PM Tune-up stuff???

[tmh]

OK, as I regular here I have read many times the value of a tune-up from time to time. Being cheap, I hate to throw away money on parts that are fine as-is. But I am also always wanting my boat to perform well and , most importantly, to be dependable out there! So the dilema......IF the engine is running well, but a tuneup was two years ago or more, what to do now?

My situation: Repowered with a 1992 350 mag this year. I think the engine had been pulled a season ago so it sat one year unused, after full winterizing. The guy who put in the engine also re-built/cleaned the carb and changed oil, set timing (I think). he said the plugs/wires looked fine so he left them. Since installing, the only engine issue I've had is cold starting problem with blackish smoke, caused by the choke function i think (another thread). I'm not sure how/if this effects the plugs.

So, if it were your boat, what PM engine stuff would you do now vs. end of the year. The most important week for the boat is coming up soon (long vacation, almost constant use). After that, a few more time out then winterize where i now know all the things that need doing then.

Also, can I check something on the4 plugs to determine if they should be replaced? Are plugs a very easy do-it-yourself job as i assume or do i need to set gaps perfectly vs. come that way from store? Can I assume the wires are OK if it's running pretty well? What else?????

Thanks as always.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: PM Tune-up stuff???

Run the boat after dark, or in a pitch black garage. Look at the motor see a lightning storm in there? You will see if any wires are arcing.

If it's running good than leave it alone.

 

[tmh]

Re: PM Tune-up stuff???

Good idea to check for wire issues....I'll do it next time I have the boat at night.

Anyone else have an opinion on what to do? "Leave it alone" sounds like a plan i can afford!

 

[Uraijit]

Re: PM Tune-up stuff???

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Try pulling the distributor cap, and check the rotor and cap for any excessive burning... If it's all still good, then let it be.

Pull your plugs, and make sure they're still in good shape (no burning) and a light grayish tan color on the tips, put it back together, and enjoy it for another season.

If you're so inclined, you could always buy the tune-up parts now, to have on hand just in case things do go bad with them. You'll need them eventually, but there's no point in starting to use them up, until the old ones are used up.

 

[arks]

Re: PM Tune-up stuff???

If you're so inclined, you could always buy the tune-up parts now, to have on hand just in case things do go bad with them. You'll need them eventually, but there's no point in starting to use them up, until the old ones are used up.

I usually do just the opposite. I install new parts while everything is running well and SAVE them onboard for the day when something goes wrong. I've currently got used plugs, points, condensors, caps, and wires in my kit- along with a healthy supply of new oil, antifreeze, clamps, gaskets, hoses and wire. I also keep a pair of rebuilt raw water pumps ready to go (port and starboard are opposite rotation) in case I need 'em.
But hey, that's just me. Everybody's different.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: PM Tune-up stuff???

A complete tune up and impeller replacement along with a choke adjustment may be cheep insurance for a trouble free boating vacation.

 

[newport dave]

Re: PM Tune-up stuff???

For sure replace the plugs, they are probably black with carbon deposits. Replace the plug wires is they are more than five years old. The OEM Merc wires have a date code on them (for example, 2Q98 would be 2nd quarter of 1998).