1995 Force 120 carb adjustment help and timing help

jpaulson

Cadet
Joined
Mar 3, 2014
Messages
14
Hi everyone, I have a 1995 Force 120 on a Bayliner Capri 170LS. I have been experiencing hard starting with it ever since I bought it. Good compression in all 4 cylinders, spark plugs have been replaced recently.

SYMPTOMS: Runs great, accelerates smooth with no hesitation, no apparant loss of HP. I always prime as directed and choke for a couple seconds when starting, but I always have to fast idle it when starting or else it wont start. I can run it around the lake all day and everytime I start it I have to fast idle it. It usually takes a good 3 to 4 seconds to start.

I would like to see if anyone has some thorough directions on how to check and adjust the carb settings. I do not think my idle needs to be adjusted as it idles fine after starting. If anyone can walk me through how to set my low speed needles in the carbs and also how to check the timing for this Force model that would be great!

I did see the sticky on timing with the youtube video, and I get everything through hooking up the timing light, from there it doesnt really show hands on how to use the timing light to check the timing.

Any input would be appreciated thanks! I would like to start with adjusting the carbs and if that doesnt help I'll move on to timing
 

SkiDad

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 18, 2010
Messages
1,518
If it's running good I doubt the timing is off much. the timing light needs to be hooked to the 1st cylinder wire - you ground all the wires together and then ground it to the motor. the light will flash and you can see if the pointer matches the flywheel. If it's darn close don't adjust it. I believe later force you have to set it 32 static to get 30 actual - it's the opposite of the older motors, but double check that in the clymers manual.

But 1st, you want to make sure you idle is high enough - Let it warm up for 5 minutes, the adjust, it needs to be about 750 in forward gear in water - that translates to about 1000 or 1100 in neutral in the water. Maybe even 1200 neutral if you are setting it at your house.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1HmYyOQFW8
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,183
The choke only works if the key is depressed.
Holding it in all the time while you try to start might help?

The timing usually doesn't move unless you take the trigger off.
Your carbs have an air/fuel adjustment screw.
I believe top right side of the carb.
Turn in slowly, remember the amount of turns. Post the #

To set: turn the screws in till they bottom. GENTLY!!!
Then out 1 and 1/8th turn on both carbs.
Try to start.
Once started, top carb, turn air screw in 1/8th turn and wait 10 seconds.
The 10 seconds allows the motor to burn the fuel at the old setting.
Continue 1/8th turn waiting between turns until the motor coughs bucks or stalls.
Then back out 1/2 turn.
Repeat on bottom carb.
Then do it again on both carbs.
 
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