Merc 50 fouling problem

[Taylor1]

I have a 2000 50hp ELPTO on a 16' Fisher deep-v that will foul out after trolling for 15-20 minutes. Rpm's 800-1000. When it dies, it doesn't like to start very quickly, but it does. Lots of exhaust smoke when it does restart. You can run for a short period of time and it will be ok to troll again. Have had it in the shop a couple of times and was told the oil injection was functioning properly. Using NGK BP8HN10 plugs. Change them every year.

Can the oil injection be dumping too much oil at idle?
Need hotter plugs? Change to super unleaded gas?
Reprop to lower pitch and raise rpms? Buy a kicker?

Any idead would be appreciated.
Thanks

[Barnacle Bill]

I can't help you with those new motors but these people can. http://forums.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi

[J White]

Just me, but as soon as I can swing it, I'm getting into another boat
with a kicker. Something like a T8 Yamaha. I'm getting by now with
a "plate" behind the prop on my 50 Honda. Are you already dragging
anything to slow you down? If not, a couple of small driftsocks, one off
each front cleat, or purpose-built trolling "bags" might let you raise the rpms
enough to keep it cleared out. Or a plate like I have. But I think the
real "fix" is still a kicker motor.

[Bluejay]

Run a 40 mercury. Also have a 9.9 kicker. You would be surprised how many people ask why I have 2 motors. One person even thought it was an expensive back up motor. Had a hard time explaining it without losing it. :p

[Taylor1]

If the wind is not too bad I prefer to use my trolling motor. I can troll up to 2 mph with it. But when the wind gets to blowing 15+ I need to use the main.
I may have to just get a kicker.
I have tried the trolling plate, but did not like the lack of directional control.

If you get a kicker, will you tie it to the main for steering or just use a tiller. Also, is it oil inject or mix gas?

Thanks

[papasage]

try this site .T M D is a merc specialest
http://www.themarinedoctor.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl

[J White]

If you get a kicker, will you tie it to the main for steering or just use a tiller. Also, is it oil inject or mix gas?

Thanks

I'm still kind of undecided on that - but probably tie it to the main.
I've been looking at the "trollmaster" throttle controls Cabelas sells too,
they look like a good idea to me. I keep hearing folks who walleye fish
talk about locking a kicker straight ahead to provide the "push", and using a bow-mount MinnKota auto-pilot for directional control.
Sounds like a plan, but a lot of $$$ to find out if you like it or not :rolleyes:
All the motors I've been looking at are 4 strokes, Merc calls it a "pro-kicker",
Yamaha's is T8, think Honda makes one too. They have a bigger gearcase
and four blade prop, are made just for kicker duty. At least on the first two,
I know you can get them with electric start and power tilt, either with tiller
or remote.

[Taylor1]

papasage: thanks I have been there. He recommended a kicker, but also a couple of adjustments.
j white: Thanks also. if you tie the kicker to the main, then you could still use the steering wheel to change directions. When I use my trolling motor to troll with, I set it straight ahead and steer with the main ( its just like a rudder).

I appreciate all the info that people have given me, thats why I come here.