1988 Force 50HP running good except at initial throttle

sraley1053

Cadet
Joined
May 7, 2012
Messages
27
I have my boat running well now... only issue that I have encountered is at initial takeoff (hot or cold same). It idles smooth and everything but when I drop into gear it wants to die before I can get it going. I have new plugs which may have helped a little but still a problem. Any advice would be appreciated.
 

Jiggz

Captain
Joined
Oct 23, 2009
Messages
3,909
Re: 1988 Force 50HP running good except at initial throttle

Make sure your idle RPM is set at 700~800 RPM in gear in the water. If you want to set it on muffs (on the driveway) idle should be 1100~1200 RPM. If idle is set right and problem persists, you might want to check your air screw (fuel-air mixture screw) setting. If the air screw is improperly set to more than 1.5 turn out from lightly seated it will provide too rich of fuel mixture and fouled plugs. If set too lean, it can cause serious damage to cylinders and pistons.

From 1.5 turn, I adjust mine 1/8 CW of a turn at a time at a the lake. Check the plugs to make sure they are not "bone" dry. If they are still "wet" (with dribble of fuel/oil) I adjust the air screw again 1/8 turn CW. Ran at the lake for day again and then check the plugs. So far the best setting for my 125HP is just barely less than 1 turn (just a little more than 7/8 of a turn) from lightly seated. With this setting, my plugs do not wet neither do they get "bone dry". It's more like moisture on the face of the plug but not a "dribble" wet.
 

sraley1053

Cadet
Joined
May 7, 2012
Messages
27
Re: 1988 Force 50HP running good except at initial throttle

Thanks for the great response! Guess I will need to get a tach... would like to have one anyway. Are tachs standard or do I need one specific to my 1988 Force 50 engine?
 
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