Fouled Spark Plugs

[stickswngr]

During my attempt to get my 9.5 started in my driveway, I fouled the plugs.

Do I need to replace the plugs? Can I clean them (if so, how?) and how do I clean the plug housing out on the motor?

Any idea as to what i did to cause this or how I can prevent it in the future?

Thanks again for all your help.

 

[david_r]

Re: Fouled Spark Plugs

you can clean them but for the money i would replace them........i keep an extra set on board.


pump the primer bulb make sure the tank vent is open choke it pull it a couple of times when it fires you can stop choking it ............ pull it again and depending on outside temp you amy have to choke it a few times for a second or 2 to keep it runnin till it gets warm............ oh yeah and make sure the tiller is turned to start..... and if you have a kill switch make sure its hooked up

 

[stickswngr]

Re: Fouled Spark Plugs

thank you. do i need to clean out the plug housing? i've heard of folks using compressed air...good or bad idea?

 

[ezeke]

Re: Fouled Spark Plugs

You can waste a lot of money replacing plugs on a 9.5, especially if you troll a lot. Carburetor cleaner and a small steel brush will clean them up. Protect your eyes. The 9.5 runs best on the recommended Champion J4C gapped at .030.

You can reduce the fouling by making sure that the thermostat is working properly, by using synthetic or synthetic blend TC-W3 oil and by keeping the rest of the firing chambers as clean as possible by regular de-carbon treatment.

 

[stickswngr]

Re: Fouled Spark Plugs

thanks ezeke.

i'm replacing the plugs, how do i make sure that the new ones dont foul? there is moisture in the cylinders...how would you reccomend i get that out?

as far as future fouling goes, i hope to keep that to a minimum as i have an electric trolling motor on the boat too (for both trolling and for a backup). this motor is here simply for the trips i take to local lakes with hp restrictions.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Fouled Spark Plugs

If there is water in the cylinders, you either have water in the gas, a blown cylinder head gasket, or blown exhaust cover gasket(s).

 

[stickswngr]

Re: Fouled Spark Plugs

i dont think its water i thing its gas. is that possible?

 

[ezeke]

Re: Fouled Spark Plugs

Gas and oil mix residue is expected.

 

[clemsonfor]

Re: Fouled Spark Plugs

torq th eplugs and the moisture or fuel will burn off. But if its water you have another problem, possibly exhaust or cyl head gasket letting water in which makes a milky substance on the plugs.

 

[stickswngr]

Re: Fouled Spark Plugs

the residue or moisture isnt milky, its black smells of gas and i'm guessing its a combination of gas/oil and exaust.

i'll pick up some new plugs in the morning and give it a go.

thanks.

 

[Rick.]

Re: Fouled Spark Plugs

stickswngr: Just to make things clear, if the plugs are wet from gas/oil they aren't necessarily fouled. They are just wet and can be wiped dry and re-used. Not really sure what your definition of fouled is. Rick.

 

[stickswngr]

Re: Fouled Spark Plugs

plugs are wet, but also have a black residue on them....they almost look burnt. is that "fouled"?

 

[ezeke]

Re: Fouled Spark Plugs

Click the first thumbnail for a section cut from an old Champion catalog. (Can't enlarge the whole page enough to fit the forum limit).

Running in a barrel or idling with no load has the same effect as trolling; the oil builds up along with the carbon.

Running without a thermostat that is functioning properly has the same effect as running with plugs that are too cold.

BTW, water in a firing chamber of a two stroke will steam clean the plug as well as the firing chamber if that cylinder is still firing.

 

[stickswngr]

Re: Fouled Spark Plugs

thanks for the spark plug info. very helpful. so should i put a little water in the chamber after i get my new plugs today? introducing water anywhere that it normaly shouldnt me scares me. is that the only way to clean it out?

 

[ezeke]

Re: Fouled Spark Plugs

That is certainly not a recommended way to de-carbon the engine.

Each outboard manufacturer has a carbon treatment that can be added to the two cycle fuel mixture for constant carbon reduction. They also have products for a de-carbon treatment that is usually done annually.

http://www.evinrude.com/NR/rdonlyre...55-6BC1C69789FB/0/em_maintenance_schedule.pdf

 

[Rick.]

Re: Fouled Spark Plugs

No, Don't put water in the cylinder. He wasn't recommending steam cleaning, just stating a fact. Rick.

 

[stickswngr]

Re: Fouled Spark Plugs

got it. thanks rick.