1997 Force 120 timing

[fishngolf]

Re: 1997 Force 120 broken reeds

Re: 1997 Force 120 broken reeds

Not sure how many hours are on it as I just bought it. Wasn't running initially and now after new stator,trigger and reeds on all cylinders I think its finally good. Runs great on muffs all cylinders are firing and timing is good. Anxious to get it into the water and make sure everything checks out. Will let you know how the reeds hold up. I've heard good things.

 

[fishngolf]

Re: 1997 Force 120 broken reeds

Re: 1997 Force 120 broken reeds

Took boat out for the first time this past weekend. Ran great smooth idle and fast throttle response. Motor was very quiet couldn't believe it. Anyone know how to adjust the idle? Mine seems to idle around 850 and moves the boat a little quick at idle.

 

[emoney]

Re: 1997 Force 120 broken reeds

Re: 1997 Force 120 broken reeds

850 should be in the "normal" range if my memory serves correct. Pretty sure that's about what mine is anyway, assuming we're talking about in gear.

Congrats on the successful outing, btw!!! Always good to get "good news" reports.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1997 Force 120 broken reeds

Re: 1997 Force 120 broken reeds

750-800 in gear.
The towershaft on the side of the motor is where you adjust the idle.
The screws on the carb is for air/fuel mix at idle.
Turn it in till it just bottoms out then out 1 turn.
Then motor warm,running,turn screw in till it coughs,bucks,stalls then out 1/2 turn.
Do the second carb.
Rev it up,then set the idle at about 1100
Then go for a ride.
In gear reset idle at about 800
Then redo the air screws.

 

[fishngolf]

Re: 1997 Force 120 broken reeds

Re: 1997 Force 120 broken reeds

thanks for the help guys i'll be checking it out this weekend. Noticed that my plugs are pretty oil covered. Is that normal for a motor that hasnt been run for awhile?

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1997 Force 120 broken reeds

Re: 1997 Force 120 broken reeds

Yes your burning gas/oil and some residue is normal.
Good luck this weekend!!

 

[TwoFish]

Re: 1997 Force 120 timing

Good to see you have it running again!

I think I will be ordering those reeds when I sort the rest of the motor out.

 

[fishngolf]

Re: 1997 Force 120 timing

few trips out now and no problems. Motor is starting to gain my trust. Trying to burn through all the fuel that has been sitting in the tank. Whats the best octane to use and should I add anything besides oil to the mix?

 

[fishngolf]

Re: 1997 Force 120 timing

Also just wondering what you think of me only getting 32mph at 5000 rpm. Had two people and less than a half tank. Boat is a 1700 pound starcraft 1809. I know the speedometer is correct as I used a handheld gps as well.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: 1997 Force 120 timing

Also just wondering what you think of me only getting 32mph at 5000 rpm. Had two people and less than a half tank. Boat is a 1700 pound starcraft 1809. I know the speedometer is correct as I used a handheld gps as well.

Seems like you should be closer to 40MPH, maybe more like 38 or so. Looks like from your comments the compression is fine. Make sure the throttle plates are perfectly horizontal when you have the throttle in the WOT position. If not, you need to adjust the linkage so you can open her up all the way.

A couple of things to check:

1. Do you have a stabilizer fin (Whale tail, Doel fin etc) mounted on your lower unit? Sometimes they will knock a few MPH off your top end. If you have one, take it off and see what affect it has.

2. Do you have you motor trimmed up?

3. What size prop do you have?

4. Does the floor seem to be in good shape? A soft or spongy floor is a possible sign that you may have water saturation in and below the floor. If the hull has any foam below the floor, it can hold hundreds of pounds of water which will affect performance.