hard start

[jim-jim]

I need a little help I have a 1999 120, force . I pulled up the #1 plug and checked the timing mark it is at 2 deg. I was thinking that should be 32 or so. how do I change the timing?

 

[Nordin]

It should be 30-32 dgr at WOT.
It maybe 2 dgr at idle.
Clarify if you have 2 dgr at idle or WOT.

 

[jim-jim]

I 'sorry I was at idle. the boat was stored for awhile and was so when I went to start it it was so hard to turn over it melted the positive side of my battary

 

[Jiggz]

If nobody messed with the timing tower or dismount the stator or trigger unit, the timing should stay the same when it was first place into storage. If the unit is hard starting, make sure you always do pre-start procedures.

You mentioned "for awhile" if this is more than 1 month and the fuel in the tank was never treated with fuel stabilizer like Stabil, then you need to make sure you use only fresh mix of fuel.

Again, if the storage period is longer than a year, then you might also need to replace the water impeller. Check the lower unit lube oil make sure it is not water contaminated.

Lastly, check the spark plugs to make sure it is not corroded.

Then do the start procedures, i.e. prime the fuel, place throttle in fast idle position, engage choke and crank it over. Just make sure cooling water is connected.

 

[jim-jim]

it's just really hard cranking over . it melted the positive side of my battery ?

 

[jerryjerry05]

Poor connections??make sure the grounds are good, both on the battery and the motor.
Hard turning over: low compression on 1 or more cyl, the gears/ bearings in the lower unit seizing,
​starter bad/dirty.
Pull the plugs and try turning it over.
​Still hard? drop the lower unit and see if that helps.
Still hard? take the starter apart.

 

[Tnstratofam]

Also are you using a fully charged good battery? My starting battery was junk this spring and even though it would take and hold a charge it would quickly drain and caused my starter to struggle. Replaced with a new battery and all is good.

I actually think my battery was weak at the end of last year because my starter struggled a little and there was a miss that showed up from time to time.

 

[Jiggz]

You still have not mentioned how long it was in storage. But I can surmise if it was left in the open, the battery connections especially the black ground connection to the engine block is highly corroded. A visual check is not enough, You have to disconnect both batter terminals, wire brush them clean and shiny. Then do the same with the neutral or ground connection on the engine block making sure the mating surface on the block is also clean and shiny.

 

[jim-jim]

Thanks guys I've pulled the plugs and it spins very good What should the compression be on each ccyl.

 

[Jiggz]

Different gauge, different results but the rule of thumb is that each compression reading should be within 10 percent of each other.

 

[Nordin]

Yes as Jiggz says BUT factory spec. about 145-150PSI.

If it is lower then 95-100PSI then it is time to take a look at it.

 

[jerryjerry05]

My 88/85's if the compression as off more than 10# it would make it hard to turn over.
​Comp with a good gauge should be 145-160#

​Now the later model years, they designed the motor to have different comp. readings in the #1/4 compared to #2/3
​10-15# if my memory is right??

​You need to find a factory manual specific to your motor and then read about the compression.

​Compression gauges. You can buy a NEW one from Harbor Freight and one from Snap-On.
​Guess what one will read better?
My neighbor gave me a HF one.
​I tried it on my motor,
It was 20# low on all the cyl.
​My kit cost 160$ back in the 80's it still reads better after all these years.

​Buy cheap tools? get cheap results?

 

[jim-jim]

Thanks Guys I'm on it

 

[jim-jim]

I have done the compression test and 110 is the highest reading is that to low? Also the boat has been setting for about a year.Whats next ?

 

[jerryjerry05]

How did you test??
You remove all the plugs as you did it?
Was it 110 on all cyl.?

If it really is 110 on all cyl. then the gauge is faulty or all the cyl. went bad??

Try another gauge.
I think most auto parts retailers loan tools.