Re: Mercury optimax sputter (jtef270)
By any chance do you and your friend BOTH purchase the same fuel, from the same station or line of stations?
Before going to plug regapping (which SHOULDN'T be necessary on this engine, or the 2006), I'd recommend that you try a tankful of MID GRADE (89 octane) fuel from a DIFFERENT (well known brand, high traffic) station. Could be as simple as degraded or heavily ethanol-laden fuel. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif
Re: Mercury optimax sputter (EuropeanAM)
Don, I'll try putting fresh fuel from a different source in it. I didn't think re-gapping the plugs was the right thing to do, but you never know intill you ask http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/bows.gif Thanks http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif
Re: Mercury optimax sputter (jtef270)
My engine ran rough when I'd put it in gear and barely give it gas. I thought the plugs were fouled or I had a coil going. Based on Don's advice (from his posts on BBC), I filled the boat up with 89 at an ethanol free gas station. The difference is amazing. http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif The engine acts like a new motor. Don't rule out crappy cheap ripoff gas. Additives only help with carbon buildup and keeping the motor clean but they can't help the gas become better gas.