Too rich, what do I do??

[ifishhard]

I have noticed lately, based on my spark plug readings, that i am running what appears to be way to rich! After an outing, I take my spark plugs out to observe them, and notice that they are all covered with black sut (carbon)........So that tells me that I am running way to rich. I recently did a decarb job, and replaced the sparkplugs but i am still to rich. I am mixing about an once or so more of 2stroke oil when i fill here up simply bc the guy i bought it from reccommended it due to it being an older engine. Also my Fuel mixture screw is set at 1 and 1/2 turns out from lightly seated......So with all this said, how can i get her running not as rich??? Thanks!!

*****1996 75hp Force*****

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Too rich, what do I do??

If you recently did a de-carb, how many tanks of fresh gas have you run through the motor? You may still be blowing out some of the carbon that has loosened up. Adding the extra ounce of oil may be the culprit too. You might be playing it on the safe side at the expense of fouling the plugs. It should be fine running at normal 50:1 mixture regardless of age. Also brand of oil can make a differance. They're not all the same. Some smoke more than others and price is not always a good indicator.

 

[ifishhard]

Re: Too rich, what do I do??

i have ran roughly ran about 20gallons of gas since decarb. I am using Citco brand 2stroke oil..The one at academy, sponsored by bassmasters. I pay like 7 dollars for a gallon of it. I havent fouled any plugs yet, I think that is bc i take them out after every ride and clean them up. They are just REALLY BLACK when i do! And the funny thing is that i have never had this problem it kinduv "just started". Mabey it is the oil and the way that i am mixing it IDK?

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Too rich, what do I do??

If you do a lot of low speed operation, such as trolling, that may aggravate the carbon build up. These Force motors seem to run kind of "dirty" anyways if you know what I mean.

If you have some Citgo oil that you need to use up, I would try decreasing the oil. Exact measurement for 50:1 is 2 1/2 OZ per gallon. Most folks run 1 pint (16 OZ) per 6 gallon which is pretty close. 3/4 OZ more than necessary. If that doesn't work, try a different brand. I've tried some of the synthetics (very expensive), semi-synthetics (not too bad in price), and some of the standard brands. Seems to be hit or miss as far as smoke and carbon build up. What works well in one 75HP may not work as well in another 75HP. But then the decision as to whether or not there is excessive carbon/smoke is kind of subjective.

Just make sure the oil is rated TC-W3 and is for outboards (liquid cooled). There are some 2 stoke TC-W3 oils that are for air-cooled motors. This is not what you want. There are also some "multi-purpose" TC-W3 oils. I would steer clear of those too.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Too rich, what do I do??

I would decarb again. You apparently have a lot of deposits.
I have decarbed with Deep Creep AND Seafoam several times before getting an engine clean.

Any TC-W3 oil is good for outboards. The W3 stands for "water cooled."

Full synthetics are a bargain now,
and you can get them for $25 a gallon.
A small price to pay for the average boater.

What kind of fuel consumption are you getting?

Should be about:
3 gallons per hour at slow cruise - just on plain.
4 gallons per hour at moderate cruise.
6.5 gallons per hour at 90 % throttle

 

[ifishhard]

Re: Too rich, what do I do??

I would decarb again. You apparently have a lot of deposits.
I have decarbed with Deep Creep AND Seafoam several times before getting an engine clean.

Any TC-W3 oil is good for outboards. The W3 stands for "water cooled."

Full synthetics are a bargain now,
and you can get them for $25 a gallon.
A small price to pay for the average boater.

What kind of fuel consumption are you getting?

Should be about:
3 gallons per hour at slow cruise - just on plain.
4 gallons per hour at moderate cruise.
6.5 gallons per hour at 90 % throttle

Honestly rosco, I have no idea....Never really tried to notice. But what I do know is that i can go go bass fishing all day long on 12 gallons of gas. Which is running at 3/4 throttle going in the ball park of 30-40 miles.