Quote Originally Posted by BrownTrout View Post
Do you “run it like you stole it” occasionally each time out on the lake?
That will not necessarily help. Optimax models run their "dirtiest" at IDLE and at WOT.

The engine will run it's cleanest where it gets it's best fuel ECONOMY (normally in the 3500-5000 RPM range). That's a great place to run for the purposes of keeping things cleaned up (especially after extended idles).

Quote Originally Posted by krindgen
Most of that I do with the exception of letting her cool down after coming back to the ramp. I usually have a half mile idle back to the ramp.
That half-mile idle is likely where your carbon is coming from. Bet they look much better after a run as described above.