Trolling with a 115 Merc

[Prairie Eyes]

Will pulling plugs with my 115 Merc cause any premature issues with the motor? I can get down to 1.8 - 2.0 mph with it, and even slower if I pull a drift sock. I don't have a kicker, nor the $ to install one.

I've noticed that after 3-4 hours of pulling plugs with it, I get a little unburnt oil (smells like gas) drain out of the water drain hole just below the cavitation plate. Is this because it's been running idle so much?

Thoughts/experiences?

Thx
JB

[bluegill 1]

I've been trolling with a Merc 115 4 stroke for several years and have never had any issues.

Bluegill 1

[Prairie Eyes]

Any difference between a 2 stroke and 4 stroke?

[fxnrxn]

I think the 2 strokes typically 'load up' a bit while idling. My brother owned a 115 2+2 and I remember having to rev it up on occasion just to clear it out. Ran fine after clearing it. I suspect that's what you're seeing. Those old 115's were pretty bullet proof. Rev it up, and see if that takes care of your problem at least temporarily. Mike R.