1987 Force 50 hp won't start

[C-Dogg]

Hi all,

New to the forum, just got my first boat about a month ago. It's a 1987 Bayliner Capri 14ft with a 50 hp Force motor. Motor has run fine every weekend, including this past Saturday, when I took it out for about a two hours of cruising/tubing. But when I tried to start it yesterday, it would not start. Motor turns over fine, but will not catch. Unignited fuel/oil is coming out exhaust when I try to start it. I pulled the spark plugs, they looked fine (they had just been replaced when I bought the boat last month).

Another thing different about this weekend, when I bought the boat, the previous owner included a primary and a spare gas tanks (6 gal). I had been using the primary tank without a problem, but this weekend I filled and used the spare tank. Added oil at the proper ratio. Worked fine for two hours of use on Saturday, but when it would not start yesterday, I checked the tank and it was all sucked in - the vent had not been opened apparently. I opened the cap to vent and used the bulb to feed some gas to the engine, no luck. I also swapped back in the primary gas tank - no luck.

This is my first boat/motor, so I am not sure what might be wrong. Any suggestions on what to check next? Thanks in advance for assistance. The boat is at my camp in Southern Maine.

Regards,
Colin

 

[JB]

Re: 1987 Force 50 hp won't start

Howdy, C-Dogg :welcome:

Check this out: http://forums.iboats.com/engine-frequently-asked-questions-faq/outboard-wont-start-158071.html

 

[C-Dogg]

Re: 1987 Force 50 hp won't start

Thanks JB.

The starter does engage and rotate the flywheel at a good (normal) speed. I will check the spark plug for spark next. It's OK to try to start the motor with the spark plug removed like that?

My gut feel is that it is a fuel line problem somewhere, caused by my switch to that new/improperly vented tank, but I will go through your checklist.

Thx,
C-Dogg