Question on Trolling

[Ben Tade]

I am running a 1969 50hp 500 4cyl 2 stroke short shaft. And the question is, can I troll with this motor? I have been told by some people that I cannot because Mercury's are meant to go all out all the time, if not then I will overheat the motor and burn it out. If there is somebody that can help me with this it would be much appreciated.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Question on Trolling

Ben,<br /><br />It may load up the combustion chamber with carbon deposits after awhile, which in turn would raise combustion temps and could cause problems in the long run. You may also wet foul the plugs if it's extended trolling. Just give it a good run after you've been trolling for awhile to blow out the excess fuel and clear the spark plugs out. Also, it would be a good idea to use a decarb agent such as seafoam mixed in with the fuel to prevent the carbon deposits. Do a regular decarb twice a year to be sure everything is clean inside the engine. Change spark plugs as needed or a few times a year. It will be fine. Did it with my 67' 65 HP and never had a problem other than a little stumble when taking off after trolling for long time.(As a sidenote, carry extra new spark plugs in case you do foul one out)<br /><br /> Decarb

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Question on Trolling

I see no reason why you couldnt troll with this motor! If it idles down fine and dosnt load up, go fo it! If it loads up, I would go with a good synthetic 2 cycle oil and try it again! If it trolls too fast you can put a trolling plate on it!<br /><br />LudeDude

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: Question on Trolling

I found these 4 cyl's to be very good trollers.<br /><br />TMD

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Question on Trolling

TMD<br /><br />Me too. Did a bunch of trolling for white bass(Hours) and like I said, might just have a little stumble when I took off. Good motors!

 

[NMplayer]

Re: Question on Trolling

I think these motors are some of the best fishing motors made. I have a 70 50 hp that the folks here helped me get going a few months ago. They troll a whole lot better than their two cylinder counterparts. As stated above, you need to run it full out every few hours to blow it out.