Tune-Ups

Replacing the wear parts in your ignition system keeps your engine starting and running smoothly.

What is a tune-up?

A tune-up is replacing the ‘wear’ parts in your ignition system. That can mean different things for different motors. Usually, it includes spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor.

Why do I need one?

The reason tune-ups often get confused with other service work is that they can present themselves as running rough, difficult to start, and can even be bad enough to backfire and miss. These can go away when the engine warms up or when the boat gets going faster. Many people think these are fuel issues since they are hard to tell apart. The reason cylinders aren’t firing is because the spark is being inhibited. A fuel issue is that cylinders aren’t firing because fuel is being inhibited—same problem, but different cause.

Why these parts fail

In boats, the cap and rotors often fail due to corrosion. Within the parts are raw metals like copper and aluminum that transmit electrical current to the proper spark plugs. Over time, with the damp marine environment of your boat, these parts corrode and the spark gets weak. Or, in some cases, can’t fire at all. Similarly, inside your cylinders the spark plugs at their contact points get clogged with carbon build up and heat damage. Lastly, the spark plug wires degrade with time and heat cycles, the contacts at each end lose their fit and can also corrode. Replacing these parts makes a big difference.