Why are the 4 Strokes using up spark plugs at such a fast pace? How many hours are you getting from a set? Anything to make em last?
4 Stroke spark plugs
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Doc Stressor
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Yep. I pulled mine after 400 hr and they were fine. Didn't even need to be re-gapped.
Have you been burning stale fuel or doing a lot of trolling?
Have you been burning stale fuel or doing a lot of trolling?
Doc Stressor
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There you go. Slow trolling will do it. 50-100 hr is all you can expect.
Generally the plugs are OK, just fouled. You can clean them with a soft wire brush most of the time. Be careful not to damage the electrodes. Re-gap if necessary and put them back in.
If you run RingFree and keep the fuel fresh they will last longer.
Generally the plugs are OK, just fouled. You can clean them with a soft wire brush most of the time. Be careful not to damage the electrodes. Re-gap if necessary and put them back in.
If you run RingFree and keep the fuel fresh they will last longer.
Doc Stressor said:
from long slow rides out of the river to pulling plugs around Lanier, suppose the low speed hours added up. sure didn't like my awesome running 4 banger spittin and well you know...
she was due for service anyway,. he'll get that to..he actually said the 4 bangers like em faster than the 2's In saying that, I had a 70 rude with 8 seasons of zero service....was an old motor on an old pontoon with no trailer...figured I'd repower when she died, problem was she never missed a beat...sold the whole rig after 8 years for 2500 and paid 3000 for her...$62.50 a year and I bet at least 1000hours +
Doc Stressor said:
other than maybe getting a little fouled from a rich mix, what would happen to the plug from slow trolling?
Personally, I don't like using a wire brush. If a small piece of bristle breaks off and ends up on the plug, it can drop into the cylinder and do damage to the cylinder. Plugs are relatively cheap compared to a rebuild
If your usage is usually limited to trolling, you might be able to go for a hotter plug. A good marine shop should be able to advise. Some of the spark plug manufactures may aslo offer information on different temperature rangs plugs. Of curse a hotter plug will burn up fasetr if run at high speed or. load
The first question that you answer is what condition your bad plugs are in. If they are just fouled, a hotter plug can help but if the electrodes are eroded or otherwise damaged, you have a different issue that needs to be addressed. I would also consider what additives if any you are adding to your fuel. Some may be a good thing but more is usually not necessarily better.
If your usage is usually limited to trolling, you might be able to go for a hotter plug. A good marine shop should be able to advise. Some of the spark plug manufactures may aslo offer information on different temperature rangs plugs. Of curse a hotter plug will burn up fasetr if run at high speed or. load
The first question that you answer is what condition your bad plugs are in. If they are just fouled, a hotter plug can help but if the electrodes are eroded or otherwise damaged, you have a different issue that needs to be addressed. I would also consider what additives if any you are adding to your fuel. Some may be a good thing but more is usually not necessarily better.
I agree you have something going on.I've run an 2005 225 Optimax since new...950 hrs.. I will Troll for 5-6 hrs...Plugs looked great after 300 hrs.! And thats a DFI 2-stroke..Now that being said...I will run Her for 15-20 mins. at 5K rpms.comin' back.I would think 4-stroke Plugs would last at least as long.Now that I have a F-225 Yamaha.We will see.
I change mine every spring, after I have used the boat for a few hours (I like to start it up on the old plugs while I burn off the fogging fluid). I never thought of trying to get more time out of them, about 100 hours/season (although you all have me thinking now). I have heard that you should run those motors at top RPMS for a minute each full hour of use. I do not necessarily do that (I just hate "beating" on the boat), but I do open it up from time to time to clear it out. I have heard this recommendation from various sources.
All I can say is running non-ethanol fuel and she was "cutting out", changed the plugs and like new again...
happens to my 4 stroker jet ski and my buddies...maybe the fuel on Lanier...
happens to my 4 stroker jet ski and my buddies...maybe the fuel on Lanier...