90 HP Force Outboard - Hydrofoil Issue

Joined
Jun 20, 2012
Messages
14
Hi fellow boaters!

I was out on the water today in my 1991 18' Bayliner Capri Runabout with my 90 Force HP outboard. Just bought it used a couple of weeks ago and the first few times it was obvious adjustments... So today I had the family out on the river and it was just not running right... I had added a Stingray Classic Hydrofoil to the outboard today, and it improved NOTHING but it did cause a dramatic pull to the right, even after adjusting the anode. I attempted to remove the hydrofoil and the nut stripped and it was too frustrating in the 100 degree sun. So I put the other's back in place and as we were heading back out of the cove, the boat kept dying... we had gas. Suddenly my Step-Daughter said it smelled hot and sure enough the outboard CAUGHT FIRE!!! My girlfriend went hysterical with the two dogs and was able to not have a heart attack! Now I feel that the motor caught fire because the carburetors need to be cleaned. Does not appear that the fire did any damage. . Would you say that the bottom carburetor, flooding could have caused the fire and rebuilding the three carburetors will repair THAT issue. So it is obvious that I have a couple of issues on my hand....

Questions I am looking for assistance with are as follows for clarity;

1) Why, when I added the hydrofoil, did the boat have a drastic pull... I MEAN DRASTIC!!
(attempted adjusting either direction, no change)
2) Why, when I adjust the anode did I get no change.



Any suggestions, advice or knowledge is appreciated and also since I am a bit of a newbie, I would like to ask around as to where you all prefer to get boat parts, supplies, etc. online. I am located in Western Massachusetts, if anyone has any recommended marina or service stations.
 

foodfisher

Captain
Joined
Feb 18, 2009
Messages
3,756
Re: 90 HP Force Outboard - Hydrofoil Issue

Fire needs three things, Oxygen-available in the air, fuel-available with the leak, and ignition source aka spark, start your search there, then do a lot of reading in this forum. You dodged a serious bullet. Get the engine in good running order before you expose your family again.
 
Joined
Jun 20, 2012
Messages
14
Re: 90 HP Force Outboard - Hydrofoil Issue

Fire needs three things, Oxygen-available in the air, fuel-available with the leak, and ignition source aka spark, start your search there, then do a lot of reading in this forum. You dodged a serious bullet. Get the engine in good running order before you expose your family again.


Thank you for your reply... Do you know a good source for the carburetor rebuild kit for this engine.. I am having a hard time finding it online. I did find it here...

http://www.**********/parts/detail/part/M-FK10357.html

My issue is that nowhere on the internet does it tell me what ACTUAL parts names are included in this kit!!! Frustrating! I am working fast and furious to get this in safe running order before bringing the family out! I understand the seriousness of this event and that is why after reading here for weeks I became a member to seek advice from experienced readers and boaters...


:confused: About that anode? :confused:

Thank you again. :facepalm:
 
Joined
Jun 20, 2012
Messages
14
Re: 90 HP Force Outboard - Hydrofoil Issue

Fire needs three things, Oxygen-available in the air, fuel-available with the leak, and ignition source aka spark, start your search there, then do a lot of reading in this forum. You dodged a serious bullet. Get the engine in good running order before you expose your family again.


Thank you for your reply... Do you know a good source for the carburetor rebuild kit for this engine.. I am having a hard time finding it online. I did find it here...

http://www.**********/parts/detail/part/M-FK10357.html


My issue is that nowhere on the internet does it tell me what ACTUAL parts names are included in this kit!!! Frustrating! I am working fast and furious to get this in safe running order before bringing the family out! I understand the seriousness of this event and that is why after reading here for weeks I became a member to seek advice from experienced readers and boaters...


:confused: About that anode? :confused:

Thank you again. :facepalm:
 

foodfisher

Captain
Joined
Feb 18, 2009
Messages
3,756
Re: 90 HP Force Outboard - Hydrofoil Issue

Due diligence. The answers are here in this forum. You just have to search for them as they're not in my memory banks. A manual and searches here, have answered most problems I came across. Then questions here filled any blanks. Don't think an anode can overcome a faulty whale tail. Removed my ugly attachment as soon as the engine was running properly and now it's waiting for the next user. Problem is, after explaining my experiences, no one will take it off my hands. edit; Since the boat/engine is new to you, try starting with "waking a sleeping motor" in the search function. Slow , methodic, sure, is the way to a successful outcome.
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,800
Re: 90 HP Force Outboard - Hydrofoil Issue

Hi fellow boaters!

I was out on the water today in my 1991 18' Bayliner Capri Runabout with my 90 Force HP outboard. Just bought it used a couple of weeks ago and the first few times it was obvious adjustments... So today I had the family out on the river and it was just not running right... I had added a Stingray Classic Hydrofoil to the outboard today, and it improved NOTHING but it did cause a dramatic pull to the right, even after adjusting the anode. I attempted to remove the hydrofoil and the nut stripped and it was too frustrating in the 100 degree sun. So I put the other's back in place and as we were heading back out of the cove, the boat kept dying... we had gas. Suddenly my Step-Daughter said it smelled hot and sure enough the outboard CAUGHT FIRE!!! My girlfriend went hysterical with the two dogs and was able to not have a heart attack! Now I feel that the motor caught fire because the carburetors need to be cleaned. Does not appear that the fire did any damage. . Would you say that the bottom carburetor, flooding could have caused the fire and rebuilding the three carburetors will repair THAT issue. So it is obvious that I have a couple of issues on my hand....

Questions I am looking for assistance with are as follows for clarity;

1) Why, when I added the hydrofoil, did the boat have a drastic pull... I MEAN DRASTIC!!
(attempted adjusting either direction, no change)
2) Why, when I adjust the anode did I get no change.



Any suggestions, advice or knowledge is appreciated and also since I am a bit of a newbie, I would like to ask around as to where you all prefer to get boat parts, supplies, etc. online. I am located in Western Massachusetts, if anyone has any recommended marina or service stations.

1 because your motor is likely not mounted at the proper height, if it was, the foil would not drag and cause a pull to the right. Then, if it was mounted at the right height, you probably wouldn't need the foil.

2 The foil was causing more drag than the tab.
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,800
Re: 90 HP Force Outboard - Hydrofoil Issue

His trim tab is also his anode.
He has no exhaust snout.


Definitely get the carb kit from a Merc dealer.
Don't get an aftermarket bag of miscellaneous parts.
 
Joined
Jun 20, 2012
Messages
14
Re: 90 HP Force Outboard - Hydrofoil Issue

His trim tab is also his anode.
He has no exhaust snout.


Definitely get the carb kit from a Merc dealer.
Don't get an aftermarket bag of miscellaneous parts.


Thank you EVERYONE!! Thank you Roscoe!

Can anyone tell me if they have ever had SEVERE pull to one side or the other after adding a trim tab/anode? :confused:
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,800
Re: 90 HP Force Outboard - Hydrofoil Issue

Many many people have had trouble with bolt on hydrofoils.

Never heard of anyone having a problem with a factory trim tab.

Use the search function for "hydrofoil" and you will find numerous discussions about the problems they create.
The solutions generally include raising the engine, and/or removing the foil.
 

datastream

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 12, 2012
Messages
36
Re: 90 HP Force Outboard - Hydrofoil Issue

I just wanted to add that I've been through two Force85's, one 1985 and one 1986. both engines had exhaust snout set at the factory with a bit of right-ish angle. It's been suggested by the pros on here to be sure to put the snout in the exact same angle when removing and replacing the lower unit.

I've done that with no intention of trying to remedy the pull issue. I can't imagine that the little snout can resolve the issue. But just for kicks Iadjusted it to be on center and I'm headed out today with the kids for a last summer outting. I'll report back if the pull remains or was fixed.

I also removed my foils for the first time to see if I can tell any diff there.
 

"B"

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 23, 2012
Messages
32
Re: 90 HP Force Outboard - Hydrofoil Issue

So, what was the result of your changes? Kind of anxious to hear about it,

Thanks, "B"
 
Joined
Jun 20, 2012
Messages
14
Re: 90 HP Force Outboard - Hydrofoil Issue

Remove it and it got better. Not perfect but better. Thanks all for the help. It's the original motor and mounted at the lowest setting, so I can not see how that would be the issue. Thanks again.
 

Bart Hawk

Cadet
Joined
May 29, 2012
Messages
22
Re: 90 HP Force Outboard - Hydrofoil Issue

I get all of my parts here. (Simlilar motor but in Jetdrive) I think carbs are the same.
http://www.**********/parts/search/Merc2/Jet/90 (JET DRIVE) 1994/0E037000 THRU 0E080399/parts.html

(I get all new gaskets everytime I have to pop open my carbs)

Love smoke on the water well I love the song the real life experience is no fun!

Ditch the hydra foil and get some smarttabs, I got them and it was the best $100 bucks I ever didn't have to spend on the boat!
 
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