Just picked my boat/motor up this last week. boat is an 1854 prodigy open with a MB HDR 37 EFI. I put my first hour on the motor this weekend. The manual recommends a certain break in procedure (I followed for the first hour). Manual says to not keep it WOT for longer than 2 min and alternate speeds for the first 2 hours. For the next 3 hours alternate speeds but do not keep side open for another set period of time. My question is what am i going to gain/loss by proper or in proper break in. It is my understanding that as the motor gets a few hours on it, it will perform and increase in speed a little (ran 27 bumbed 28). Is there any tips and tricks to a break in procedure or something to be aware of and look for during this time frame?

Drive it like you stole it, if it breaks take it in under warranty.


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Congrats on the prodigy, I have the same sized prodigy and motor as you and see the same speeds. After that first hour you are good to go IMO. Drive the heck out of it now!!!

Age old discussion. To break in or not. Do whatever you want. You spent the money on it. The engine manufacturers put a LOT more money into research of their own stuff than we do. Part of why they cost what they do. While on a business trip recently, I had a very interesting discussion over some beer and pizza concerning engines with someone that worked in material acquisition and testing for their pistons (not Briggs, though). It lasted a while, and my takeaway from it means I'll break in every 4 stroke exactly as the engine manufacturer says I should. If they don't require it, I wont. There are steps some manufacturers perform that others don't, and it affects how the engine wears long term with the original parts. Everything may be fine if you dont, but if something breaks, you'll never trace it back to break in, but that could've got everything off on the wrong foot and you'll never know. It's not hard to do, and someone that hasn't had an issue also hasn't seen the same testing result sheets or done the R&D will tell you to ignore it. I don't trust Briggs's quality control, nor their design, but they have a reason to suggest break in. You spent the money, do it your way.

Lol, I know the feeling. My mother took a video of my dad a few weeks ago with his brand new mower. Nice zero turn. He doesn't buy new toys often. It was hilarious watching him throttle up and down around his yard.

Lmao

What don't u trust about Briggs and what is so wrong with design Russ.

I trust them completely and think the design is awesome....

I have the sudden urge for some trix cereal....

Silly rabbit

So to clarify what you guys are saying is, either follow the manual on proper break in or run the motor like a scalded cat.

Trust someone that already has your money and doesn't want you to make a warranty claim, or some random Internet answer from someone that has been through none or a few of these engines but can't tell you if the rings seated like they were intended, the cylinders glazed evenly, etc, etc. Doesn't mean it won't last equally either way, just means you'll never be able to trace it breaking back to break-in. So run it or break it in. I choose to listen to the company that invests money in testing and doesn't want warranty claims. It's not hard to do, and the whole point of these things is to be outdoors. Enjoy the getting there, not just the after you get there.