Breaking in a new Strike Master Solo

  • Randy Wieland
    Lebanon. WI
    Posts: 13478
    #1359721

    I searched back through a crap load of old SM posts regarding the new Solo motors. I couldn’t find much specific to break-in period. Nothing in the manual, couldn’t find anything on the rapala site, nor here.
    I know the oil ratio has been beaten up worse than the Marcum Vs Vexilar drama queens and that isn’t what I want to start here. Am I over looking a specified break – in procedure on the 2.5HP Solo. I have 27 years on old SM auger and I expect to do the same on this. Typically, 2-stroke is double the oil for the first two tanks and avoid WOT for prolong periods during the first couple tanks. So, what’s been done to give longevity? Cautious – or just go out and make swiss cheese?

    Mudshark
    LaCrosse WI
    Posts: 2973
    #1382910

    I could be wrong Randy but a lot of motors don’t really need a break in period anymore…
    I never broke in mine and it’s still rock solid.
    2 stroke motors are pretty stout…

    Huntindave
    Shell Rock Iowa
    Posts: 3088
    #1382917

    Quote:


    I searched back through a crap load of old SM posts regarding the new Solo motors. I couldn’t find much specific to break-in period. Nothing in the manual, couldn’t find anything on the rapala site, nor here.
    I know the oil ratio has been beaten up worse than the Marcum Vs Vexilar drama queens and that isn’t what I want to start here. Am I over looking a specified break – in procedure on the 2.5HP Solo. I have 27 years on old SM auger and I expect to do the same on this. Typically, 2-stroke is double the oil for the first two tanks and avoid WOT for prolong periods during the first couple tanks. So, what’s been done to give longevity? Cautious – or just go out and make swiss cheese?


    IMHO— nothing wrong with following the previous break-in procedure. Sure it could be overkill and not needed BUT it certainly is not going to hurt anything by doing so.

    BBKK
    IA
    Posts: 4033
    #1382923

    Its pretty much personal preference on most small engines now. I read through a couple SM manuals before my auger purchase and did not see anything on break-in, searched forums and found nothing set in stone on break-ins. Same with eskimo augers. No mention at all on oil ratio during break-in nor break-in procedure.

    When I bought my eskimo I talked to an eskimo repair shop about what to do with a new auger and he said to mix it at factory recommendation and use their oil for the first tank in case something is wrong out of the box. Start it up and let it idle for 5-10 minutes, restarting if needed. Then kill it and let it cool for 10 minutes. Restart and take the throttle 1/4 way for 5 minutes, idle for 5, then kill and cool for 10. Repeat going to 1/2, 3/4, then full. That is supposed to break in the clutch and coat the engine with oil.

    I’m sure its probably the same thing with any 2-stroke. I did it with mine and the auger is running fantastic.

    castle-rock-clown
    Posts: 2596
    #1382945

    runit like you stole it! get those rings well seated. you have a warranty, better to find out sooner rather than later you got a lemon. those motors are probably run wide open before they leave the factory. Look at what Harley does with every new bike before it gets put in a crate. Ever wonder why you can’t buy a Harley with zero miles on the odometer?

    milemark_714
    Posts: 1287
    #1382950

    Quote:


    runit like you stole it! get those rings well seated. you have a warranty, better to find out sooner rather than later you got a lemon. those motors are probably run wide open before they leave the factory. Look at what Harley does with every new bike before it gets put in a crate. Ever wonder why you can’t buy a Harley with zero miles on the odometer?


    This.Just fill the tank with recommended gas/oil mix,idle it for a few minutes and make swiss cheese It worked for mine,never had an issue.

    Rope
    Kansas
    Posts: 71
    #1383050

    Randy,I have the same motor,and did exact same break in,that you mention. Go for it,I think you answered your own question.

    Michelle1969
    Member
    NULL
    Posts: 54
    #1383051

    Just broke mine in, I did the recommend oil mix 40-1 and she started great and fast as …. Much better than my eskimo. Second day with it tomorrow

    Randy Wieland
    Lebanon. WI
    Posts: 13478
    #1383061

    Just burned a half tank. Don’t know what others were thinking had test it out so I walked out on a local lake and made swiss cheese out of it. Burns a lot more gas than my old one, but it zips right through

    bioguy
    Posts: 128
    #1383073

    You’re going to be very happy with your auger. The 2.5 solo has been a great engine in my experience.

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