Bad advice???

[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

[Fishn N Wishn]

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).

[Barnacle Bill]

2 cycle outboards run most efficiently at the recommended WOT.

[Cane Pole]

2 cycle outboards run most efficiently at the recommended WOT.

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

[J White]

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.

[jaxsprat]

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.

[crappielimits]

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.

[Fishtaco]

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.

[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

[Cane Pole]

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

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.