Spark Plugs Fouled

[YooperDick]

My friend has a 225 HP Honda outboard that was diagnosed as needing spark plugs because the engine wouldn't start.

The only thing that is different from when it ran well is that he had it winterized last year when he had it stored.

Is it possible the service technician fogged the motor by injecting oil into the fuel supply thereby causing the plugs to be fouled?

Thank you.

 

[hondadude]

Could be...

Have your friend call the technician and ask him how he winterized it. Then you will know.

I think you are saying, it ran ok before winterization, but come spring, it would not start due to fouled plugs...

Have you friend not to indicate to the tech that he is having a problem, at least until after he gets the methodology of the winterization. Techs get a little defensive when you imply that they did something incorrectly especially right off the bat. As does anyone.

The manual says to run stabilized fuel thoroughly through the engine and drain the vapor separator. As an added step, the spark plugs should be removed and some oil sprayed into the cylinder (then crank the engine). Put the spark plugs back in. Change the motor oil and filter and gear lube. Grease various lubrication points around the engine.

If they pulled the plugs, they should have noted that they were fouled then. Some dealers do take a shortcut and use a special mix of oil in fuel and stabilizer to make the winterization process more efficient. Honda does not recommend that way.

It is possible that something else is going on to foul the plugs. But it sounds like some basic history of repair needs to be explored first.

Mike