5 replies to this topic

[LSR]

I've just purchased an '05 Sportster 4-TEC with 47 hours on the engine. Everything looks like new.

In reading through the owner's manual, I noticed the recommendation to install new spark plugs every season, which baffled me. Why would that be necessary, especially given that the 4-TEC is a four-stroke engine? The spark plugs in car engines now routinely go 30 - 50 - even 100,000 miles before they need to be replaced, and that's a whole lot more hours than I'll use this little boat in one season.

Does anyone know the reason for this ultra-short replacement interval?

[vwDavid]

I'd like to know too.

Also, I read that if it is winterized properly then it doesn't need summerizing. All depends on what the dealers doo though.

[keviseeb]

The spark plug in the 1503 engine are standard issue unlike the platinum tip plugs in most cars, thats one reason for annual replacement. We have found the boat starts easier as well even though the plugs look good and are properly gapped. Also keep in mind a boat engine runs at least 65% throttle all of the time whereas a car runs at 30% or less.

With respect to "dewinterizing" or "summerizing" they are both profit oriented dealer myths. Make sure the dealer who winterized it did not leave any hoses loose. You should be able to maintain battery charge, reconnect the battery lead, and go have fun. We have found that using the RV type antifreeze in the exhaust system as well as the intercooler in the SCIC engine allows for environmentally safe starting the next season.

[stevenh]

The spark plug in the 1503 engine are standard issue unlike the platinum tip plugs in most cars, thats one reason for annual replacement. We have found the boat starts easier as well even though the plugs look good and are properly gapped. Also keep in mind a boat engine runs at least 65% throttle all of the time whereas a car runs at 30% or less.

With respect to "dewinterizing" or "summerizing" they are both profit oriented dealer myths. Make sure the dealer who winterized it did not leave any hoses loose. You should be able to maintain battery charge, reconnect the battery lead, and go have fun. We have found that using the RV type antifreeze in the exhaust system as well as the intercooler in the SCIC engine allows for environmentally safe starting the next season.

I am on my third year with my stock plugs in my S200. It starts right up and runs great. After reading this I guess I may change them next year. Once a year sounds a bit excessive, but I guess it's cheap insurance.

Steve

[gofast]

I to am a 05 scic owner. the first year i changed plugs as per book. the next season i also thought nah ,they will be ok. ...........you guessed it .first time out boat started fine. got to other side of a really really big lake.shut off, inflated all the water toys.went to blast off and chug ,skip, pop,son of a beach. two plugs went cold. idled back ascross lake(1+ hr) went home and CHANGED PLUGS . next year guess what !

[firehawkcpo]

sounds like i'm adding a set of spark plugs to my took kit. 2 seasons on original plugs and she runs like a banshee.