Honda outboard motors running-in procedure should be performed as follows, the break-in operation allows the moving parts to wear-in evenly and ensures proper performance and longer outboard motor service life.
The total time for Honda outboard motors running-in procedure is 10 hours.
• First 15 minutes:
Run the outboard motor at idling or trolling
speeds (the lowest speed possible). Use the
minimum amount of throttle opening necessary to
operate the boat at a safe trolling speed.
• Next 45 minutes:
Run the outboard motor up to a maximum of
2,000 to 3,000 rpm (or 10% to 30% of throttle
opening).
• Next 60 minutes:
Run the outboard motor up to a maximum of
4,000 to 5,000 rpm (or 50% to 80% of throttle
opening).
Short full-throttle bursts are acceptable, but do
not operate the motor continuously at full throttle.
For boats that plane easily, bring the boat up on
plane, then reduce the throttle opening to the
specified break-in settings mentioned above.
• Next 8 hours:
Avoid continuous full throttle operation (100%
throttle opening). Do not run the outboard motor
at full throttle for more than 5 minutes at a time.