Fogging engine and using same Spark Plugs

[lenny2113]

My 350 Merc was fogged during winterizing time.<br />In Spring, I did not change the spark plugs.<br />How bad is it? <br />Are you guys changing spark plugs after winter and then reusing same set befor winterizing again?<br />Engines start good, idle smooth. <br />What am I loosing?<br /><br />It is just a huge pain in the neck to change plugs on my twin setup. I would have to take off exhaust manifold on one engine to get to spark plugs. Engines are too close to each other.<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[Liquid_force]

Re: Fogging engine and using same Spark Plugs

I've had the same plugs for a couple years now. I always put a half cup of oil (or so) down the carb to winterize. Any oil in the cumbustion chamber seems to burn off in a minute or two after the first spring start up. I see no reason for concern.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Fogging engine and using same Spark Plugs

I change them every year. They are the very end of the ignition system ,and any tune up work you've done is a waste if your plugs are crapped up. This also lets you look at their condition to see if you have any other issues-water, fouling,rich, lean, etc.

 

[Mahoney]

Re: Fogging engine and using same Spark Plugs

I agree with kopec, allthough for your settup its a pain, the knowledge you gain about how the engine is running and the relative inexpensive tune up is worth it weight in gold.<br /><br />With as often as boats are idleing and tend to run rich at idle, it is quite easy to get a plug fouled.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Fogging engine and using same Spark Plugs

If its firing on all plugs, you don't have a problem.............you also don't have to fog it (next winter) until it quits, just until it smokes, then shut it off. Cylinders are now oiled, and the plugs aint. Haven't had a problem in my boats doing that for YEARS. And also close of all openings too. Plastic bag over the carb, exhaust plugged best ya can, and after stabiling the gas, tape the vent.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Fogging engine and using same Spark Plugs

I go with Robby's way. No problems either.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Fogging engine and using same Spark Plugs

I have only changed the plugs twice since the engine was new in 1980. However my engine is a little 3.0L and I can change them in under 10 minutes. I carry two spare sets. Never had a plug foul or not fire. I do pull them every couple of years and check the color and gap. On a 4 cylinder if one plug does not fire you know right away.<br /><br />I would suggest if you use seafoam or OMC engine tuner then when all done change the plugs.<br /><br />If you have any miss change the plugs, but if it is running perfect why change unless your engine has a history of plug problems.

 

[Olds Eddie]

Re: Fogging engine and using same Spark Plugs

I fog my engine every time I leave the lake and have no problems with fouling. I just fog her till she smokes before I turn her off.

 

[wvit100]

Re: Fogging engine and using same Spark Plugs

I don't change my plugs every year. This will be the third year on the plugs that's in it now and the engine runs great. They've been fogged twice and I haven't had any problems. The plugs in your car can run for thousands of hours, the plugs in your boat should be good for a couple hundred anyway.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Fogging engine and using same Spark Plugs

Change them only if you feel the urgent need to support the plug manufacturer with more sales.<br /><br />If you fouled them, give them a shot of brake cleaner, wipe them off and reinstall.