1998 Force 120, starts hard

[jeuto]

I have a 1998 Force 120HP outboard that will kill a battery trying to start and eventually comes sputtering to life, after it runs and warms up it will start within 1-2 seconds and run perfect all day (I tried new plugs). I can't seem to figure out the issue. Does anyone have any ideas??<br />Appreciate your time.<br /><br />Jay

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 1998 Force 120, starts hard

Hello Jay and welcome to iboats. When you attempt to start it do you choke the motor?

 

[jeuto]

Re: 1998 Force 120, starts hard

Originally posted by eurolarva:<br /> Hello Jay and welcome to iboats. When you attempt to start it do you choke the motor?

 

[jeuto]

Re: 1998 Force 120, starts hard

There isn't a choke... unless I am unaware of some sort of "push the throttle down/forward before starting to engage a choke" trick. I am the second owner and I never got the manual to it. Gee that sounds like a good place to start. I have been asked that before but it seems the obvious is sometimes the furthest away as far as an option. I will try to geta manual for it tomorrow...but would there be any other suggestions in addition to a choke problem?

 

[Realgun]

Re: 1998 Force 120, starts hard

Heres a starting procedure.<br />1. Squeeze the bulb on the fuel till its hard.<br />2. Insert key and turn to on position.<br />3. Push key in and hold.<br />4 Rotate key while still pushed in till motor catches.<br />5. If motor doe not start in 10 seconds release key.<br />6. Pull or release the throttle on the shifter and open about 1/4 throttle. repeat above.<br />If motor catches release key to on position and slowy move throttle back to idle.<br /><br />DO NOT START MOTOR UNLESS THERE IS WATER FOR WATER PUMP!

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 1998 Force 120, starts hard

The choke is engaged by turning the key to the on position then pushing it in. A choked motor is a lot easier to start cold then an unchoked motor. Dont feel bad. I wore down two batteries before someone told me about the ignition choke. I used to carry a broom handle and manually choke the motor with the cowling off.

 

[Blaize8378]

Re: 1998 Force 120, starts hard

My 85 Hp does the exact same thing....I would be interested in finding out as well

 

[jeuto]

Re: 1998 Force 120, starts hard

Well I sure do appreciate the information...I'm glad my wife doesn't know about this, she thinks I am a resident genius...I need to keep that front going, however I know better and now that there is a little humilty running through me I say a great big thanks to all of you. I will post a new reply in regard to my issue this weekend. See you out there!<br />Jay

 

[jeuto]

Re: 1998 Force 120, starts hard

Originally posted by Blaize8378:<br /> My 85 Hp does the exact same thing....I would be interested in finding out as well

 

[jeuto]

Re: 1998 Force 120, starts hard

Well it all seem to work out, it runs and starts great...like a new motor. It had me a little scared for a while. thanks again<br />Jay