1983 85 hp force outboard hard starting and dies under load

[Tkv071]

Hello all!

This forum has helped me so much during the last few years as I restore my Bayliner. After scouring the site for answers I am in need of answers or guidance on what to do.

My 1983 85HP outboard engine (856x3L) has been mostly rebuilt from carbs to starter to a new head gasket recently and it hard of starting and won't stay idling when it does finally want to start.
I have had it in a shop to carb idle adjustment tuning and link and sync.
​​​I have checked for spark in all the cylinders and they have about 90 psi compression in all three. Is this too low?

The gas Reed valves have been examined and cleaned. No issues found on them whatsoever...

When it does start and runs, it is on muffs. As soon as you put it in a tub or lake it won't start or stay running.

Please help!


Thanks

 

[jerryjerry05]

The 90# compression?
The good thing, all 3 are at 90#
They should be around 145-155#
The difference is probably the gauge or the procedure used when doing the test.
Cheapo tools? = crappy results.

One of the first 4-5 posts here in the Force forum has a post called "link and sync"
It shows how to set up the carbs.

Lots of times the carbs get set up for use on the hose and then when put in the water it doesn't run

The rpm's are about 1150-1200 on the hose.
In the water 1100 in N
and 800 in gear in the water.

To set the carbs. turn the air screw all the way in and turn out 1 full turn and adjust as needed?

The factory said 1 turn out and leave it there, sometimes that works?
Then some carbs won't run at that setting. Some need to be set at 3 turns out??

 

[foodfisher]

RPMs are key. Too low and exhaust back pressure in a body of water will choke it out.