Force Air Filters, or lack thereof

[Sandy-man]

Something that has bothered me since the day I bought my first boat, 1988 Bayliner Capri with a 125 HP Force outboard motor. They manufactured this big beautiful motor but didn't include intake air filtration.

Is there a way to filter the air before entering the carbs?

The noise dampening foam lining inside the cover of my motor began to break off in small pieces, some of which I'm almost certain ended up being sucked into the combustion chambers. As soon as I noticed this I tore it all out.

What about all the bugs/insects in the air around the lakes. In late spring in Michigan we have the mayfly hatch every year. At times these bugs gets so thick I almost want to wear a dust mask to prevent breathing them in.

Has anyone conquered this and if so, how?

 

[jimmbo]

Perhaps the Bugs are an Octane Booster...
Air Filtration on Land Based Engines is prevent Dust/Dirt from getting in the Motor. Not a lot of Dust on a Lake
As for the Foam getting into the Combustion Chamber, not a big Deal, but it passing through the Crankcase is, as very small pieces of it can get into the Crank and Con Rod Bearings and wreck Havoc

View attachment mercury 6 cylinder 2 stroke!.mp4

 

[Sandy-man]

Perhaps the Bugs are an Octane Booster...
Air Filtration on Land Based Engines is prevent Dust/Dirt from getting in the Motor. Not a lot of Dust on a Lake
As for the Foam getting into the Combustion Chamber, not a big Deal, but it passing through the Crankcase is, as very small pieces of it can get into the Crank and Con Rod Bearings and wreck Havoc

View attachment 417488

So essentially nothing to worry about as long as my engine cover lining doesn't find its way in. Thank you, I never thought of it that way.

 

[Chris1956]

There are newer products to line the cowling with to reduce noise, that won't flake off. Self stick foil/foam insulation comes to mind.

 

[Sandy-man]

There are newer products to line the cowling with to reduce noise, that won't flake off. Self stick foil/foam insulation comes to mind.

And does it really dampen the noise?

 

[Chris1956]

Sure, Cheap cars in the 70s did not hood insulation. They were intake noisy. A lot of more expensive cars had insulation... My '64 comet had some. My '69 Merc Marquis had more. It can help a lot for intake noise.