Pro XS engines and the use of Side Imaging

[Baja 252]

I am in the process of deciding which engine to get for a new boat. Rather than add to my post on which engine to buy, I thought I'd start a new post because I want to throw the issue of using Side Imaging with a Pro XS engine into the mix.

For SI work the best I'm told you need to be idling along at 3 - 5 mph. I have read several posts in the Sonar Forum about how guys are spending whole days idling around mapping out structure on their lakes, I'm sure I will do the same. My concern is I have also read lots posts where Don and other knowledgeable people have said the Pro XS motors are not designed to idle for long periods of time. My understanding is that a Pro XS is designed to warm up and go. When you think about it, idling around using SI does change the way the typical bass boat owner uses his boat. I would bet that with the increased popularity of SI, bass boat engines in the next five years spend more time at idle than they have over the past five years. I plan on keeping this boat for a long time, so I don't want future motor troubles. I'm not sure if this is a issue or not.

Should I get a regular Opti, or am I over thinking this whole thing?

[esdbass]

Don can be more specific but IMO all the Pro's run the Pro XS and have the side image units so I think the best thing you could do is run the "cocktail of additives" in your XS motor and try to make sure you give her a good couple of runs every day and be happy with the XS

[EuropeanAM]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by esdbass &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Don can be more specific but IMO all the Pro's run the Pro XS and have the side image units so I think the best thing you could do is run the "cocktail of additives" in your XS motor and try to make sure you give her a good couple of runs every day and be happy with the XS </TD></TR></TABLE>

+1

Make sure you run some mid-range runtime each time out (preferably at the end of the trip, 5 minutes or more in the 3500-5000 RPM range). This will help to keep the carbon levels down (when added to appropriate fuel treatments).

[thedukester]

What is the cocktail of additives? I do alot of idleing around while looking at my SI and the engine seems to stumble or miss after idleing for a little while.

[fastglass1]

This is the one I have seen.

Recommended Quickleen 1oz to 6 gallons of gas, marine formula Sta-Bil 1oz to 10 gallons of gas and 2oz of Seafoam to 6 gallons of gas..

[egammon]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by fastglass1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">This is the one I have seen.

Recommended Quickleen 1oz to 6 gallons of gas, marine formula Sta-Bil 1oz to 10 gallons of gas and 2oz of Seafoam to 6 gallons of gas..

</TD></TR></TABLE>

I believe this is what Don has been recommending:
Quickleen - 1 oz per 6 gal of Gas
Seafoam - 1 oz per 6 gal of Gas
Marine Stabil - 1 oz per 10 gal of gas

[taeheel2az]

My engine's an '06 225 Opti, don't know if an XS would be different. I'm one of the guys you see crawling around out there. I learned right after completing break-in that engine temp would start to increase within a few minutes idling around - I was shocked to see the gauge reading 150 and climbing. <U>Let's hear it for Smart Gauges!!!</U>. This with a properly warmed up engine. It immediately dropped when I sped up slightly.

I've checked to make sure the thermostats are clear, and the water pressure at all RPMs is right according to what I read on the board here.

So now as I side-image-spectate, every minute or so I momentarily rev up just a few hundred RPMs, and the temp stays in the 120s.

Picture me with one eye on the sonar, one eye on the gauge, and one eye watching that I don't run over something (LOL).

[Baja 252]

A 5 min blast is no problem. I thought extended idling was some how hard on the XS's carbon fiber reeds or other parts of the XS motor.

Thanks Don

[EuropeanAM]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Baja 252 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">A 5 min blast is no problem. I thought extended idling was some how hard on the XS's carbon fiber reeds or other parts of the XS motor.

Thanks Don</TD></TR></TABLE>

The primary concern is carbon buildup in the combustion chambers (and direct injectors). This actually applies to ALL Optimax engines, but ESPECIALLY the high-perf models.

Appropriate treatment cocktails (my preference listed below):

Quickleen: 1oz to 6 gallons
Marine Stabil: 1oz to 6 gallons (or you can go 10 gallons if running regularly)
Seafoam: 1-2oz to 6 gallons (if you're going to be idling alot, use 2 oz).

The common "myth" regarding carbon buildup is that "a WOT run will blow it out". Sure, WOT is much better than low RPM.... but if you have Smartcraft, you've probably already watched your "instant fuel economy", and know that your engine get's it's best economy somewhere in the 3500-5000 RPM range. That means "this is where the engine is running closest to "perfect" stochiometric ratio... and running it's cleanest"... making this a great RPM range to run if you're trying to clear excess fuel and/or carbon deposits from "extended low RPM operation".

As an end user, the primary thing you will likely notice from excessive idle speed/low rpm operation is: "decreased spark plug lifespan" (you may need to replace plugs more often than someone who does not idle frequently).

[thedukester]

I'm gonna give the Cocktail a try.
Thanks for the recipe!

[F150owner]

where does one get seafoam??

[Bass Commander]

Duane, in this area, NAPA, Auto Zone, Pep Boys, etc carry it. I never run my boat without it.

[catfish123]

Rob, how much seafoam are you using? I had been using 1 ounce/gallon but last year I backed that off to 1 ounce/2 gallons.........just wondering how much you use.

[Bass Commander]

Roughly 1 oz per gal of gas. The fuel around here is suspect. I carry an ethanol tester with me at all times. Ive found anywhere from 3% to 20+% ethanol at various pumps. I'm also using the blue Stabil as well. As someone described above, its an "Optimax Cocktail"...

[Baja 252]

Is it okay to mix all three ahead of time so when I get gas I could just add the pre-mixed bottle. I was thinking of making a bottle that would treat say 10 or 20 gal at a time.

[EuropeanAM]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Baja 252 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Is it okay to mix all three ahead of time so when I get gas I could just add the pre-mixed bottle. I was thinking of making a bottle that would treat say 10 or 20 gal at a time.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

I've never actually tried this idea.... certainly "someone" has, though.

I would image that as long as you intended to use the "entire" contents of the container you mixed it in (all at once), it shouldn't be a problem.

[thedukester]

I have an older aluminum boat with a mariner engine that i just ran the fuel additive cocktail through, and i cant believe the difference! I cant wait to see how the opti runs with the cocktail.