Running-in new diesel

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cindersailor

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Just intalling new Beta 16 diesel. What is the opinion on the need to run-in modern diesels, Kubota in this case? Should I use a running-in oil until the first oil change at 50 hours? I am sure that most don't bother, but I would like to do the right thing having invested so much in gettting a new engine. The Beta manual makes no mention of any special treatment.
 
Dare one suggest you contact Beta Marine and ask them, afterall, they carry the warranty. IIRC the manual for the 20hp beta I had many years ago did have a section on "running in" the engine when new. I cannot remember exactly what it said but there was something about not thumping the crap out of it for so many hours. - Oh yes and an oil change after IIRC 10 hours "gentle" running and not running it at constant revs.

Check with the "manufacturer" and do keep receipts for oil, filters etc.
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I agree with Cliff, but in effect all engines are pretty much of a muchness these days. With a Diesel I would generally say, don't leave it at tickover or very lightly loaded for very long. Don't thrash the bejesus out of it either! Only start it when you are going to use it under load and run it at no more than about 1/2 throttle for the first 10-15 hours or so. When you do run it make sure you do so for at least 1/2 hour at a time to ensure it is running at optimum temperature. Then change the oil and filter. I have never used anything other than normal good quality oil myself when running in. Then increasingly give it bursts of up to 3/4 throttle for a while building slowly up to full throttle for short periods over the next 30 hours or so. Personally I would not then go more than 100 hours without another oil and filter change. After that time if you have treated it well it should be OK to work it as hard as you like, recognising that it's most efficient speed is not flat out! Anytime you see black smoke on the exhaust, throttle back, and remember that your best friend is the water temperature gauge....
 
We put a new nanni 4.105 39hp in our boat late last season. I think also Kubota based. The manual said to do an oil change at 20 hours and the installers advised me to keep under 2,500 revs until that oil change.

Having just invested so much cash into the engine I took this advice and so far all is well :-)

Nick
 
very succinctly put mike - a great 'average' of the various engine manuals I have read.

don't ignore the drivetrain though, gearbox and shaft bearings all have their say in those vital early hours - not suggesting that the advice given wouldn't cover them too as set out.
 
I am not sure which Beta manual you have, but the one provided with my engine does not mention any running-in precautions or guidelines; just change the oil at 50 hours and that's it. It is possible that, as the Beta 16 is based on a relatively new Kubota design (Z602) which has molybdenum sulphide treated pistons, that a run-in period is not considered necessary. But having said that the manual is a generic one for the BZ482, 722 and Beta25 as well as the 16. I would be interested to know what your manual says.
 
If I remember the running-in info is in the installation handbook. Maybe your installer kept this?
Mine is on the boat at present, but when I get chance I'll be glad to check it out and let you know what it says on the subject of running-in.
From memory:
1. 30mins running in against warps on 1/3 throttle (use this also to check for fuel and water leaks and anything else that might be awry).
2. 15 minutes sea trials at 1/3 throttle.
3. 15 minutes at 2/3 throttle.
4. 15 minutes flat out. Job done.
First recommended oil and filter change was at 50 hours.

Incidentally you can download the handbook from www.winton.ch/Templates/downloads_seagoing.html
 
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