Johnson Service Bulletin SB-980 - Engine Break-in Procedures for 1964

Issued September 19, 1963, this two-page factory bulletin instructs dealers to emphasize correct break-in of 1964 Johnson outboard motors. The second page sets out separate procedures for 3 through 18 H.P. and 28 through 90 H.P. models.

Johnson Motors gray Service Bulletin letterhead

September 19, 1963

SUBJECT:  Engine Break-in Procedures for 1964.

IMPORTANT!

It is absolutely imperative that the 1964 Johnson motors be broken in in accordance with the instructions appearing in the owner's manual.

To assure long engine life, full power and economical operation, careful instruction to all purchasers of 1964 models on proper break in procedure is of prime importance.

By following the break in recommendations to the letter, scored cylinders, stuck rings, galled pistons and other powerhead problems can be reduced to the barest minimum.

To assure your customer of maximum performance, we strongly recommend that everyone in your employ be made completely familiar with the two break in procedures required for all 1964 Johnson motors.

Before the 50:1 gas-oil ratio can be used, the break in procedures as they appear in the owner's manual must be followed.

JOHNSON MOTORS
L. W. Eppel
Service Manager

LWE:eb

NOTE:  Post on all indexes - 3 through 90 H.P.

1

SB-980
Page 2

BREAK-IN PROCEDURES FOR 1964 -

3, 5½, 9½, and 18 H.P. MODELS.

For the first 5 hours of operation, including break-in period, the fuel mixture ratio should be 1 part of oil to 24 parts of gasoline, or 1 quart of oil for 6 gallons of gasoline.

Do not operate engine at continuous full power for the first hour of operation. After 15 minutes of slow to half throttle operation (2500 rpm approx.) we recommend a short burst of full throttle operation every five or ten minutes. Run at full throttle for about 90 seconds, then return to half throttle or less. Check operation of cooling system frequently during break-in. (See "Cooling", Page  ).

CAUTION - Do not start or operate motor out of water as it will result in damage to water pump, overheating and too high r.p.m.

BREAK-IN PROCEDURES FOR 1964 -

28, 40, 60, 75 and 90 H.P. MODELS.

For the first 10 hours of operation, including break-in period, the fuel mixture ratio should be 1 part of oil to 24 parts of gasoline, or 1 quart of oil for 6 gallons of gasoline.

DURING THE FIRST HOUR - For the first 5-10 minutes, operate engine at a fast idle. Check operation of water pump (see "Cooling", page  ). For remainder of first hour, do not operate engine over 3000 rpm (approx. or one-half throttle (approx.). NOTE: With easy planing boats, it would be desirable to bring the boat into planing position with full power and then immediately reduce the throttle setting to approximately 3000 rpm (one-half throttle). BE SURE boat maintains planing attitude at this throttle setting.

DURING SECOND HOUR - Bring boat into planing attitude and reduce power to 4000 rpm (approx.) or three-quarters throttle (approx.) while maintaining planing attitude. At intervals during the second hour, apply full power for periods of one to two minutes, returning the throttle to original setting (4000 rpm - three-quarters throttle) for a cooling period.

Avoid continuous full throttle operation for extended periods during the next few hours.

CAUTION: Do not start or run your engine with the propeller out of water. Damage to the water pump may result.

NOTE:  Post on all indexes - 3 through 90 H.P.

Historical note

These are the original 1963 factory instructions for breaking in 1964 Johnson outboard motors. They distinguish a five-hour break-in for smaller models from a ten-hour break-in for larger models. The original bulletin refers to cooling information in the owner's manual without specifying a page number.