Engine Tune Up

[STEVEBRENDA]

We have had our boat now for 11 years. Periodically, I have changed spark plugs and the fuel filter and the boat seems to run fine.

When the boat was new, we were moving 30+ maybe 2 more mph. Now it seems we are doing good to get 27 mph. I realize we have a lot of furniture on our boat and have accumulated a lot of stuff in the storage lockers.

My question is do you think it worth while to pull the boat out and take it to the stealership to get a tune up. Would hey put it on a machine, or would they just change spark plugs and the filter like I do?

[curtiscapk]

Steve,

I would just keep doing what you are. older 2 strokes really don't have much more to them than that. Have you cleaned out the carbs? You might try running some seafoam through it to clean out the gunk. That stuff works miracles! May gain some of your missing speed?

IMO of course

[Bryden24shp]

Are the pontoons pretty clean, yet? I agree with Craig, Seafoam works good to clean out the fuel system. Could always give it a compression test, too. Just to make sure the cylinders are healthy. Maybe check the prop if the RPM's are the same as they always were. It may have pulled in from use. Not much to tuning them up, you're right!

[margaritaman]

Steve,

In the past 11 years I have slowed down too. I guess that's the cycle of life even on pontoons. A younger motor would probably invigorate that tired pontoon just like younger chicks make me feel younger.

[RcgTexas]

prop wear could explain the speed loss, and dirty tubes.

[STEVEBRENDA]

"prop wear could explain the speed loss, and dirty tubes"

I have bought several new props over the years due to the bottom of the lake shifting as I approach it. The new props have not made much difference. Our boat sits on a lift, the bottoms are immaculate.

Seafoam or better has been religiously run thru motor. I always run synthetic or synthetic blend.

It seems to be the consensus that a shop mechanic will not do miracles for me.

Thanks for your replies.

[Bamby]

Ethanol fuel now vrs real gas in the past? I'm aware that if I'm running her hard I can feel the difference at the helm with my Yamaha. Ethanol Fuel Sucks....

[curtiscapk]

I have bought several new props over the years due to the bottom of the lake shifting as I approach it.

This is hilarious!!!!!!!

[RcgTexas]

I have bought several new props over the years due to the bottom of the lake shifting as I approach it.

This is hilarious!!!!!!!