changing spark plugs

[gride]

is there a certain set of pullers ya'll use for removing the boots? any suggestion on the best/easiest socket set for getting the plugs out?

[horkn]

Simply pull the boots off the plugs. A little twist will help.

As for a socket, the plug sockets work great because they will protect the insulator form the socket, and also keep the plugs from falling out of the socket. That's not really an issue on a DD ski boat, but maybe a little more of a good feature on a V drive if you don't have a ton of room.

[DanielC]

Get some spark plug boot grease and use it when you put the new plugs in. It will make this job much easier next time.

[gride]

thanks for the help. i've got a few plug sockets. do i need to fog in where the plug goes and what type fog? i know i'm the most infamous question asker on here so thanks for the continued help. nobody around here could show me hands on so i rely on PN

[Nautique211]

I noticed in the PCM manual under the engine maintenance section, they recommend having the spark parks cleaned and inspected by an 'authorized PCM engines dealer'. Why would spark plugs require an authorized dealer when most other maintenance items are listed as owner/operator? Looking to avoid potential pitfalls with what appears to be something an owner could do.

Do most owners who winterize their boats pull the plugs and fog the cylinders every year? Do most owners replace the spark plugs every year as recommended? I have a 2005 and have done neither thus far. Changing spark plugs once a year seems excessive, given we average 50-60 hours of run time on the boat per year.

[Quinner]

Do most owners who winterize their boats pull the plugs and fog the cylinders every year? Do most owners replace the spark plugs every year as recommended? I have a 2005 and have done neither thus far. Changing spark plugs once a year seems excessive, given we average 50-60 hours of run time on the boat per year.

Have always fogged cylinders at winterize since new.

Spray fogging oil in each cylinder, be sure and follow the directions as you do not want too much, then rotate the motor by hand a few rotations to ensure it is spead evenly. Still running the original plugs on my 05' as well, have about 400hrs on them, will probably replace them this coming spring. They have never been cleaned prior as they always looked good when inspected at winterize time.

[maxpower220]

Why would spark plugs require an authorized dealer when most other maintenance items are listed as owner/operator?
Do most owners who winterize their boats pull the plugs and fog the cylinders every year? Do most owners replace the spark plugs every year as recommended? I have a 2005 and have done neither thus far. Changing spark plugs once a year seems excessive, given we average 50-60 hours of run time on the boat per year.

Your dealer can't make any money if you don't take it to them for service. If you understand what a "normal" plug should look like, then there is no need to take in. Do a web search if you have any questions about what a plug should look like and the probable causes.

Yes, you should fog your engine every year if you are storing it out of service for a while. I don't not replace plugs every year, it is recommend because the marine engine operates at a lower temp than your car. However, again the dealer doesn't make money if you don't replace the plugs. I inspect the plugs each year and check the gap. Plugs aren't that much, but I can't see wasting money on something that is working fine. If you are having starting issues or the boat isn't running smoothly, then maybe it's time for a change.

[Nautique211]

I did pull the plugs and fogged the cylinders with no problems. After 250Hrs, the plugs still look good. Not sure why I let the "authorized PCM engine dealer" note in the PCM manual scare me away from pulling the spark plugs before. My thanks to those of you who helped me face my fears. Winterization complete - Bittersweet.