85 HP starting irregularities

[rockytop]

1984 Force 85 HP
it has some difficulty firing up and starting, but usually does with some TLC. I can handle this. Initial running is smoth, no real problems.
However, problem in question is when trying to start motor a 2nd, 3rd, ..time (after stopping boat purposefully), boat is almost impossible to restart. After purchase, seller (a family member) stated that you had to prime the %$#$# out of the bulb when this happens....almost to the point you "think" you are flooding motor... This has worked on some occasions, but still a problem. Boat/ motor well maintained.
carb kit 2002
water pump 2002
Power pack / stator 2007

Suggestions ???

 

[john from md]

Re: 85 HP starting irregularities

Here are a few things to do.

You don't mention when the plugs were changed so I would do that along with the following if they are old.

1. Check and adjust choke linkage.

2. Check and adjust Carb/timing linkage

3. Decarb engine I/A/W instructions in FAQ in Repair and Maintenance section of this forum.

4. Spray DEEP CREEP (found in Auto and Boat stores) into scavange line ports on side of engine and under intake. These carbon up and as a result, excess oil and fuel build up in intake. You need to do this several times letting it sit overnight to disloge the carbon build up.

5. Adjust mixture as per manual starting from a 1 1/8 turn out from screw seated. Readjust idle to 750 rpm IN THE WATER. This can be done with the boat securly tied fore and aft to the dock pilings.

While being noted for being cold blooded and needing a longer warm up than other two strokes, Force engines are also known for easy starting when properly adjusted and maintained.

John

 

[journeyman]

Re: 85 HP starting irregularities

I have a 1986 force 85
I seem to have the same problem so thanks for the post and the advice I'll try it and see what happens.

 

[john from md]

Re: 85 HP starting irregularities

I am currently running a '85 85hp so I am speaking from experience. These engines carbon up more than the newer ones and that causes alot of their running problems.

Mine runs like a clock and gives me 40 MPH if I need it, yet will troll at 1.5 MPH all day if I need to. I fogg it every winter and decarb it every time I pull it out for the season.

John

 

[rockytop]

Re: 85 HP starting irregularities

thanks for the suggestions. I was impatient and took it to get it worked on. I'll try these things in the future....

 

[Dave K.]

Re: 85 HP starting irregularities

I have the same motor, '84 85hp. can't add to the above suggestions but make sure you are using "surface gap plugs" & yes, they carbon up quickly & will give you problems once warmed up. I change mine around 50hrs. Shouldn't have to prime it that much after initial run. I sometimes give mine 1 or 2 squeezes if it sat for a couple of hrs but that's about it. If warm, the motor should fire right up. As stated, ck the carb adjustments & make sure your tank vents are open.

Ck in & let us know after service work...

 

[john from md]

Re: 85 HP starting irregularities

If adjusted properly, after the first start of the day, the Force engine will start without choking. Just push the throttle into the high rpm neutral position and turn the key. If you choke them warm, they will flood.

As to changing plugs at 50 hours, that is a waste of money. Surface gap plugs can be cleaned with scotch brite and used over and over. They do not breakdown or wear out in water cooled engines like they do in air cooled engines. New plugs only cost two or three bucks apiece but that pays for gasoline and oil that keeps going up.

John

 

[Dave K.]

Re: 85 HP starting irregularities

good suggestion w/ the plugs. thx