Won't idle?

[Cabadiesel]

Well after installing a new solenoid the boat cranked every time first time and idles on the hose fine. Took the boat out for a test and it ran great. Other than the steering being a little too tight I would say great!

Got home put on the hose again and had to turn over a little more and would run runoff a few seconds and cut off. Did it three times but was in a rush to get on the road. The only thing different is that I mixed 40:1 after the guy at the parts store talked me into it, said that merc motor could use a little more oil than others. Other than it smoking a little more while it warmed up, I really never saw any smoke issues. I shut the mother off at least 4 times out in the water trying the starter and let it idle for a while. Never shut off in the water only on hose

Could I have fouled the plugs? Any quick looks for the steering?

Thanks again

 

[Coastiejoe]

The Merc engine is Dr. Hondas baby. He is on a vacation but seems to be checking in daily.

I'm sure he will respond sometime today for you.

 

[Dr Honda]

Yep.... I'm sitting at a lake house right now... but I'll be packing up today.

I saw your other post... so we will just continue it here, since it's really a new question.


OK... tight steering:


Is it tight all the time, or does the engine need to be running? If so... is it at all throttle positions? (idle, mid, full)

If it feels good with the engine off.... I would do a quick check for warn pivots around the nozzle.... but what you may be feeling is normal. Remember... you have +200 HP worth of thrust wanting to go straight... and you don't have power steering.

If it's tight all the time.... the cable may need to be replaced.

OIL:

Merc's run just fine on a good oil, at 50:1. Heck... when they are on the oil injection... they are at 75:1 at idle. At 40:1... you will foul plugs a little quicker, and there will be more smoke at idle.

Speaking of that... since you found 2 plugs fouled... before we jump to any conclusions on performance.... put in a new set (all 6) and see how she runs. Also... make sure to run your bilge fan for a couple min before starting the engine. My Islandia is VERY sensitive to that. If I don't purge it, after sitting around (swimming) it will start, then choke and die. BUT... if I run the fan... she's good to go.

 

[Cabadiesel]

I too am on vacation, just put the boat in the water and it ran great, although the steering is very tight. Can you change the cable while the boat is in the water? I am in the keys and don't even know if I can get a cable down here?

 

[Coastiejoe]

I too am on vacation, just put the boat in the water and it ran great, although the steering is very tight. Can you change the cable while the boat is in the water? I am in the keys and don't even know if I can get a cable down here?

Is the steering tight without the engine running or only under a load?