I have a 2003 Ebbtide Campoine 18.5' Mercruiser 4.3 V6 Alpha one. I just pulled it out of storage started doing the normal routine of cleaning and mechanical upkeep. Gear lube and Oil has been changed before storage (everything up to par) my question is regarding the spark plugs...
When should you change them? Is 3 years too soon? (I'll pull one out tonight and look for corrosion, etc).
Also any other spring time engine recommendations for a 4 year old boat?
2007-05-22 07:06:12 · 6 answers · asked by bobbybond2 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
When is the last time you changed your water pump impeller . if you cant remember you maybe due. Real important they get weak with age and take a set when sittng to long and become weak.
If you pull your plugs and the white insulator around the center electrode is light brown they are good . A correct burning plug thats what color it should be Be sure to check all the bellows behind the drives bellhousing and look for drycracking between the webs. if you see any you need it changed.
2007-05-22 16:43:09 · answer #1 · answered by paultech6 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're only running the engine for that short of period, why the heck are you even bringing the boat in for service? For a brand new boat the first service is at 50 hours on the meter. The next service isn't until you reach every 100 hrs of operation. Each service is expensive so why are you doing a full service? If you live in an area that freezes, then just have the boat prepped for that at only $200. I've owned many boats and NEVER put into the shop until the hour meter hit the recommended reading. You're just tossing money out the door. To answer your question, no, the plugs don't need to be changed. But the oil/filter should be. Everything else should be fine. I have a Sea Ray Bow Rider with the same engine and out drive. It's older and still runs like new. If I don't get 100 hrs of service in a season, I just store the boat. Plugs have never been an issue. Plus I have EFI, so it runs better and more efficiently. If you have EFI, then don't waste so much money. Typically I put on 100 hrs on the "Sport" boat, 300 hrs on my Express Cruiser and estimating to put 400 hrs on my new motor yacht this year.
2016-03-19 00:48:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As you mentioned, just inspect them. If, the Anode/Electrode not look badly worn they probably OK for another season.
I not have a boat now and am looking, but, the last I had, I kept year round in a slip. Summer it was beached at the camp area and used most everyday. I usually changed plugs in it every summer. It probably got more use than a car.
I tried to find some pictures, many manuals show different plug wear. It a personal preference, but, I do use a little Anti-Seize on my Plugs.
2007-05-22 07:18:12 · answer #3 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You fire up on the old spark plugs from the season before, the motor should have been "fogged" before it was winterized, burn the old oil out of the motor at start up (IT SMOKES), THEN replace the spark plugs, why foul up "NEW" plugs ? they should be changed every spring, changing over to "NEW" spark plugs makes a world of difference on an outboard motor, don't forget, it burns "MIX", not straight gasoline like a car (if it's a 2 stroke outboard), so they get dirtier faster than a car's spark plugs.
2007-05-22 09:21:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I change them at least every 100 hours and clean them at least once a year.
2007-05-22 07:35:57 · answer #5 · answered by Peter 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just do it every year when it comes out of storage, they are cheap.
2007-05-22 08:35:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋