Spark Plug Problem 2005 200hp DI

[one9]

Im not too sure if this is normal or do I have a serious problem on my hands.

I have a 2005 200hp DI "FICT" And she's been eating up a lot of spark plugs. I go through about 2 sets of plugs a season and I notice they get fouled up pretty bad. The last time I pulled them there was quite a bit of carbon build up just below the electrode on all 6. Also the electrode gets worn down pretty low. Ive been using champion spark plugs (QC12PEP) and I do put a lot of hours on the engine. During the summer I was using the boat 5-6 times a week. Is my engine running rich or is this normal?

Another thing....Today I tried to go fishing and the engine started up fine she ran just like the last time I needed to change the plugs but when it was time to go she wouldnt start. The engine cranks but it wont start up...

 

[angus63]

Re: Spark Plug Problem 2005 200hp DI

Not certain, but don't the ficht di motors require indexing the plugs? Might explain the fouling if it's been overlooked.
Good luck

 

[one9]

Re: Spark Plug Problem 2005 200hp DI

Yeah I have the plugs installed properly.

 

[MarkV_Deep6]

Re: Spark Plug Problem 2005 200hp DI

I seem to remember another person with a similar issue with the new engines. The engine has a break in mode that causes the mix to be higher than normal. I know enough to be dangerous with this engine, but if you check with BRP, I bet you can find out how to determine if your engine is still in the break in mode.

 

[one9]

Re: Spark Plug Problem 2005 200hp DI

I will give them a call today.

Well I just put in a new set of plugs and tried to start her up. But shes doing the same thing...Any ideas???

I did notice yesterday when I took the cowling it smelled like gas. But I dont see any signs of anything leaking.

 

[MarkV_Deep6]

Re: Spark Plug Problem 2005 200hp DI

Other than obvious stuff like checking the cutoff switch I'm not much use on the newer engines. Is it out of warranty?

 

[one9]

Re: Spark Plug Problem 2005 200hp DI

Yeea its been out of warranty of a few months now.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Spark Plug Problem 2005 200hp DI

Have you checked for spark

 

[one9]

Re: Spark Plug Problem 2005 200hp DI

I have not done that yet. Im not too sure on how to check for spark

 

[one9]

Re: Spark Plug Problem 2005 200hp DI

Ok I check 2 spark plug boots and I didnt any spark from them. So what does that mean?

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Spark Plug Problem 2005 200hp DI

Did you use an inline screw in tester? What was the gap set to ?

 

[one9]

Re: Spark Plug Problem 2005 200hp DI

Yeah I just got one and it was set to 11mm

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Spark Plug Problem 2005 200hp DI

Could you test all cylinders and verify that indeed none are firing? They should easily jump 7/16 of an inch with a strong blue ZAP!!

 

[one9]

Re: Spark Plug Problem 2005 200hp DI

Yeah I did test all six cylinders and only one is firing. I posted a new thread about my latest finding. (Electrical Issue 2005 200hp DI)

Thanks for all the help!

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Spark Plug Problem 2005 200hp DI

I have never worked on such a new motor, I assume the warranty is up? It is very strange that you have spark on 1 cylinder. Try disconnecting the RED main electrical plug at the engine. Remove the spark plugs and crank the engine via the starter solenoid (put a jumper from the battery terminal to small 3/8" term nut, not the ground nut) and observe spark. If spark is now okay as stated above, the usual cause is a shorted ignition switch. Also disconnect the black/yellow kill wires AT THE PACK and retest. If the engines now has fire, the kill circuit has a fault-possibly the keyswitch, harness or shift switch. Also make sure that your battery is fully charged and check the cranking RPM. A cranking speed less than 250-RPM will not allow the system to fire properly. Hopefully someone experienced with these motors jumps in. Good luck.

 

[one9]

Re: Spark Plug Problem 2005 200hp DI

Ok im going to go try that out now.

By any chance is there a possibility that if the tach/system check wasnt working right, it could prevent the engine from starting?

The reason why I ask is because the tach is probably 10 years old and sometimes I have to tap it to work.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Spark Plug Problem 2005 200hp DI

The tach is not part of the ignition/starting system.

 

[one9]

Re: Spark Plug Problem 2005 200hp DI

I went ahead and bypassed the ignition switch but I didnt get any spark this time. The battery that I used for this might not have been fully charged but when it was cranking it sounded like it was strong enough to start the engine.

Another thing since it was dark I went ahead and did another spark test with the 2 main batteries that are in the boat and I noticed that the one plug that sparks is not holding a steady spark. To describe it is sparking in a inconsistant pattern. And I did see some flashing and heard some ticking by that ignition coil. Does this mean that its on its way out? Also on the other side of the engine I hear a ticking noise too.

Is it possible for 4 ignition coils to go out around the same time? If so what could cause this?

Sorry for the long post
And thanks again for your the help

 

[one9]

Re: Spark Plug Problem 2005 200hp DI

Help....

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Spark Plug Problem 2005 200hp DI

Did you test the kill circuit? Do you have a multi meter, could you verify that the battery is at 12.65 Volts. I think it would be pretty rare to have 5 coils fail at the exact same time. Would be easier to diagnose if it was 1 or 2 coils, or even a whole bank (port or starboard all failing), but the 1 good cylinder seems strange. First make sure that battery is fully charged, to 12.65 volts. YOu have ruled out the ignition, next rule out the kill circuit.

ALso, long shot, but try wiggling the kill lanyard, the horse shoe clip, make sure it is nice and tight in its slot.