1987 Force 85 problems

[chase2525]

Recently purchased a 1987 bayliner with the 85 force engine and am having some issues with it. You can only throttle up half way because if you go past 3/4 to full throttle it will get doggy and die. Put new plugs in it to see if that would help but only thing it did was idle a little smoother. Can only get it going about 8 mph. If you go in reverse the engine can get really revved up, way more then foward. There's a new fuel pump on it. It turns over and starts easy. Any suggestions on maybe what's wrong with it would be greatly appreciated

 

[pnwboat]

Check the compression in all cylinders and verify that you are getting spark to all cylinders with an in-line spark checker.

 

[flyingscott]

When that happens try pumping the primer ball to rule out the fuel pump

 

[chase2525]

So ruled out a few things, it's getting fuel, new fuel pump. Compression is good. Found out from the owner before that the carbs were redone professionaly last year, and I went through the carbs, and they are good and very clean. Now would this be a timing issue, or could it be an electrical issue?

 

[Jiggz]

If you have a timing light, you can get the "timing"out of the equation real quick. Now if it is electrical, it'll be like a needle in a haystack. Check the timing first and repost.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Sounds like a fuel delivery problem.
​The revving in R is a no load situation.
Easier to spin in R.
The timing, if you didn't change anything then it's not gonna change.
Change the hoses and any connectors and even a new squeezie.
Check the vent hose and the pickup tube from the tank.