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I have a 70hp '88 Merc that was having some rough idling issues. Owner of the local Yahama/OMC dealer who I know recommended Ring Free gas additive. I dod not add enough to "shock" like the instructions say for initial use, but I did add more than the routine amount it says too. Used the boat once, ran fine, started with ease, and idled like a dream. I burnt about 3/4 tank, added about 2 more oz before I filled up last night and went tubing. Engine stalled when idling, no start for an 45 min, had to anchor. Finally got her started, ran it for 1 1/2 hrs tubing, then it stalled at the ramp and would not start, I was at te ramp so no worries.
Seemed like no spark. Ring Free is supposed to remove built up carbon from the pistons and clean the varnish from the carbs. Wondering if the plugs got fouled from carbon? But it seemed to run fine tubing...
Ring free is awesome and I use it all the time in my Yami.
I'd spray a little ether into the carbs to try and start it the next time she refuses to start just to rule out the spark suspicions. If you're having a hard time starting it and she fires right up after a spray of ether, you'll know it's most certainly not a spark issue.
I had a very similiar problem with my Yami when I first got it and ended up rebuilding the carbs. The carb rebuild ultimately fixed my problems. Sounds like to me that your carbs were starved for fuel for a while.
Cliff
1966 13' Sport with a 1993 40hp Yamaha 2 Smoker
I doubt it's the "Ring Free", sound's like "Carb" issues, how old are the plugs ? How old is the fuel filter ? The fact that it was running rough at Idle "before" adding the Ring Free is suspect no. # 1. ALL "Yammi" dealers and techs recommend strongly that "Yammi" owners use the "Ring Free" additive.
I have the same motor. I use ringfree in mine. If the carbs haven't been cleaned in a while the ringfree will loosen up the gunk. It will run worse before it runs better.
John Fyke
Re-Fit or Reef It
1979 15' Sport with Super Sport conversion and 70hp mercury.
Ok, so here's the latest. I just bought the boat in June, planned on an engine go over by a mechanic this fall. Today I replaced the plugs, and also found a fuel line to the top carb had a hole in it where it attaches to the brass nipple. I've noticed a small gass leack since I had it, but could never pinpoint it. Local Yami dealer had some 5/32 hose, so the leak is fixed. It fired her up in the yard...started on the first crank and purs like a kitten...and NO LEAKS! I shut her down, sprayed the engine with some Gunk (mentioned in another post), douched it off with hose, then started her back up and ran for 20 min to dry her out. I will have all the other hoses replaced in the fall, poss instead of a carb rebuild, which I may not need.
