88' 125 Force running rough

[catchaser1]

Have noticed recently that my motor is running really rough. It has always not idled well, cuts out when idling. Now Im losing 10mph at top speed. Planing up takes longer, and when idleing back down from full speed it has a funny sound, and like its knocking, not like motor knocking but a knocking vibration you can feel in boat. I am lost, Im not very inclined when it comes to boat motors. Spark plugs were changed, and I put some sea foam in gas, still runs the same. Any ideas?

 

[pnwboat]

Re: 88' 125 Force running rough

Sounds like it not hitting on all four cylinders. For starters, do a compression check and check the spark.

 

[catchaser1]

Re: 88' 125 Force running rough

seems most of this started when the tilt and trim pump went out, does it have any thing to do with the carbs flooding, cause its full throttle and the motor not being trimmed up, in other words its running too much gas in carbs and flooding it out and fouling plugs? Sorry if this makes no sense.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: 88' 125 Force running rough

I guess it's possible, but not likely. Trimming up would most likely cause a problem than trimming down. I'm assuming you're running it trimmed all the way down?

 

[catchaser1]

Re: 88' 125 Force running rough

That is correct, all the way down. Gonna check my firing today, and fouled plugs

 

[Justinde]

Re: 88' 125 Force running rough

I'd do the simple things first- compression check and link & sync. There is a sticky on the link & sync at the top of the forum, but the mixtures/timing could be out. I'd be checking the mixtures first.

 

[catchaser1]

Re: 88' 125 Force running rough

Alright, after checking the firing, (which seems good) I want to sync the carbs. I read the sticky and I'm good with all the adjustments , all except the timing. I've messed with car motors a little, but when it comes to setting the timing on a boat , I'm a little lost. Is it nessesary to reset the timing before I adjust the carbs? I know if the timing is off, adjusting the carbs is worthless, but is it likely the timing is off? Could it be a timing issue that is causing the whole thing. Somebody shoot me in the the right direction on the timing deal. I need to save what money I can, and if I can do it with some help, it'd be nice. Tanks for the help in advance.

 

[catchaser1]

Re: 88' 125 Force running rough

also noticed today bulb will not pump up, checked diaphragm and it looks ok, so is this adding to problem?

 

[catchaser1]

Re: 88' 125 Force running rough

Anyone?

 

[WildBill79]

Re: 88' 125 Force running rough

For the timing verify your TDC mark on the flywheel is correct by finding TDC on the #1 piston and looking at the mark on the flywheel. It shoud line up with the mark on the head. If it doesn't your flywheel key might be sheered and you will need to fix that before going forward.
You can set the timing two ways. One with the boat at WOT in gear in the water, preferrably tied to something and the other at cranking speed. I set mine at cranking speed because I couldn't find a way to safely do it in the water.
To set it at cranking speed remove all plugs and wires and ground out the plug wires with test plugs or I think you can just remove the safety lanyard.
Jumper the neutral safety switch.
Put boat in gear and postion throttle to WOT
Put timing light on #1 wire
Crank motor and adjust timing to 28 degrees. You want it 2 degrees retarded of 30 because you are at cranking speed. If you do it in the water and running set it at 30.
The timing is set by turning the screw at the top of the timing tower.

You do want the primer bulb to be firm so you want to get that sorted out also.

This should get you started and hopefully some of the more experienced guys can fill in details I may have missed.

 

[catchaser1]

Re: 88' 125 Force running rough

went out today and fooled around with carb settings, got it going pretty smooth on hole shot, but top speed was 33, a couple times its like there was trash or something in gas, cause it kinda hesitated and then speed up to 37. what could cause this. Bottom carb is leaking when I pump ball up. Idle is terrible, like its choking out, carb settings did not affect it. any ideas?

 

[WildBill79]

Re: 88' 125 Force running rough

I think the carb settings should fix your hesitation but if the settings are not working you may want to look into cleaning the carbs. It also sound like on your bottom carb the float may need to be adjusted or is not sealing. Something could be stuck in there. I would take them all apart, clean, and install new carb kit, then start with the adjustments again.