94 Force 120

Millaro

Cadet
Joined
May 15, 2011
Messages
22
#4 Cylinder lean; what could the problem be?? Had some specs from the piston on the spark plug, down 10lbs on compression from the other 3 cylinders.

Any insight would be appreciated!!!

Thanks!!!
 

t money

Cadet
Joined
Jul 4, 2011
Messages
15
Re: 94 Force 120

What are the readings? of each cylinder?

how does it ride currently (symptoms like running rough, bad idle, doesn't run at all, etc)
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: 94 Force 120

If you have aluminum throw-off on the sparkplug--specks from piston on the sparkplug-- then you already have damage. How severe is the question.

First, check the needle setting on the bottom carb. It should be around 1 turn out. If it is correct, then remove the bottom carb and clean it well. Look for a low float setting or general junk in the carb bowl which would result in partial clogging and a lean run. Put a fuel filter between the fuel pump and carbs if there is not one there already.

10 pounds low is not much and after correcting the lean run condition and installing a new plug, the engine may run well. HOWEVER: Look through the plug hole to see if the piston crown is the only part damaged or if there is scoring on the cylinder walls. If in doubt, remove the head and look at the cylinder. It may have some aluminum wipe-off on it, affecting compression. If it does and if it is light, it can be scraped off. heavier accumulations need to be scraped then cylinder lightly honed.
 

Millaro

Cadet
Joined
May 15, 2011
Messages
22
Re: 94 Force 120

Thanks Ya'll!

Frank, would the Reeds have anything to do with this?? Thanks for the info; I will certainly check the carbs out.

T Money, 155 on all 3 and about 143 on #4. It's never idled right....I've messed with it over and over again. The timing is 2 degree Advance on Cranking in Neutral. 32 cranking at WOT. I even moved it to 30 and it didn't help.

thanks again!!!!
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: 94 Force 120

Usually reeds will not affect the engine in this way. But, since you are removing the carb, look into the manifold and check them out. Those square reeds are known to be a little less reliable than the older round tipped ones.
 
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