Hinkle Marine Outboard Powerheads & Lower Units

PowerHead Break In Procedure: All Powerheads that are NOT DFI.(DFI:optimax/Fitch/E-TEC)

DFI engines have computers that need to be programmed to allow the correct amount of oil for breakin. Do not put the oil in your gas tank for DFI engines. You MUST set the computer for breakin. The rest of the breakin procedure besides the oil should be followed for DFI engines.

The first 10 hours of operation

• Double your oil with a major manufacturer TCW-3 Oil.
• Use 92-94 Octane Fuel from a major manufacturer.
• Do not use fuel with alcohol as an additive.

Initial Break-In & Warm Up Procedure

• Allow 1 hour at idle speed only for break-in of new pistons or rings.
• Avoid continuous full throttle operation for the first 10 hours of operation.
• Liquid cooled engines require that the engine be brought gradually to normal operating temperature to avoid cold seizure resulting from pistons expanding faster than the cylinder liner.

RPM Recommendations

• DO NOT RUN ENGINE AT CONSTANT RPM FOR PROLONGED PERIODS OF TIME.
• After gradually bringing engine to normal operating temp., operate engine in gear at approx. 1500 RPM for 20 minutes.
• Operate in gear at no more than 3000 RPM for the next 60 minutes.
• Cruise at 3/4 throttle or less for the next 4 hours.
• Occasionally reduce throttle to idle speed for a cooling period.
• During the final hours of break-in you can operate at full throttle for periods of 2 minutes or less.
• Re-torque the heads after 10 hours of operation. (V6 OMC: 20ft lbs / V6 Merc: 40 ft lbs)

Note:

• Use only enough throttle to plane your vessel and then throttle back to below 3000 RPM.
• Avoid operating in the 3000-4000 RPM range at all times during the 10 hour break-in period.
• During the 6th hour of break-in, plane boat quickly and then throttle back to maintain minimum plane speed.
• During this 6th hour, you can throttle up to 3/4 throttle for 1-2 minutes, then return to minimum planing speed.

Carefully following these instructions will aid in the proper break-in of your rebuilt powerhead assembly.

Lower Unit Break In Procedure: All Powerheads with ALL Hsp.

Initial Break-In & Warm Up Procedure

• Allow 1 hour at idle speed only for break-in of new gears and bearings.
• Avoid continuous full throttle operation for the first 10 hours of operation.

RPM Recommendations

• DO NOT RUN ENGINE AT CONSTANT RPM FOR PROLONGED PERIODS OF TIME.
•For the first 5 hours do not run a constant RPM. Vary the RPM's every 5 minutes or so. Do not exceed 75% throttle for the first 5 hours. Shift into forward and reverse a minimum of 10 times in the first 5 hours. For hours 5-10 you should do short runs at full throttle. After 10 hours normal operation can resume. Change the gear lube between 10 and 20 hours.
• During the final hours of break-in you can operate at full throttle for periods of 2 minutes or less.

Note:

• Use only enough throttle to plane your vessel and then throttle back to below 3000 RPM.

Products