OK to use different plugs??

[Searenity]

I have a 1986 150 mercury , it seems to foul up pretty easy, still runs but i can tell its not right, probably need to take the carbs off and have cleaned,rebuilt ETC. But holing off on that till the season is over. My basic question is I read in here some one said to try a hotter plug BU10H,instead of the BU8H i am presently using. Is this something i can do without hurting my engine??? I like to troll with wire.so this complicates the matter.try to clear out the engine on the way back from trolling, but she still runs pretty rough..am gratefull she runs at all..thanks

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: OK to use different plugs??

Hi Searenity,<br /> That was me!.My Clymer manual says to try BU10H plugs when fouling is a problem.I have the same year motor,except 175hp.I removed my carbs,took apart and cleaned.The most important area is the needle valve/seats.Does not take much to clog up in there.I would also recommend a high quality fuel filter(such as a Racor)inline somewhere.Racors seperate water as well as filter the gas.Manual also recomends using 89 octane(or higher)gas.Also,from experience I noticed these motors need their oil to gas ratio's right on the money or they won't run good at low speeds(unless your using oil injection)<br />I also wire line troll for Bass off of Montauk.Hope to see ya out there!

 

[Searenity]

Re: OK to use different plugs??

Thanks Reel, I am using the oil injection system,but have my reservations about that business too, after reading that a lot of guys remove the injection stuff, Was wondering if i could just cut down the oil flow and try that also?? am a little nervous about messing around with this..I seem to get most of the fouling on the lower plugs, did a compression test beginning of season, had 90 to 100 on all six cylinders..guess the carbs are probably the major culprit here..when I first start out i can hear them kick in, like they are clogged <br />or something..Thanks for your answer

 

[claywake]

Re: OK to use different plugs??

I have the merc 150, my plugs were acting up a bit too, & the idle also, I had one gasket wrong in the fuel pump, I think it was getting some air.<br />just my 2 cents worth.

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: OK to use different plugs??

I'm gonna tell you a true story.Please bear with me.When I purchased my boat it came with the Merc.175.The motor would not get up on plane or even close to mid-range rpm's.It shook and vibrated bad.I took it to a local Marina(Mercury Authorized)to have it checked out.After two weeks of waiting they replaced the stator and (1)switchbox(powerpack).A week later(after paying my $500.00 bill)the symptoms returned,exactly as before.I took it back again.Picked up the boat a week later only to find out there was some junk in a carb(restricting the fuel).They also managed to screw up the control cable's somehow,as I could NOT take the boat out of gear while returning at night.That was a little scary.<br />Since then I have removed/took apart each carb and thoroughly cleaned,re-set the control cables,installed a Racor filter,replaced water pump,etc.The motor runs great now,except the previous owner neglected to grease the steering shaft which is now frozen with corrosion.(can't steer)I have since re-powered this June.The steering shaft needs more attention than I can give right now.This will be my winter project. Grease those fittings!Saltwater will take it's toll on that steel shaft inside.

 

[claywake]

Re: OK to use different plugs??

Hi Reel Appeal, To me I can't stand spending that kind of money, & the problem comes back?<br />What kind of power did you go too??<br />I do a little work on cars, so boat engines are a new to me, I bought a manual on mine and have been trying to most of my problem solving myself.<br />Outboards are not cheap to repare, so far that's what I have learnt..