WATERAX
MARK-3 Owner's Manual
03/2016
– Page 38 of 52
excessive engine temperature. The issue resides with the abnormally high friction that is created when
these “high” spots are “rubbed/worn down”.
Friction generates heat; heat creates material expansion; expansion reduces running clearances which in
turn increases friction.
The result of an engine that is broken-in too aggressively: more friction, more heat, more expansion, less
clearance, etc. Eventually, more than just the
high
spots will be rubbed down; premature wear will occur
on the other areas of the engine components.
Procedures for Nikasil cylinder engine
During the engine
break-in process
(required whenever a new piston or cylinder is installed), it is
recommended to use an API-TC certified
mineral
2-cycle mixing oil (e.g.: Castrol Super Two Stroke) at a
fuel mix ratio of
24:1
. The thicker oil and richer ratio will allow the engine to break-in normally. Once the
break-in process is completed, the fuel mixture can be switched to 50:1.
1. Pre-adjust the carburetor (see Carburetor adjustments section).
2. Start the engine and allow engine to warm up (see Carburetor
adjustments section).
3. Adjust the carburetor (see Carburetor adjustments section).
4. Once the carburetor has been adjusted, increase the throttle to the
BLACK line (approximately 5 increments backwards from wide
open throttle). See image.
5. Run the engine at that speed for 30 minutes.
6. After the 30 minutes, verify carburetor adjustments. Adjust low
speed, high speed and idle speed if necessary.
7. Allow engine to cool down for 1-2 minutes.
8. Shut down the engine.
For break-in procedures for cast-iron sleeve cylinder engine, refer to Tech-Note.
Inspection
It is good practice to inspect the piston through the exhaust port after the break-in process. Below is a
table with pictures of the piston and the spark plug after a successful break-in.
Piston rings
Piston barrel/skirt
Spark plug
Uniform wear on both rings.
No scoring.
No sign of blow-by gases.
No scuffing or scoring.
Horizontal machine marks
remain present on piston. No
sign of premature wear.
Tan color on both
electrodes indicates proper
carburetor adjustment.
