spiritofstsimons
Member
I have a 9.8 EPUL bought new in 2014, actually bought two, to power a 36 sailing catamaran. The motors have been very reliable. They now have about 300 hours on them. I always run them dry of fuel and have used them regularly, changed oil, plugs, and lower unit oil often. One of them is starting to behave a little differently. It doesn't start as easily. It then takes a minute or two after it does start, to smooth out. I just did a long trip and changed the oil after a weeks worth of steady running, avg ten hours a day. I started out with fresh oil. The oil in this motor was noticeably dirtier than the other engine, when I got home . Is it time to start messing with the carb? I have no experience with carb cleaning, replacement etc., but have learned to do all the other stuff, including changing impellers. Should i leave this one to the pro's? My problem is that the motors are difficult to take off the boat; they are mounted on a vertical sliding system, and a huge pain to take off, get them down the dock, and to a mechanic. Also found a bit of plastic bag on the prop. i cleaned it up and think I got it all. Could that extra load account for the dirtier oil? Any advice greatly appreciated.