break-in being a little confusing.I did double up on the oil also for the first tank (25 gals) it what the dealer said to do also.Good luck with the new motor ,porta....
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