engine smokes...a lot!

I've had my boat since the day it was born and it has ALWAYS smoked a lot more than any other boat i've ever seen. Bought it at Fun n Sun in Cleburne (1997). It's a 225 mariner. I asked about it a couple of times and Travis (at the time the mechanic) said no issue. And it hasn't been. In fact it still has the original power head and lower unit and I bet it's got 1000 + hours on it. Never had any problems. Fires right up every dang time in about 3 seconds max. Any one ever had this issue? Took it out for the first time in a couple of months to Bastrop today and it seems like it's smoking more than ever. Anyone?

to much oil?

My 2001 efi that I premix smokes like crazy as well

Mine too

Unless it;s fowling the plugs don't worry about it

I had a 99 merc 225 EFI.
About the same engine you got.
It got nicknamed Old Smokey.
Had over 1500 hrs. on it. Best engine I ever owned.
Worse in cold weather when you first fire it up.
Normal

If your plugs are good no worries, mine does the same. It would bother me if I DIDN'T see smoke.

My dad's yamaha smokes pretty good when it's cold but it doesn't foul plugs. It's probably better than the newer engines because it's getting the lubrication it needs

My 200 Yammie Smokes Crazy , but at least it's be hind me .

When an outboard sits awhile the gas in the carbs evaporates and leaves the oil sitting there. The first time you take it out that oil will mix with the fresh fuel mix and smoke more than normal. Pre mix will always smoke more than the oil injection engines unless you don’t add enough oil. Let it smoke. Engine is getting its lubricant to make it last longer. After being in any one of my buddies boats with 4 strokes mine seems like a mosquito fogger for a bit.

Pre-mix fuel puddles behind the reed cage on those motors. When it sets for a period of time, the gas evaporates off, leaving the oil. First fire up after sitting, its burning that puddled oil. No worries, it should clear up some once you start to use it on a regular basis. If its smoking, at least you know its oiling.

Good info!! Thanks for the simple explanation!

Better too much oil than not enough.

Same story for me except a 200 efi bought new in cleburne in1996. There are 3 check valves in the lines I replace. Residual pressure in the lines would feed oil when the engine is off. I replace them and all is back to 1996 levels. Good luck. JD

My oil injected 1992 Johnson Faststrike 150 on my pristine 1992 Ranger 361v smoked a lot when cold and a little when warm.....and ran perfect for 20 something years with NO engine repairs until someone wiped it out on the freeway a few years ago. I get the EPA and all but I kinda wish my 250XS smoked just a little(ya i know I can add a little oil to the gas to fix that). I truly believe these newer “cleaner EPA friendly” 2 strokes are running so lean that it shortens engine life. Part of the demise of the 2 Stroke. Oh well, somethings progress forward and somethings progress backwards...........You state your motor runs fine? Relax and be thankful. I kinda miss that early cool morning cloud of exhaust when starting out the new day in anticipation!

Johnson GT 150, shes a smoker, but fouls no plugs and after initial hard/cold start, fires up well for rest of the day.


Lets me know she's ALIVE!!!!

I am guessing that smoke is what has allowed you to get to 1000 hours on the original power head. I agree with the other reply regarding motors running too lean. There has to be an explanation for all of the boat and motors for sale with rebuilt power heads with less than 200-300 hours.

Mine three.

+4 I don't premix but it does smoke a lot especially on start up and in the cold

My '01 XR6 smokes in the mornings, just part of the deal. My Uncle owned a motorcycle shop for almost 40 years, he told me that if a 2 stroke isn't smoking, you should be worried, and lil smoke never hurt no one!