Wont start! Getting spark but no gas (i think)

[A-town]

Every time i go to start my 94 Force 90 hp outboard it WONT start. I pump the bulb till its firm. It cranks but never turns over. I know I am getting spark because when i spray some gas down the plug holes it starts up and then continues to run and then starts right up the rest of the day. (why i think its not initially getting gas)

I need help so I dont have to spray gas in my plug holes every time i want to take my boat out. Please pass any info on. Thank You for your help.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Wont start! Getting spark but no gas (i think)

Are you pushing the key in to choke it when first starting?

 

[A-town]

Re: Wont start! Getting spark but no gas (i think)

tried both. We have tried to start it for 5 mins. Plenty of time to start and crank some gas through but nothing, either way. I have let it sit for 15 then tried again for another 5 (not continuous, I have some knowledge of motors) and still nothing. Its only on the first start. After i spray gas in the plug holes its fires right up and continues to start up no matter how many times we stop and shut it off throughout the day.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Wont start! Getting spark but no gas (i think)

Sounds like your choke is not working. Do you hear a clicking noise from the engine when you turn the ignition to the ON position and push the key in? You might have to take the cover off to hear depending on what type of choke system you have.

 

[A-town]

Re: Wont start! Getting spark but no gas (i think)

Yes choke is working fine. All three carbs choke closed when the key is pushed in.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Wont start! Getting spark but no gas (i think)

Could it be that you're flooding the engine? There is an art to starting some of the Force engines when cold and it's very easy to flood the engine. You shouldn't have to engage the choke for more than 1 or 2 seconds for each attempt while cranking. Here's what I do. Prior to following this procedure, it was quite an ordeal to get it to start.

1. Squeeze primer bulb until hard.

2. Advance the throttle control forward in the neutral "Fast Idle" position. Some controls have a button that you have to push in the middle to pull the handle out towards you, some just pull towards you.

3. Turn ignition key and crank engine while pushing in to engage choke no more than 1 or 2 seconds at a time while continuing to crank engine until I hear it fire. Repeat step 3 if it fires but dies out.

Usually it takes two tries, maybe 3 at the most. Let it fast idle for about 15 20 seconds and then I'm good to go.

 

[sharper410]

Re: Wont start! Getting spark but no gas (i think)

Sounds like the same problem I'm having. I've had to spray starting fluid through the carb to get it to run. Then everything is fine. Haven't had any suggestions to my post about it yet.