replacement engine intial oil change

[boatswaiyn]

I have a 2002 VLX with a new Hammerhead engine that was put in over the winter. We have put 9 hours on it this spring and we were told by our dealer that we need to change the oil after 20 hours. Is the engine oil different for breaking in a new engine? We are leaving for Lake Powell this Friday and will be going way over 20 hours. I called our dealer and he said that going 35-40 hours before the intial oil change might actually be better for the engine. Does this sound right? I am just paranoid because that is why we had to fork out 9K for a new engine. We bought it last year and I guess the guy we bought it from had the wrong type of engine oil in there. It always had enough oil but I guess the wrong kind. The engine threw a rod after running the boat for 27 hours. 247 total engine hours! Any input would be great.

[99response]

The first oil change is critical, anywhere between 10 and 20 hours. I would not go way over that number. Reason being there are remnants of metal shavings, sand from the casting etc that all end up in the oil in the first hours of operation.

If you want to be real careful change it now and when you come back from Powell, that way your new motor should be good to go.

-Chris

[Bill_AirJunky]

Hey, it's Thursday, take it out on the lake tonite & put a few hours on it. Then change the oil tonite. You should be fine.

Or find some place around Powell that will change the oil for you.

[skier92]

Nothing on the oil issue but, Nothing on checking the timing? Had to take boat to dealer to have timing checked at no charge (not sure if it was after 10 or 25 hours) or warranty would be void (or so I was told). 1999/ 325 Monsoon.

[99response]

Hah, how many dealers do you REALLY think put a timing light on a motor at the 20 hour service.

Its like getting a $500 30k mile check up and the car dealer.

Edited May 29, 2009 by 99response

[skier92]

I don't know how many actually do, but I had checked with Indmar who verified the need to have timing checked by an authourized Indmar dealer: Malibu, MC ..., didn't matter to them, as long as it was checked. Took the boat to the MC dealer an hour away, watched the tech check it out with the lap top @ No charge & off I went with the boat. ( The dealer I ordered the boat from lost his dealership before the boat was made. The one Malibu sent it to for me to pick it up from was an idiot. Was sorry I did'nt drive down to TN to pick it up there myself as that was an option.)

[footnlongline]

The first oil change is critical, anywhere between 10 and 20 hours. I would not go way over that number. Reason being there are remnants of metal shavings, sand from the casting etc that all end up in the oil in the first hours of operation.

If you want to be real careful change it now and when you come back from Powell, that way your new motor should be good to go.

-Chris

Isn't the oil filter supposed to catch those abrasive particles?

[zzbutler]

The first oil change is critical, anywhere between 10 and 20 hours. I would not go way over that number. Reason being there are remnants of metal shavings, sand from the casting etc that all end up in the oil in the first hours of operation.

If you want to be real careful change it now and when you come back from Powell, that way your new motor should be good to go.

-Chris

Isn't the oil filter supposed to catch those abrasive particles?

You would think the filter would, but I have seen alot of particles on the end of a magnetic drain plug.

If you are in it for the long haul on this engine, I would change it between 10-20 hours.

[skier92]

Agreed!