Bottom Plug On Kicker Fouling

[FallRiverGuy]

I have a 1996 Yamaha 6 hp kicker that had developed a problem with only the bottom plug fouling when I troll slowly. This is a recent condition that has developed over the last year. I used to troll all day without problems. Now I have to blow the motor out every hour. If I don’t the bottom plug will foul and I have to install a new one I use Yamaha oil and mix it 1:100 and use Plus grade gas. I figure if my mix is off both plugs would foul. The gas is not old and I use gas stabilizer.

Has anyone else experienced this type of problem? I am wondering if this is a problem that I can fix or do I need to take it to a shop?

[FallRiverGuy]

I finally found my problem with the plug fouling on my kicker. About 1.5 years ago my impeller failed causing my motor to over heat. There is a plastic collar that holds the thermostat in place and this plastic is not able to withstand boiling water. When the impeller failed and the motor overheated, it melted the collar in such a way that the thermostat could not close competely. My engine has been running cold for some time now. I am actually surprised that I was able to troll at all with it running so cold.


http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/thermostat.jpg

[ET]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing. Never know when this info will benefit me or someone around me!