Plugs

[Ed Rife]

My Nitro 640 is a 2005 with a 60HP Mercury and the boat has had minmal use since new.

I've had it out 3 times sine I got it it's like new..It's been cool, high 30's mid 40's temp wise when I have put in each time and it had to crank a bit to turn over but did and ran great sluggish at idle till it warmed up but I guess thats to to be expected in cool weather...My question how often do you guys reccomend changing spark plugs and what brand? Whehat or do you guys reccomend about an in line gas filter? Just courious you guys have been a tremendous help to me and I appreciate it.

 

[Bob G.]

I've only changed my plugs once in ten years and used NGK's. Old ones were fine and saved them in my tool box just in case. I get my inline fuel filter from Merc dealer.

 

[Mike Clayton]

Hey Ed, As part of my yearly maintenance I change my plugs every year, my 90 came with NGK's

and that's what I use... NGK BUZHW-2.....I also change my fuel filter which is attached to engine under the cowling next to the carbs since all these E-10 gas problems are popping up, not sure adding an inline filter would be of any benefit and could hinder in some cases. The marine stealer ship here in Gainesville charges $13.00 bucks each for the plugs so I call the local Advance Auto store and they order them for me and have them the next day at $7.00 each. As far as cranking I think Merc has a reputation of very hard starting in cold weather at least mine does ( it's a 2 stroke ) and will flood quickly....Of course marine stabil/seafoam is a must for every tank which is a shame since gas $ is so high and that adds to the price of the gas but I don't leave home without it....:wacko:

 

[Ed Rife]

Thanks guys...Yea Mike I stocled up on startron and seafoam this winter when I caught it on sale...Im sure the plugs are originals in my boat so there possibly 6-7 years old so Im going to replace them...Thanks for the input on the gas filter I havent found the one under the cowl yet lol..thats why I was going to add one inline..I'll take your advice.

Spring just around the corner here in Southwest Virginia and I cant wait to put this baby in the water..

 

[Scott Smith]

Your inline fuel filter is under your cowel, it is white plastic and tubular shaped. I have the same motor as you do on my pontoon and the filter is a huge pain to get to, but it should be replaced yearly. You may want to consider a water separating fuel filter as well. They are very easy to install, and should be standard issue with todays garbage gasoline.

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

Is your motor through its break in period?



TOXIC

 

[Ed Rife]

Yes it should be Tox....It's 2005 as well..The Boat if looks mean anything is barely through the break in period...

 

[Berry Lindley]

I have a carb 90 and put some Autolites in just to see, and I couldn't tell any difference. I do try to use our ethanol free station here. Seems to run better on the 100% gasoline.

 

[Kenny Guess]

I CHANGED MY PLUGS ( ORIGINAL NGK'S) AFTER 6 YEARS BECAUSE MY 50 MERC. 2 STROKE WAS RUNNING ROUGH AT IDLE AND TAKE OFF.....SITUATION FIXED. LIKE ONE OF THE OTHER GUYS, GOT EM AT ADVANCE FOR $7 EA. I CHANGE THE INLINE FILTER ONCE A YEAR BUT IT DOES NOTHING FOR WATER, I INSTALLED A WATER SEP. FILTER FOR THAT AND I DON'T USE ETH. FUEL. I CAN GET ETH. FREE GAS AT MY MARINA BUT IT COST MORE, OF COURSE. IMO, IT IS OVERKILL TO CHANGE PLUGS EVERY YEAR UNLESS THERE IS A REASON.