86 force 125 problems

[deputydad48]

I need help before my wife makes me sell it. I have had issues with the motor since day one. I have replaced fuel disphram, impeller, plugs and fuel filter. The boat runs good at first then at wot it boggs down a bunch. I took it to a shop and he said everything, compression etc. is great. The only problem he found was that one cdi was putting out 263 volts and other was 200. He replaced the lower voltage one. I took it out yesterday and it ran great for an hour or so pulling a tube. Then the stalling started again. it acts like its running on half power. I idled it back to dock, 30 mins, and tried it again befor I trailered it. It ran great again. Any suggestions? Ive been reading the forums and have run across fuel issues. Maybe the check valves in fuel pump, maybe fuel return? Can I put fuel pick up and return in gas can to test? The bulb is usually hard but yesterday it collapsed for a minute. Carbs are clean and rebuilt 3 months ago. Please help.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 86 force 125 problems

Check the vent line.Do you have a quick disconect in the fuel line?Sometimes on older motors the rubber in them cracks and it sucks air.Check for weak hoses.
Get a remote tank and try running it on that.Same problem? Then the pump needs help.Water in the fuel?Check for restrictions in the carbs.J

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 86 force 125 problems

Your description does make it sound like a fuel problem. When the engine slows, if you put it in neutral for a minute or so, will it then pick up and run well for a couple of minutes? High speed operation takes much more fuel than low or idle and if there are clogs in the system, the pump will not be able to supply the engine for very long.

Check the complete fuel system from the inside of the fuel tank(s) to the carbs. Some tanks have a strainer inside them, check this for junk or varnish. Some plastic portable tanks have a small outlet which can be clogged with junk--empty the tank and clean it.

If you have a quick-connect, the spring inside the male fitting will accumulate debris and partially clog. As mentioned above, they sometimes leak air die to deteriorated rubber seals.

Lastly, check the carbs. If the inlet needles are partially obstructed, they will not deliver enough fuel. If the floats are not set correctly with the proper height AND sufficient float drop, the engine will not get enough fuel at high throttle positions.

 

[deputydad48]

Re: 86 force 125 problems

Thanks for the help. The tank in the boat is under the floor and is hard to get to. Can I test the problem with just a regular gas can with both hoses put into it. I dont live near a boat supply and dont want to spend the money on an outboard "pup" tank untill I can determine the problem is the boats tank. Also I have read about the check valves in the fuel pump. I saw them when I changed the diaphram. Do I pull and clean them or replace them. Sorry to be a pain, Im learning.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 86 force 125 problems

The idea with the second tank is to isolate the main tank and hoses.
If you can, get a second hose and try the gas can.The squeezie can be bad,it has a 1 way valve that can go bad.
The valves can be replaced or cleaned.I had a pump on my motor that the one valve went bad and was in pieces in the pump but the pump still worked.
Do the tests and post your results.J

 

[deputydad48]

Re: 86 force 125 problems

I finally checked the fuel system top to bottom. The hoses were in good shape and I made sure they were tight. I installed a new fuel filter and completely drained the fuel tank,and everything seems to be ok. The only thing I found amiss was the carbs were adjusted two and a half turns out and the plugs were completely fouled out. The guy I had working on it set the carbs when he installed the switch box. I cleaned the plugs, adjusted the carbs to one and 1/16 out and she runs like new. I guess I had to get the combination on everything right. I'll cross my fingers on the next outing. Thanks for everyones help!