1988 Force 125HP idle problem

[bryant7]

Hi I am new to boating and just purchased a boat with a 1988 125HP Force motor, I am having problems with it idling. It takes a bit to start, but when it starts it sounds like it is idling really low, i do not have a tach yet(could use some info on that as well). when i shift it in to gear, it just dies unless i quickly jam it info gear with lots of throttle. any help.

 

[87blf125]

Re: 1988 Force 125HP idle problem

you can try to turn up the idol, but i also have an 88 125 and as long as i owned it it idoled like crap and most of the time i have to jam it in gear so it won't die on me. any questions i would be glad to let you know what i have found out about this motor in the last 2 years.

 

[brianvolt7]

Re: 1988 Force 125HP idle problem

Welcome to iboats.
I think the idle adjustment on the carbs is 1 1/2 turns out from seated. There are some great mechanics here that will be able to help you more.

 

[maxum_man]

Re: 1988 Force 125HP idle problem

A wise man once told me...Timing has a lot to do with your idle on a 2 stroke engine! Make sure your timing is set right. Also, I know for sure on the 120's that on the cam that operates your throttle, there is a line. It is supposed to be dead center with the wheel that it rolls on to open the throttle at the base of the linkage tower. Not sure if that goes for the 125's as well, but its something to look at. Have you checked your spark and compression yet? Have you done any decarb or cleaned the carbs or checked the air/fuel screw for correct position? There's a few places to start with.

Bryan

 

[bryant7]

Re: 1988 Force 125HP idle problem

A mechanic I'm not, about the only thing I have done is changed the spark plugs, I will have to try the other suggestions. I just ordered the manual for this motor from iboats and should be receiving it in a couple of days.

 

[further]

Re: 1988 Force 125HP idle problem

Bryant7, hopefully you ordered a clymers manual. You could get any inductive tach that clips on the #1 spark plug wire or pick up a 20 pole tach or a tiny tach (which is what I did and it works real well and easy to install, also is an hour meter).
The idle speed screw is at the bottom of the tower shaft on the starboard side of the motor just behind the carbs. The screw end rests against the block and has a locknut on the other side of the tower shaft.
Brianvolt7, 1 -1/2 turns out from lightly seated for the fuel/air mixture on the carbs, different than idle speed. Idle speed should be set in the water tied to the dock, 1000-1100 in neutral, 700-800 in gear.

 

[bryant7]

Re: 1988 Force 125HP idle problem

thanks Further, i did order a Clymers manual, and I just ordered a Tiny Tach, sounds like an easy install.

 

[further]

Re: 1988 Force 125HP idle problem

It is very easy. white wire to ground on the block, red wire wrapped around the #1 plug wire about 3 times. I ran it to the helm and installed it near my speedo.