Specifications

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CE11
20-HOUR BREAK-IN PERIOD
IMPORTANT: The first 20 hours of operation is the engine break-in period. Correct break-in is essential
to obtain minimum oil consumption and maximum engine performance. During this break-in period, the
following rules must be observed:
• DO NOT operate engine below 1500 rpm for extended periods during the first 10 hours. During this period,
shift into gear as soon as possible after starting engine and advance throttle so that rpm is above 1500 (pro-
vided that conditions permit safe operation at this speed).
• DO NOT operate at any one constant speed for extended periods.
• DO NOT exceed 75% of full throttle during the first 10 hours except during engine Initial Break-In Procedure.
During the next 10 hours, occasional operation at full throttle (5 minutes at a time maximum) is permissible.
• AVOID full throttle acceleration from stopped position.
• DO NOT operate at full throttle until engine reaches normal operating temperature.
• OBSERVE INSTRUMENTS, if an abnormal reading occurs, stop engine immediately and determine cause.
• FREQUENTLY CHECK crankcase oil and sterndrive unit fluid levels. Add if necessary. It is normal for oil con-
sumption to be somewhat high during the break-in period.
• AT END OF 20-HOUR break-in period, remove break-in oil and replace oil filter. Fill crankcase with correct
grade and viscosity oil.
CD608
Sterndrive Unit 10-Hour Break-In Period
It is especially important that the following procedure be used on new sterndrive units. This break-in procedure
allows the proper seating of drive unit gears and related components, which greatly reduces the likelihood of
problems.
1. Avoid full throttle starts.
2. DO NOT operate at any one constant speed for extended periods of time.
3. DO NOT exceed 75% of full throttle during the first 5 hours. During the next 5 hours, operate at intermittent
full throttle.
4. Drive unit should be shifted into forward gear a minimum of 10 times during break-in, with run-in time at
moderate rpm after each shift.
CA211
After Break-In Period
To help extend the life of your MerCruiser power package, the following recommendations should be considered;
• Use a propeller that allows the engine to operate at or near the top of the maximum rpm range (See
“Specifications” section) when at full throttle with a normal boat load.
• Operation at 3/4 throttle setting or lower is recommended. Refrain from prolonged operation at maximum (full
throttle) rpm.
CA414
End of First Season Checkup
At the end of the first season of operation, an Authorized MerCruiser Dealer should be contacted to discuss
and/or perform various scheduled maintenance items. If you are in an area where the product is operated
continuously (year-round operation), you should contact your dealer at the end of the first 100 hours of operation,
or once yearly, whichever occurs first.