86 Force 125 Runs Rough & Dies UPDATE!

[J08248]

Hello,
I recently purchased an 86 bayliner capri w/a Force 125 outboard. First time out it ran ok but I could tell something was not running right(was only at about 26mph by gps @ WOT) so I started digging in on the simple stuff that couldnt hurt to be maintained anyways. Here is a list of what I have done so far:
*Replaced the fuel pump diaphragm
*Rebuilt both carbs.
*Replaced spark plugs with correct champions
*Replaced impeller and housing
*Checked and set timing to 30* static
Today when I took it out for the first time since all the work it seemed fine for about 20 minutes. Then all of the sudden it was bogging on take off and would sputter and stall about 4 seconds after take off(right when the skier was just up). It came out of the hole good then just falls on its face. Messed with the mixture screws without prevail. Im kind of leaning toward an ignition problem because it started so suddenly and seems to be missing during idle now(when it will idle). Also the fast idle setting didnt seem to keep the rpm's to about 1200 or so(it was always fine before) and this was the only way to keep it running. It seems the longer we tried to run it the worst it got. We ended up paddling the last fifty yards in. Now it will barely run at all. I have yet to check for spark on all cylinders.
On a completely unrelated note; the boat pulls to the right like crazy. I adjusted the trim tab above the prop all the way and it is still pulling(not as bad). I did notice it gets worse if the trim is all the way down. Is there anything else I can do with it to make it not pull so bad? It was to the point i had to manhandle it with 2 hands to keep it straight.
Thanks ahead of time to anyone who responds to me. I just want this thing up and running without anymore hassle.

 

[sidenberg]

Re: 86 Force 125 Runs Rough & Dies

Re: 86 Force 125 Runs Rough & Dies

DId you check condition of fuel in the tank or condition of fuel lines? Could have debri clogging up screen.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 86 Force 125 Runs Rough & Dies

Re: 86 Force 125 Runs Rough & Dies

Compression/spark test?? Then water in the fuel? Replace all hoses(squeezie too) and remove any inline connectors.Clean carbs afain and install a small filter between the pump and carbs.
Pulling right:turn the tab as far to the right as it will go.

 

[J08248]

Re: 86 Force 125 Runs Rough & Dies

Re: 86 Force 125 Runs Rough & Dies

Well it has a brand new tank of fuel w/ synthetic oil. All lines are new and screen is clean as well as the tank vent clear. Compression ran about 120 on all cylinders from what my cheap gauge said. Spark was good before but I have yet to check it since the outing. The first time I drove the boat before all the work it did not have the same symptoms. Before it just wouldn't idle well or run without choke half on. Anyone ever added an electric low pressure fuel pump for kicks? As for the pulling; the trim tab is adjusted all the way to the right. Cables slide smoothly and there is nothing binding or sticking. Could this be from the trim being too low? Currently the trim motor is outta commission so no trim on command yet. Anyone have a good motor for sale?

 

[ezimmerm]

Re: 86 Force 125 Runs Rough & Dies

Re: 86 Force 125 Runs Rough & Dies

Here's a couple of things for you to check.

1. If it worked fine for a bit and then suddenly started bogging, make sure the fuel pump gasket and diaphragm were put on in the right order. I speak from experience...I put that in backwards the first time I did it on my 150..ran great for about half a day and then same symptoms....bogging and harder starting (since the diaphragm tore). Redid it and it worked for a couple of years.

2. Check the recirculation system (especially if it smokes a lot more then normal). I'm going through this right now, engine had been running fine all summer and then suddenly quirky idling, bogging when I hit the throttle. Found that the screens were plugged and one of the check valves in mine is not working. As I understand it, if the recirculation system is plugged your engine is basically flooding as the excess gas is not being drained properly.

3. Also when I first got the 150 it had a small exhaust leak under the cowling, without fresh air the engine will choke, is there any exhaust leaking on yours that you can see?

Just a couple of thoughts for ya.

 

[J08248]

Re: 86 Force 125 Runs Rough & Dies

Re: 86 Force 125 Runs Rough & Dies

Thanks for the replies. I have not yet had a chance to look at it as I have been very busy lately and been taking my dads boat out a lot. The fuel pump diaphragm is a definate possibility as my buddy put it on. I'll also check the recirculation system as I doubt it has ever been cleaned. What is the procedure for cleaning the screens? As for the exhaust leak; I have had that cowling off a few times and everything is fine. It acts the same way with the bonnet off too anyway. I'm really excited to get this thing running; and running reliably. This is my first open bow boat and a boat of it's size. It is a big step up from the last(although so far no where near as reliable as the Johnson). Once everything is in order mechanically I'm thinking of a wake tower and a bimini top as my first add-ons. Lately is has been so hot here it is almost not enjoyable to be on the water. Hopefully the bimini will be a worthwhile addition.
On a side note; Lately we have been taking my dads boat out a lot(its a 2005 Bayliner 175 w/3.0) and have noticed that it is much, much more stable when people walk around side to side, than mine(1986 Bayliner Capri 18' 8" w/ 125 Force outboard). It also does not seem to be affected as much by side to side weight distribution. What causes this? Is it just the design of the hull? Or maybe the fact that his boat has a lower center of gravity with the I/O than my outboard? I initially figured mine would be more stable as it is reasonably wider and longer. Just been thinking about that one every time were out..... Thanks in advance for all the replies.

 

[J08248]

Re: 86 Force 125 Runs Rough & Dies

Re: 86 Force 125 Runs Rough & Dies

UPDATE:
Well I had the chance to take a look at the boat today.
I tested for spark and all was well.
I checked for fuel, all was good. I did notice however that when cranking there was fuel squirting out of a small hole on the driver side of the carb. Also it seemed to be dripping out of the carb inlet. Could the float be out of adjustment? I checked it when I rebuilt the carbs and it looked good. I didnt replace the needle seats but they didnt look cracked or missing.
So... I yanked the plugs and checked the compression, all is the same. BUT..the plugs were pretty carboned up and they are brand new. So I scratched off the carbon and it fired up great. Seemed to run much better than a few minutes prior. I have not worked on 2 strokes a whole lot but from what i noticed there was an awful lot of smoke. more than i think is normal. Can this lead to the carbon fouling? From what I heard back in the day they called for almost twice the oil ratio. Is this true?
I'm gonna take it out to the water tomorrow maybe and see if it runs any better. Thanks.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 86 Force 125 Runs Rough & Dies

Re: 86 Force 125 Runs Rough & Dies

50-1 is still needed.
Set the air screws.
In to the bottom(gently) then out 1 and 1/4.
In the water(HAS TO BE) start/warm/in gear.Tied to a dock or on the trailer
Screw in top screw till motor just starts to miss/buck/cough/stall.Then out 1/2 turn.Then do the other carb.Do it twice.That's setting the air screw.The rpm's should be 750-800 In gear.

 

[J08248]

Re: 86 Force 125 Runs Rough & Dies

Re: 86 Force 125 Runs Rough & Dies

I have the air screws 1 1/4 out from bottom. I will adjust when I get in the water. Someone mentioned the recirculation system. How do I go about cleaning/checking that out? It does seem to smoke a lot and apparently this may be a symptom of a clogged recirculation system. Also the boat has no tach. I tried to hook up my multimeter which has a tach but the readings were off the wall. I think it may be because it is a 20 pole system. Is there a tach out there that will work on it? Did any boat with the force come stock with one I may be able to hunt down on ebay or something?

 

[glachiew]

Re: 86 Force 125 Runs Rough & Dies UPDATE!

I also have a 1986 Force 125 that fires up and dies. It ran well last year but my boat cracked the transom. So I transferred it to a different boat this year and, now that I have it all hooked up, it runs super rough. It starts right up when the gas line is primed then stops abruptly, like the prop hit a rock (just describing it, I'm doing this in my driveway). After reading these threads I am suspecting a fouled gas system - either the filter, tank (it's a different tank and may have some water in it). Maybe I'll replace the hoses, ball and dump the tank before I take it in for repair.

Thank you for this post! It gave me some ideas.

 

[jason32038]

Re: 86 Force 125 Runs Rough & Dies UPDATE!

If the carb is dripping out of the front or the side hole then it's most likely the reeds or the float is misadjusted. Start with checking the float level on the one carb. I just fixed my reeds...YES FIXED! Some of my reeds were bent so I grabbed a medium flat head screwdriver and stuck it in between the reeds and reed stop and pushed in with a little pressure. Bent them right back.

 

[glachiew]

Re: 86 Force 125 Runs Rough & Dies UPDATE!

Took it in to the shop and it turned out to be a bad capacitor discharge (CD) pack on cylinder #1. $350 for the CD pack. Ouch! It'll get a trial run next week.