I currently run 50:1 ratio mix in my 8hp kicker.
I've run the Merc power tune thru it and am constantly fouling plugs. Do I dare run my mix leaner? Does anyone run less than that?

Some people say you can go leaner but i don't think i'm a fan of that, try maybe running a little hotter plug, what type of oil are you running, try running some of the quick silver theough it if not all ready, some of the less expensive oil's will tend to foul plugs quicker? Last result might be rebuilding your carb maybe different jet's good luck, Doug

Thanks for your reply Doug. Yes I do run Quicksilver and I never thought about a hotter plug. I would be real leary of running leaner on the oil.

Have you adjusted the carb and or timeing,, And dont go leaner.

Hey Steelheaddude, No I have not rebuilt my carb or done any jetting to it. Do you by chance work for a sevice dept? I've been having trouble with my kicker running at a slow idle. It always wants to stall out.

Hey Charr,I'm a mechanic at Mercer Marine in Bellevue.Bring it by next week and we'll take a look at your Merc.We're a Merc dealer and have 3 factory certified mechanics with 20+ years experience.425-641-2090.Rick

Yes im factory certified merc mechanic,, bring it down

Steelheaddude, I shpuld bring the boat down and have you look at it. Now my 75hp is running like crap! I'll give you call in the next couple of weeks. Is that the number on your post?

Yes, 253-569-4138

I had the same problem with mine. I went to a hotter plug. Then I pulled off the exhuast manifold and cleaned it. Then I pulled the card and the crankcase manifold and cleaned them both. You wouldn't believe the carbon build up inside. Anyway, motor runs well now. Good luck. Don't run any leaner than 50:1 in the two strokes unless the owners manual will allow deviation. Use premium oil if possible.

I was having the same problems with my old 6hp Johnson kicker. I changed to hotter plugs and I now run Pennzoil Synthetic Oil from GI Joes($19.99). With the synthetic oil, the plugs never foul!