1989 125 Force OB not reaching top end speed

[CoastGuardCobia]

Hello all, this is my first post. I have a 1989 125 force OB that is in great shape. I aquired it from a CG buddy of mine in a bind so I don't have alot of history on it. The OB ran great for about a year after it had been sitting for apprx 3 years uncranked. Recently, I was having some problems with it running rough at idle and low speeds. So, i decided to clean the carbs using the DIY Gallon jug of carb soaker from advanced auto. Once I soked both carbs for 24 hours each I put everything back together and ended up fixing the low end problem. My problem now is that it takes a long time to come up to speed and once it reaches top speed I feel like I am around 5-7 miles an hour slower than what the top end should be.

I have tried adjusting the idle screw, fuel/air mix screws, and linkage on carbs. So far I can't find a happy medium. Request to know any thoughts on what to do next with the carbs? Also, I replaced the Stator thinking that was my original problem, but once I figured out the carbs needed a good cleaning I reinstalled the original stator. Again, the OB is in great shape and is running well. I believe it just needs the right touch. Any advice would be great! Thanks in advance!

 

[pnwboat]

Re: 1989 125 Force OB not reaching top end speed

Welcome aboard CGC. Start with the basics first. Make sure the throttle plates are both perfectly horizontal when the throttle handle is in the WOT position. Any time you take the carbs off, you should perform a "Lync and Sync" after you re-install them. This insures that the throttle plates in both carburetors are opening and closing "in sync" for maximum performance. Typically the idle mixture screws should be set anywhere from 1 - 1 1/2 turns out from lightly seated. The idle speed is set by a screw with a lock nut on the tower shaft. Do not adjust the idle mixture screw to increase or decrease the idle speed. Idle speed should be about 750 RPM's in gear in the water.

There is an explanation on the "Lync and Sync" procedure under the very first "Sticky" or post at the top of this Forum index. It's titled "Force & Chrysler FAQ and other great information" Under that post you'll see another post titled "Synchronizing Carbs and timing on a 75-150 Chrysler or early Force by Frank Acampora"

You might also want to check the compression as it is a pretty good indicator of what kind of shape the rings are in, and the spark on all 4 plugs.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1989 125 Force OB not reaching top end speed

Profile? Location? You might be close to someone who can help.
What kind of rpm's are you running at WOT?
Compression results?
Size of prop?
What size boat?
Some older boats get water logged.
I cut up a 21 ft.boat and it had about an extra 600-800# of water soaked foam.

FYI the carbs air screw 1 full turn out from lightly seated.
The load will affect the performance.
2-3 fat boys,a dog,2 coolers of beer and tackle and anything else will affect the results.