Hard start on '88 85hp Force... carb cleaning?

[NMShooter]

My Force starts hard. Once warm it starts pretty easily.

Some more history.. 115psi on all cylinders. Fast idle does not seem to work... I see no play in the throttle linkage when I disconnect the shifter and bump the throttle.

I have to crank and crank (sometimes 90 seconds or more before it starts to sputter and then start. Runs a little ragged through low rpms, but seems to smooth out at higher RPMs.

Frequently dies when I shift from neutral to forward.

Plugs are pretty nasty.... I just pulled them tonight and they are full of oil. I've most trolled with this, so that obviously does not help. This motor is new to me... some questions.

1) Looks like proper plugs are UL18V. Correct?
2) Is there a way to clean the carbs without pulling them? Maybe a heavy duty seafoam blend or Merc Quickcleen or ????
3) I just disconnected the throttle linkage and lengthened it by one rotation to try and get a little more idle speed before engaging forward. Bad idea?

Type slow and use little words. I got shorted on brains and beauty.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Hard start on '88 85hp Force... carb cleaning?

O-----K-----! I'll type slowly

The carbs stick out in front just like women's nipples and men have a compulsion to play with them! In reality, they are usually the last things you should mess with.

Surface gap plugs (UL18, L20V) are prone to fouling. Always carry a clean set on the boat. Plugs can be cleaned with a green Skotchbrite pad and reused indefinitely

1. Re set the linkage to where it was: that's not the way to gain a higher idle speed
2. Buy a manual and learn how to set and synchronize linkage. Or research previous postings that discuss this rather complex procedure.
3. You must put the control in fast idle/warm-up position to cold start. Depending upon control box, either push in the center button and advance the throttle or pull out the whole handle and advance the throttle.
4. Idle speed must be adjusted to 700-750 RPM in forward gear, in the water with new plugs.
5. Idle speed is adjusted with the screw and locknut on the lower portion of the timing/carb tower
6. Push in key and hold it in while starting cold to choke engine.

 

[NMShooter]

Re: Hard start on '88 85hp Force... carb cleaning?

My Force starts hard. Once warm it starts pretty easily.

Fast idle does not seem to work... I see no play in the throttle linkage when I disconnect the shifter and bump the throttle.

I have the type of shift disconnect that requires me to push the center button. However, doing so and actuating the throttle lever results in no apparent operation of the throttle linkage. Shouldn't I see some reaction in the linkage at the engine when doing this?

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Hard start on '88 85hp Force... carb cleaning?

That's what link and sink will accomplish.

 

[john from md]

Re: Hard start on '88 85hp Force... carb cleaning?

+1 to what Frank said.

Make sure you do the entire synch procedure. Trying to shortcut this process will just lead you to more starting problems, and if you really screw up, a burned piston!

John

 

[boatox]

Re: Hard start on '88 85hp Force... carb cleaning?

I have the exact same engine. When I first got it it acted slightly the same way. I ended up rebuilding and cleaning out all three carbs. There was a lot of dirt in each bowl. Put in a new inline fuel filter. I also found a bad needle and seat which kept causing problems as well. Maybe take off one bowl and see what you find in there.

 

[NMShooter]

Re: Hard start on '88 85hp Force... carb cleaning?

Thanks... where did you find the replacement needle and seat?

 

[boatox]

Re: Hard start on '88 85hp Force... carb cleaning?

Just select your engine should have what you need. I would also go through what the guys above said first. I have to remember his saying about carbs are like nipples. I would look in that bowl though just to see.

http://www.crowleymarine.com/parts.cfm