Bad advice???

My new neighbor at the lake purchased a pontoon with a 90 hp Honda. He has had trouble with the Honda since he got it. They replaced some stuff and finally replaced the electronic control module. They also changed the prop size. This is all fine. Now, what I don't understand is why they (Buchanan Marine ) told him to run it WOT all the time. (That is what he does). I don't know about this advice. Engine is turning 6000 rpm at wot.

I rarely get my Merc above 4500 rpm. What you all think about this wot advice? I sure ain't no mechanic and will not advise him on this matter, but he can read this post and decide for himself.

Thanks,

Tom

All I can say is I hope he keeps a warranty on his motor as long as he owns it.Plus have plenty $$$$ for fuel/oil.This is first time I every heard of such myself but I sure wouldn't listen to that dealer alone,I'd get myself another opinion real soon A.S.A.P.(like yesterday).

2 cycle outboards run most efficiently at the recommended WOT.

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Originally Posted by IBNFSHN

2 cycle outboards run most efficiently at the recommended WOT.

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This is a four stroke Bill. I forgot to mention this.

My redneck understanding of this is - it needs to be PROPPED so
that it runs near 6K at WOT, this puts it in it's proper operating range,
not good to lug any of them with too big a prop. But I don't think this
means you should have to RUN it WOT all the time... Gosh, I hope not,
because I run my four stroke 90 around 4500-5000 most of the time.
(But it will hit 6000+ wide open on a cool morning with empty livewells)
My .02 is that it's not good advice.

All - always Honda 4 stroke, not no motor wiz so would suggest he get new prop size and model of boat & contact Factory people FAST before damage is done.

I have always been told to run an outboard at WOT! My YAMAHA specs call for between 5500 - 5700 RPMs for normal speeds! I have always run it this way and it is 8 years old and yet to be in the shop.

Two and four stroke outboard motors are made to be run at high RPMs. They are more efficient in the upper end of the power band.

Why a dealer would tell someone to run only at WOT is beyond me, but, if your neighbor would like a second opinion, have him visit the Honda web site and submit a question directly to the technical support folks there.

Having such information as boat manufacturer and prop information will help them a bunch as well.

Honda has offered a four stroke outboard for a very long time. They are a fine engine and hold their value quite well. I'm sorry to hear he has had trouble with his.

Ok - so define more or most efficient if ya'll don't mind :)
not tryin to be wise guy, but the only yardstick I know are on-the-boat
test, like on Yamaha's web page. I bet you will have a hard time finding
one that doesn't get the best fuel economy somewhere around 3500-4500
- or one that dont' start sucking fuel with a vengeance (comparatively)
as it approachs max rpms.

No argument that peak power is in the upper end, but maybe I just have
different ideas of what efficient means :confused:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by J White

Ok - so define more or most efficient if ya'll don't mind :)
not tryin to be wise guy, but the only yardstick I know are on-the-boat
test, like on Yamaha's web page. I bet you will have a hard time finding
one that doesn't get the best fuel economy somewhere around 3500-4500
- or one that dont' start sucking fuel with a vengeance (comparatively)
as it approachs max rpms.

No argument that peak power is in the upper end, but maybe I just have
different ideas of what efficient means :confused:

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Good point. That why I back off the throttle.

I visited several manufs webs. WOT set 5500-6000 on most. Pick a prop method (after the tach is calibrated). Nothing recommended running WOT nor was it discouraged.

Are you guys saying your outboards run more than 6000 RPMs at full throttle? I have always calibrated my tach and then found a prop that runs in the reccomended RPM range at full throttle! Mine runs 5800 RPMs at full throttle.

An outboard, such as a 150 hp should be run near WOT at least occasionally. The engine is less stressed at that rpm than any other. But............. best fuel economy is found at 3500 to 4500 rpm. The fuel savings can be pretty substantial depending on your setup. Put the very best prop on your engine that you can afford. It will be good for your engine and your boat.

I'll throw out my two cents worth.Almost all four strokes have around a 6000 RPM max.Some like the Verado have a 6400 max.I'd say if he's run around 6000 at WOT then hes propped right.Does he have to run it there all the time, absolutley not.If this is a new motor that could be a different story.Four strokes especially on pontoons during break-in or shortly after need to ran hard especilly the Yamahas.This makes sure to get the rings good and set.What we seen especially on pontoons is people buy them go out, putts around and never opens them up.If the rings dont get good and seated you'll start making oil( Fuel getting passed the rings contaminating the oil ).Thats the only reason why someone might have been told to drive it like you stole it for awhile, but after that run how ever you feel comfortable.PJ

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cane Pole

My new neighbor at the lake purchased a pontoon with a 90 hp Honda. He has had trouble with the Honda since he got it. They replaced some stuff and finally replaced the electronic control module. They also changed the prop size. This is all fine. Now, what I don't understand is why they (Buchanan Marine ) told him to run it WOT all the time. (That is what he does). I don't know about this advice. Engine is turning 6000 rpm at wot.

I rarely get my Merc above 4500 rpm. What you all think about this wot advice? I sure ain't no mechanic and will not advise him on this matter, but he can read this post and decide for himself.

Thanks,

Tom

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Tom my Manual on the Suzuki 4-stroke states not to run Wide open all the time. but then again I run it about 4000 most of the time. Shoot that is 32 to 35 MPH. Max RPM's on mine is 6200.
Also if something happens they can hook that motor up and see just how he did run it. And if he did not break it in right. They will for sure use that to not pay a clam on it. That is if the dealer does not cove for him.
Can not believe they told him that.
Pete