Powerhead Break In Procedures

POWERHEAD BREAK IN PROCEDURE

This powerhead is replacing one that has failed prematurely. Powerhead failure is usually due to excessive combustion chamber temperature. You must find the cause of this failure or the same problem will occur again. Our experience is that the piston is the part that fails first, usually caused by detonation. The following tips may help you avoid repeat failure:

  • Have all injectors cleaned and flow tested. Replace injectors that are out of specification.
  • Check the entire fuel system including fuel pump, line filters, carburetors, etc.
  • Increase main metering jets by.002.
  • Retard ignition timing by 2 degrees.
  • Replace or check all switch boxes and ignition modules.
  • On Mercury motors, remove idle stabilizer and advance module.
  • Verify high and low fuel pressures are within specification.

CARBURETED OMC-JOHNSON-EVINRUDE

  • Install.002 larger main jets in carburetors.
  • Retard maximum timing 2 degrees. Set Max timing with engine running over 4500 RPM under load.
  • Do not set max timing static.
  • Replace water pump and gaskets at time of powerhead replacement and every year. Use newest style gaskets.
  • On 3-cylinder engines, replace the water pump with the late model high pressure style, check all OMC service bulletins and jet carburetors accordingly.
  • We recommend installing a water pressure gauge to monitor water flow in the engine.
  • Use mid-grade octane major manufacturer fuel without alcohol.
  • We recommend removing the oil injection system or updating to the latest VRO pump.
  • Clean and refill oil tank with TCW-3 oil.
  • Verify oil consumption by marking oil tank during double oil break-in period.
  • Double your oil with a major manufacturer TCW-3 oil for approximately 30 gallons of fuel. If running oil injection, add 1 pint of oil to 6 gallons of gas. If no oil injection add 1 quart of oil to 6 gallons of gas. Does NOT apply to direct injected motors.
  • Re-torque cylinder heads after one hour running time, after engine has cooled.
  • Rebuild carburetors and / or fuel pump.
  • Check overheat and oil alarm horn for proper function.

CARBURETED & EFI MERCURY V6

  • Install.002 larger main jets in carburetors.
  • Rebuild or replace carburetors and fuel pump.
  • Retard maximum timing 2 degrees.
  • Remove advance module and idle stabilizer if on motor.
  • Replace water pump and all gaskets at time of pow- erhead replacement and every year. Use newest style gaskets.
  • Use a mid-grade octane major manufacturer fuel without alcohol.
  • We recommend removing the oil injection system. If oil injection is used, replace 2-PSI oil valve and check oil pump bushing and seal.
  • Clean and refill oil tank with TCW-3 oil. Verify oil consumption by marking oil tank.
  • Make sure trigger wires on flywheel are free moving for proper advance.
  • Re-torque 2.0/2.4/2.5 cylinder heads to 40ft. lbs. after 1 hour running time, after engine has cooled.
  • Check overheat alarm system and horn. Beware of problems with detonation sensor and module.
  • On 2.5 EFI engines, there are as many as seven fuel filters.
  • Remove the cone-shaped filter in the line below the electric pump. Verify fuel pressure is to specification
  • Check all latest factory specifications and service bulletins.