Trolling is a popular fishing technique that involves slowly moving a boat with a bait. two-strokeThis issue is a hot topic among fishermen and mechanics, and two-strokes are known for their power and simplicity, and their work at low speeds can cause overheating, swelling and premature wear.
In this article, we'll look at this. Why manufacturers often do not recommend trolling on two-stroke enginesYou'll also learn how to minimize the risks when there's no other way out, and what alternatives are available for slow-hunters.
Why do two-stroke engines not like trolling?
The main problem lies in the principle of work. two-strokeUnlike four-strokes, where the lubricant is circulating all the time, two-stroke oil is mixed with the fuel and burned with it, and at low turns, this mixture does not burn completely, which leads to:
- 🔥 Nagara formation on pistons, candles and in the exhaust tract - this worsens compression and can cause detonation.
- 💧 Overheating due to insufficient cooling (the water pump works inefficiently for idle ones).
- ⚙️ Accelerated wear and tear bearings and cylinder piston group due to insufficient lubrication.
- 🚫 The Bay of Candles The fuel mixture does not have time to burn, and the engine begins to “sneeze”.
Manufacturers, such as Yamaha, Mercury or Tohatsu, expressly indicate in the instructions that prolonged operation at revolutions below 1500-2000 rpm is undesirable. Mercury 15M According to the document, trolling is allowed for no more than 10-15 minutes in a row with a mandatory subsequent run at high speeds.
⚠️ Attention! If your motor is equipped with a thermostat, the risk of overheating is lower, but the problem of the coarseness remains. Honda BF5 or Suzuki DT9.9) warm up even faster.
What two-stroke engines "tolerate" trolling?
Not all two-strokes are equally sensitive to low speeds, and some models can be trolled for short periods of time due to their design.
| Motor model | Permissible trolling time | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaha 9.9 FMHS | 20 minutes. | It has an improved cooling system and thermostat. |
| Mercury 15M | 15 minutes. | It requires a mandatory warm-up before trolling. |
| Tohatsu MFS25 | 10 minutes. | It is sensitive to the quality of the oil, but TC-W3. |
| Suzuki DT9.9 | Not recommended | It overheats quickly, but some anglers use it with external water cooling. |
Even for these models, the rule applies: after each cycle of trolling, the engine must work for 5-10 minutes at speeds above 3000 rpm to burn out the soak and normalize the temperature.
What happens if you ignore the recommendations?
Long-term trolling on a two-stroke without taking precautions leads to serious breakdowns.
- 🔧 Coking of piston rings The engine loses power, starts to “eat” oil.
- 💥 Detonation because of the scorching in the combustion chamber (sounds like metal knocking).
- 🔥 The piston melt If the overheating is critical, major repairs will be required.
- ⚡ Failure of the ignition system It's because of a flooded candle or a damaged coil.
According to statistics from service centers, about 30 percent of two-stroke engine failures are due to improper operation at low speeds. Yamaha 15 after trolling costs an average of 15-20 thousand rubles (replacement of rings, cleaning of the carburetor, candles).
⚠️ Attention! If the engine starts badly after trolling or smokes white smoke, this is a sign of water entering the cylinders due to condensation.
How to troll on a two-stroke with minimal risk?
If there is no alternative and trolling is necessary, follow these rules to reduce the damage to the engine:
Use only high quality oil TC-W3 (for example, Motul Outboard Tech 2T or Quicksilver Premium>)
Warm up the engine on idle 3-5 minutes, then 2 minutes on average speeds
Install an additional water pump (if the motor is not equipped with it)
Control the temperature with your hand - the body should not burn
Every 10 minutes of trolling, give the engine to work 2-3 minutes at 3000+ rpm->
It'll help. pitching (for example, instead of the standard) 10×13 lay down 9×11This will increase the load at low rpm and improve cooling, but don't overdo it, because too light a screw will lead to torsion and new problems.
If the engine starts to sneeze during trolling, do not stop it immediately. Let it work for 1-2 minutes at average speeds - this will help burn through the excess fuel in the cylinders.
Alternative solutions for trolling
If you're a troller, sooner or later, the two-stroke engine will fail.
- Electric motor (e.g., motor) Minn Kota Endura C2 55) - perfect for trolling, silent and fuel-free. Cons: limited battery life.
- Four-stroke engine (for example, Honda BF20 or Suzuki DF9.9) — allows long-term work at low speeds, but more expensive in maintenance.
- Drift anchor or parachute It allows the boat to drift slowly without the motor, and it's suitable for windy weather.
- The "additional screw" system - some craftsmen install a second small screw on a separate shaft on the transom, which works only for trolling.
The most budget-friendly way is to combine a two-stroke with an electric motor. Mercury 15 You can go to the fishing area and then switch to the Haswing Cayman 12V for trolling.
Can you make a four-stroke from a two-stroke?
Technically impossible, they're fundamentally different designs, but some craftsmen remake two-strokes for separate lubrication (as in the old ones). Yamaha 25D), which makes the load situation a little better, but it costs more than buying a used four-stroke and gives you no warranty.
Expert and fisherman opinions
We interviewed mechanics and experienced fishermen to find out their attitudes towards trolling on two-strokes.
- 🔧 Alexey, Master of Service Center: "I've seen engines after a year of trolling -- cylinders like 10 years of use. If you really need to, put it on. Yamaha 9.9 High Thrust Change the oil every 20 hours.
- 🎣 Igor, a 15-year-old fisherman: "Troll on" Tohatsu 18 It's 3 seasons now, while I'm alive, and the main thing is not to spare oil and not to be lazy to run the engine after catching.
- ⚠️ Dmitri, GIMS instructor: In addition to technical risks, trolling on gas in prohibited areas can lead to a fine of up to 5 thousand rubles (Article 8.37 of the Administrative Code).
It is interesting that some manufacturers (for example, Parsun) produce two-stroke engines marked "trolling mode", but in fact it is a marketing move - the instructions have the same time limits.
Even if the engine "survives" after trolling, its life is reduced by 2-3 times.
FAQ: Frequent questions about trolling on two-tackers
Can I use a two-stroke engine in winter?
In winter, the risks are even higher: cold oil thickens, grease deteriorates, and condensate in the exhaust system can freeze and damage it. If the temperature is below +5 ° C, trolling on a two-stroke is strongly discouraged.
Which oil is best used for trolling?
Only synthetic oil class TC-W3 marked "for severe conditions" (e.g., Motul Outboard Tech 2T or Mercury Premium PlusMineral oils form charcoal faster.
How much does it cost to rework the engine for trolling?
Installation of an additional water pump will cost 8-12 thousand rubles, flashing the ECU (if supported) - from 5 thousand rubles. But no one will give guarantees that the engine will not break.
Can I troll on a water jet engine?
jet drives (e.g., Yamaha Jet Drive) even less troll-friendly, they overheat faster because of the closed cooling system, up to 5 minutes in a row.
What to do if the engine stalls during trolling?
Don't try to start it again. First, check:
- Do you have a candle on your back (and see if you can).
- Do you have any candles (reason or replace them)?
- Does the fuel come in (check the filter and hoses).
If the engine does not start, tow the boat to the shore - further attempts can aggravate the breakdown.