I don’t know where I’m a gonna go…
The big news yesterday for those of us in the Caribbean was the increase in activity from the underwater volcano Kick ‘Em Jenny. Located just a couple of miles off the northern tip of Grenada, a full-blown eruption would not be a good thing (think Tsunami). We were off the boat doing errands but after hearing the news, quickly completed them to return, just in case. If you’re really interested, exercise your Google skills and you’ll no doubt find plenty of info on this.
While back on the boat, listening to the radio, waiting to hear more news about Jenny, Rebecca worked to revamp our locker storage while I gave our tender’s primary outboard, a 2-stroke Yamaha Enduro 15HP, a tune up. It was running really rough but changing the plugs and cleaning the carburetor did the trick. It now purrs like a kitten! It’s nice to know that I haven’t forgotten how to do all that.
Cleaning the carb. We had to run out to Ace Hardware buy some carb cleaner
and spark plugs before we could do this job.
Is that corrosion in the bowl? If yes, you will be happier over time to use a good additive. Biobor EB, Seafoam, and Merc Quick-Stor. Stabil didn’t do beans in testing.
I have an article coming out this fall on diesel and gasoline storage additives, based upon long terms storage. Lots of lab time. As usual, lots of snake oil. The most interesting discovery is that copper and brass are forbidden in all of the engine manufacturer instructions; I brought this up and ABYC is now investigating.
While long-term storage doesn’t matter to active cruisers, the outboard carb corrosion does. Aluminum makes the gel which has clogged your jets. Far more common around seawater than gum or varnish fouling. And 2-stroke oil actually makes it worse by suspending more water; go figure.
No, not corrosion. Just dirt, etc.
Mike,
I’m glad it’s running good. Are you familiar with decarboning?
http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/007656.html
Eric
hmmm… sounds complicated. Have you done this?
Yes, but it makes a lot of smoke so don’t do it near other boats. An outboard mechanic friend recommended it to me.
Kick ’em Jenny– What if she blows her top!? Up Ancore and go NOW.. AS far as get away..
I don’t think we’ll run away just yet.
My Honda 8 4S was running rough and I was told to run it dry each time vs. using kill switch. That is nowhere in my manual.
I add Seafoam now. Changed the plugs …all is good.
Saved my old plugs…perhaps one day I can do like Mike and give them to someone in need.
Running the engine dry is not a practical solution for those of us that use our engines multiple times each day.
However, closing the vent each time is; I’ve had trouble numerous times (yeah, I learn slow) when I left the vent open, a thunderstorm hit, and a little water snuck in.
And running the engine dry is only for when the carb will likely evaporate completely dry, which takes 6-12 months (the 20% dries very slowly–yup, did tests). This is why I make sure I get out once each month, even in the winter.
Yes, I should get into the habit of closing that vent again. I used to do that all the time.