Fuel Injector Cleaner on 496 Mer H.O.

[Cobalt272!]

Hi All, curious if anyone has used standard auto parts store fuel injector on a 496 Merc. I'm taking delivery of my 2005 272 w/ 275HRs (injectors never pro cleaned that i know of) so thought it might be a good idea to run some injector cleaner in the first tank of fuel this Spring. I think I'll need to run 4-5 cans of the stuff as recommended with 15 gal fuel.

While we are on the topic, how long have you guys gone before changing plugs (service interval says 300hrs)?

Any thoughts, insight, experience much welcome!

[Big Block Power]

I'm a BG guy. We use there stuff at work and I use it in my car. 44k is good stuff. I use there MOA in the oil. I run there gear lube in the drive.
Plugs I never keep a boat that long. I checked mine last year due to not knowing when they were changed last. They looked brand new so I'll run them for a few more use and then pull them and see what they look like. They are easy to get to so just pull one.
260 hours on it. I'm sure they were changed at least once. My PO paid to have maint done.

[akorcovelos]

Best option would be to pull the injectors and have them sonic cleaned and flow tested. I always toss a can of seafoam in the first tank of the season. Plugs are done annually and we put around 300 hours a year on our boats.

Have you driven the boat yet? Is there any reason you need to address the injectors? If not I’d just run it and save the money for stuff you find that actually needs fixing.

[Cobalt272!]

Thanks for the comments.

Yes, I ran the boat during lake trial. Ran like a top. Seemed to be smooth enough at idle and made 4900 RPM, also took fuel well under hard acceleration. I was not anticipating (fingers crossed) needing to do a significant injector service, but want to make sure I'm doing basic preventative maintenance for first tank of fuel in spring. Thought some simple injector cleaner would be prudent to run.

I'll check the plugs and then evaluate.

Anything else I should think about as this is my first season owning the boat? BTW, has fantastic service records since new.

[Big Block Power]

Dump some 44k in her and run it. How long has the impeller been on it. When was the fuel separater been on it. Simple stuff.

[Cobalt272!]

Each Fall before put into storage they changed engine oil/filter, U-joint service, and impeller. Outdrive service was done almost all seasons (maybe 2 or 3 missed since 2005 based on records).

Each Spring would change fuel filer/separate.

I'll buy me some of that 44k!

[Big Block Power]

Sounds like you found a winner. Congrats!!!