Gas & Oil Mix Question

[bluedolphin]

1992 Johnson 225 HP V-6 - ratio is 50:1. I use a plastic bottle to measure the oil required for a 50:1 mix, pour in the oil first, and then the gas, as most of you suggested. I noticed that the engine runs a bit rougher after I just put in the gas and oil mix. After a day or two running, the engine runs much smoother. I was wondering - should I try putting the gas in before the oil? I use 2  6 gal container - filling each one up to 5 gal - should I mix the oil in each 5 gallon gas container, before pouring in the tank? Any suggestions? Thanks.

[John Jones]

I have never heard of or experienced this.  The only suggestion I have is maybe you have trash or water in the main tank and it gets stirred up when you fuel up but running the boat would stir it up also.

Do you have a good fuel filter/water separator in the fuel line?

[warthog5]

If you use 2- 6gal container's I'm wondering why you only put 5gal in them?

To fill both tank's with 6gal, that would take 1qt of oil. 16oz in each tank.

Your way you would alway's have a little oil left in the qt container of oil.

[JimCt]

Agree with JJ about possible water in the system.  If you have a water separator with a clear bowl, take a peek to see if there's water at the bottom.  If you have the metal spin-on disposable type filter/separator , looks like a car oil filter, replace it.

You might want to check the spark plugs too.  If they're the plugs which came with the engine don't assume they're the correct ones. Many times people try experimenting with hotter or cooler plugs trying to "improve" engine performance.  Check the manufacturer's plug requirement for your engine and get a fresh set.  Be sure to check the electrode gap to be sure they're set to the engine mfgr's. specs.

Interested to hear results.

[Anonymous]

When filling an empty tank you should always put some gas in first, then the oil.

If you're filling the tank from 2 cans you can put the oil in the cans. The oil will certianly get mixed well from moving and then pouring the new fuel. I agree with checking the plugs. Make sure they're Champions.

Now, if the boat sits for some time before you get to use it, then it will happen that it's rough and then smooths out as you run it. That's mainly from old fuel and carbs starting to varnish up.

[bluedolphin]

Thanks for all the replies. I will check the plugs and the filter to see if there's any water. I run the boat at least 2 or 3 times a week, so it does not sit idle too long. I will also try putting some gas first, then the oil, or just mix the oil with the gas in the portable containers before pouring into the tank. Thanks again.

[rsh19904]

Hey bluedolphin,

I thought I'd pass this along..my previous mechanic (he was good just too far away) told me about an Autolite plug that he used w/o the ground electrode and has just the center sparking electrode.  I told him to go ahead and put them on and they worked great..better than the NGK's/Champions I had used..But harder to find.  They always burn clean and I've had no problems with them.  But you may wanna check the tank or fuel lines as it seems something else is causing the rough idle at startup after your fillups..

[Anonymous]

Just make sure you always run a Champion in a carb'd Evin/John. If you do decide to run something else, make sure the jetting is correct. You may have to richen up the mid range and/or the high speed jet(s).

[rsh19904]

Sorry,

I got a merc.  

[GoneFission]

If you've got a Merc, run NGKs.  

I agree with the probability of water; if the motor runs rough after a fillup, you are probably moving some water in the bottom of the tank around.  You can try some gas drying compound or completely empty the tank and refill.

[RickK]

Might want to try this stuff.  

http://www.boatersworld.com/product/176131332msk.htm
I found it in boaters world and is supposed to do all kinds of magic to your fuel.  The size bottle of Stabil that will treat 80 gals, the same size of this will treat 500 gals , for about the same money.  One of the things it says it will do is remove water from fuel.
I used it in the 230 on it's first fuel up.