1986 85hp Force outboard Fuel problems please help

[Tony Moye]

So I have a 1986 85hp force outboard that doesn't seem to be getting fuel. When I get it started in the water the only way to keep it running is to keep pushing the choke. I have cleaned the carbs and replaced gaskets in the bowl and the intake, all cylinders have 120 compression. I looked at the diaphragm and it looks ok no holes or wear and the other gaskets in the fuel pump look perfect as well. It didn't have this problem until I broke down the carbs which the top one was missing the nozzle spring the middle one had a hole in the float but I repaired and replaced those issues the only thing that Im not sure about is the top carb was stripped out where the bowl screw goes into the top of the carburetor so I had to use a longer bolt to get good threads so Im concerned it may be blocking that bottom jet in the top carb a bit don't know if that could create this issue with no fuel getting in or not. Someone out there give me some direction where to go please i have also replaced the spark plugs and rebuilt the starter and changed out the water pump.....help

 

[Jiggz]

First we need to find out if it is a fuel delivery problem or if it is a carburetion problem. To do this, buy a clear fuel filter even a cheap Fram G2 will suffice. Install it between the fuel pump outlet and the carbs inlet. Orient it closer to the pump so the inlet side is higher than the outlet. Prime it to at least 1/2 full. Now run the motor, does the clear fuel filter stays at least half full? Rev it a little bit to about 2000 RPM, does it still stays at least 1/2 full.

If not then you have fuel delivery problem. This could be a faulty fuel pump, air leak in the fuel hose or primer bulb or clogged pick up tube. If it stays at least 1/2 full then it is a carburetion problem.

Stop the motor and remove the carb's air covers. Run it again. This time hold the engine rpm (using high speed idle) to about 2K. Is it sputtering? If not, raise to about 2500 rpm or until it start sputtering. If it sputters, try to manually choke each carb 1/2 way by placing your hand over the mouth of each carb covering half of it and listening for change in rpm getting smoother. Identify which carb is making the engine stop sputtering and post back.

 

[Tony Moye]

Thanks Ill check that out and post results

 

[jerryjerry05]

The "missing spring" might not be missing.
​Some came without the spring.
The jet in the bottom is a high speed jet and should have no affect on starting.
Repeated choking could be? The low speed jet is clogged, the pump is bad, the idle not set right, floats not set right, bad reeds.