Is it true or just another sales pitch ?

[sturdavj]

I have a 1988, 28 hp Johnson on a 16 Klamath aluminum boat. I slow troll for trout just above stall with a sea anchor, for the most part this works pretty good for catching fish. <br /><br />The fellow at the local marina tells me I am risking a high amount of carbon build up. I am asking you folks that know outboards, is this in fact the case?. This conversation was followed by a sales comment that maybe I should consider buying a "new" kicker motor.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Is it true or just another sales pitch ?

Slow, or idle, running does tend to build up more deposits that running at WOT. However, there's a cure for that as well - decarbing. See the Decarbing FAQ in the FAQ section just above this Johnson/Evinrude section.<br /><br />A small kicker wouldn't be a bad idea, if you have transom space.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Is it true or just another sales pitch ?

Although operating at low rpm for extended periods can cause carbon build-up, running wide open throttle on the trip back to the dock and period de-carbing will prevent any carbon related problems such as ring sticking and breakage. If you are using a standard TCW3 oil, you might consider a switch to a synthetic blend or straight synthetic to lessen any carbon related problems. Its simply a better lubricant (although it costs a fair amount more). In a nutshell, the marina was right but the situation can be managed.

 

[sturdavj]

Re: Is it true or just another sales pitch ?

Thanks, great information.<br /><br />The problem I have with this boat is that it has a motor well and for a transom steer kicker I am not sure how that would work. Any ideas

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Is it true or just another sales pitch ?

keep doing what you're doing, add seafoam to your gas, and do a periodic decarb.