1995 120 Force

[rugardave]

Hi guys, After starting, and trying to shift into forward or reverse the engine dies. It will idle in n but when i shift it will die unless I jam it in at higher rpms. Where on the motor do I increase the idle? Or is that a bad idea I should look for something else?
Thanks,
Dave

 

[foodfisher]

Re: 1995 120 Force

Screw and locknut at the bottom of the timing tower?

 

[scottmm73]

Re: 1995 120 Force

Are you idling in a lake or on muffs before shifting? Idle rpm in neutral should be around 1000-1200 rpms this will give an in-gear idle of around 700-900 rpms. If you are already in this range you may have other problems. Have you done a compression test on your motor? I ask this because I had near the same problem as you and it resulted in the #2 and #3 having only 30 psi on each cylinder.

Just a rule of thumb, when it comes to problems with Force motors:

When you encounter problems:

1. Check compression (Auto parts stores will rent compression testers).
2. Check spark with an air gap tester. http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetcs/product-info/en/US/grn/25069/image/4/
3. Check fuel system.

If these check out good, problem lies somewhere else. Owning a manufacturers maintenance manual is a good investment and will lead you in the right direction.

 

[rugardave]

Re: 1995 120 Force

Thanks for responding guys, yes had the pressure checked last summer. New head gask. all cyls. were about the same pressure. I can't remember the exact number, but it should still be there. It will start everytime. Good hole shots and top speed also. This usually happens when II'm at the dock and just launched or leaving a bar or resturant. It will always start and idle, is this the nature of the Force Motors? in that I'll have to live with jamming the shifter into forward or reverse? Thanks again for your help.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: 1995 120 Force

Idle in the driveway on muffs should be around 1000 RPM's. That'll get you in the ball park when you're in the water. May have to adjust it a bit but around 750 RPM's in the water when you put it into gear. Like foodfisher mentioned, the idle speed is set by adjusting the screw w/lock nut on the tower shaft on the side of the motor.

When was the last time you changed your fuel pump diaphragm?

 

[rugardave]

Re: 1995 120 Force

Idle in the driveway on muffs should be around 1000 RPM's. That'll get you in the ball park when you're in the water. May have to adjust it a bit but around 750 RPM's in the water when you put it into gear. Like foodfisher mentioned, the idle speed is set by adjusting the screw w/lock nut on the tower shaft on the side of the motor.

When was the last time you changed your fuel pump diaphragm?

I bought the boat used, I can't tell you. I do have a guy that works on all kinds of motors so I'll ask him about that. I live near the city where Johson Motors used to be so there are alot of guys around that fix outboards. My friend changed the head gasket last summer and water pump, he may have looked at the fuel pump also. Thanks for help. Dave