Don....fouling plugs on 04 225 EFI

[Manatee Mauler]

I fould a plug back in June and replaced all 6 with champion plugs. Approx 60-80 hrs down the road and 3 1/2 months later I fouled anouther plug. I fish 3 days a week and the majority of the hrs are from mid range R's - 2500-4500. I try to stay out of the gas pedal due to $$$$. Took the plugs out cleaned them and fished a TX and ran WOT and didnt have any problems. Went out the next day and did quite a bit of idling ( chasing schooling fish). Went to get up and the boat wouldnt get up and sounded really bad .. missing, surging ect. Finally it got up and after running a few minutes it kicked into gear and it was OK. I use 89 octane, ethanol free fuel. The mtr has abot 730 hrs total

Two questions:

(1) Shoud I use champion plugs or NGK. My fsihing buddy told me only NGK but I've read and heard that the 225 EFI should have champion plugs.
(2) What would cause me to foul plugs so frequently? New spark plug wires help?

I also had a 200 EFI that went through plugs

Thanks for your help, Matt.

[EuropeanAM]

Matt:

I'd recommend staying with the QL77CC plugs for your engine. However.... they DO need to be gapped at .040" for your engine.

At 80+ hours, it may actually be near time to consider a new set. In general, once per year, or every 100 hours, whichever occurs FIRST. Operational parameters (especially low RPM runtime), oil used, fuel quality, and additives (or lack thereof) can have an adverse affect on spark plug life.

Your total runtime hours of 730 don't concern me. I would suggest that you check the "basics" while you have the plugs out:

-Compression test
-Spark test
-Fuel Delivery and Pressure Tests

Make sure you look at the following post CAREFULLY. Ensure your fuel lines have been upgraded, and based on your engine's hours, I'd recommend rebuilding the pulse fuel pump (Kit Part# 857005A1).

Fuel Lines Post: http://www.bbcboards.net/zerot...first

[Manatee Mauler]

Thanks Don, I rebuilt the fuel pump last time I changed the plugs and replaced the fuel line along with all the filters. Went with the chmp. spk plgs. One thing a mech told me was to make sure I trim the mtr up a good bit when idling. The exhaust ports sit lower on Gamblers when at idle ( which I knew) then other boats at idle.

Guess I'll be putting more hrs on the boat since Floridas season is shot/over. Went down the tubes with LSU's fake field goal. I say higher the ole ball coach back ... Steve Spurrier. Time to start looking at next year. Don, you wouldnt happen to be an offensive cordinator too?????

Thanks again.