4 stroke question

I was just curious how offen you all change you spark plugs on your four stokes? Do you go by what the dealer tells you or do you let them go longer.
Thanks for you replies in advance

Jason.

I change them once a year in the spring before heading to Erie. No surprises in the big pond that way. I know a lot of people who change them ever other year and have no problem. I figure for 6 bucks why not change them. keeps everything running clean also.
C.J.

On my 01 F115 which I purchased the Oct 00 I have changed them once, why, I was used to running 2 strokes, in all reality I could still be running th origanal plugs.

Been running orignal plugs on a 2001 115 Honda on a 26 foot Pontoon at slow speeds for many hours.
What does the dealer say?

Well the motor is my grandpas. The dealer told him to change spark plugs every year i beleive. He told him to buy platinum plugs which are about $13 apiece so that is why I asked the question. Does he really need the platinum plugs? Or can he get a cheaper plug and just change them every year. When we looked at the plugs the other day they still looked brand new so that is why i origanally posted the question. The motor is 115 hp merc. not sure on the year maybe a 2003

The dealer just wants your cash. That motor is no different than your car or lawn mower. Four strokes do not burn the oil with the gas, therefore no need to change them unless you are having issues that would be causing them to foul out. Platinum plugs are recommended on some of the Direct Injection motors on the market right now. I had enough hours on a Ficht to wear a set out. Not with four strokes though.
Tuck

I run a Honda 50 and change plugs at the end of every summer. I priced the plugs at the dealer and said NO WAY. I went to a local hardware store that does alot of small engine repair and got the same plugs for a low price of 2.65 apiece.

Ron

you should not have to replace plugs unlees they look worn or runs rough, but I would reccomend pulling them ocasionally so they don’t seize in the motor. As a mechanic I have seen many plugs seized and it can be a bear to remove them. I also put anti-seize on all plugs very important on aluminum heads!

Great advice!

Thanks guys. I figured the dealer just wanted the cash. I felt the same way about it being like a car engine but wanted to check with a few of you guys before I told the old man he didnt need those expensive plugs. I will relay the messages to him.