I had some extra time last week, so I started working on changing out a few items on my Merc Saltwater 125. I dont know much about motors so I am trying to learn. My spark plugs were wet with oil and stained. Is that a problem? I replaced them regardless, just wanted to know if I was running too rich… or something worse that can be solved now before I do any further damage. Thanks.
Is it an oil injectin engine and do you premix your fuel. If so you are running you are running a richer oil mixture at idle than the oil injection system would.
Also, how much idling do you do and how hard do you run it after idling. Not saying that you should run a 2-stroke really hard, but the all benefit from extended time running at a fast cruise at least once a day.
Make sure to use a stablizer and either Mercury Quikleen or Yamaha Ring Free to make sure the carbon is kept out of the engine promoting better compression and combustion.
Iain Pelto
Sea Hunt Triton 160
Native Manta Ray 14
Its oil injected. I do know that this engine only idles on 2 cylinders, not sure if that matters.
I generally run 4200 out of 5200 rpm’s, about 24nmph.
Thanks, Ill pick up some of that stabilizer.
19’6" Key West Bayreef
My merc. was fouling plugs left and right. Had an issue with the oil pump and just had it removed. Now I mix and it is running great.
Don’t have a knack for makin motors crank,
But I’m pretty good at drinkin beer
The best way to a fisherman’s heart is through his fly.
2002 Florida Skiff
90 Merc.
Seawest
How was your motor running before you took pump out? Was it hard to start?
19’6" Key West Bayreef
Sometimes it was a little hard to start but the major problem was idling. Everytime I put it in neutral it died. At first we thought it was a carb related issue. After repeated attempts to clean/adjust/fix we looked at the oil pump. Was overoiling and fouling plugs out in just a few hours. Now she is running like a champ.
Don’t have a knack for makin motors crank,
But I’m pretty good at drinkin beer
The best way to a fisherman’s heart is through his fly.
2002 Florida Skiff
90 Merc.
Good to know, and thank you. I dont have any problem idling, just starting. It just doesnt seem to want to fire sometimes, but eventually I can get it to go with the throttle engaged.
I appreciate your insight.
19’6" Key West Bayreef
Sav does it give you problems in the yard on earmuffs? I had an older merc 90 that started on earmuffs fine but when u trimmed it down in water it’d give you a fit to start. I got to where I would trim it down where the prop was just out of the water it would fire up no problem then I’d trim it down farther once it was already running.
2007 Scout 221 150 Yamaha 4 stroke
Its funny you mention that. After I cleaned the carb, it started right up first try with the ear muffs, so I thought I had fixed it. Took it to the water later that day and it took several cranks to get it started. Ill try your way next time. Thanks.
19’6" Key West Bayreef
I would get so aggravated with that motor I could chew nails. Once I figured that out it started like a dream come true everytime lol. I hope that info helps you. I just recently sold that boat with the 90 on it and hated to see it go. On to bigger and better things hence my signature.
2007 Scout 221 150 Yamaha 4 stroke