How do you clear a flooded engine?

[JamesGY]

I flooded my engine last night messing around with the electric primer (push the key in before turning it). I guess I overflooded it since it won't start anymore ('97 120 Force). How do I get the fuel out?<br /><br />Also, while cranking it, after a number of times, I heard a big spark come from the battery cable on the "+" side. I then tried to tilt the engine up so I can continue tomorrow. It tilted for about 4" then a big spark hit the "+" batt. terminal again and just stopped tilting up. I took off the battery cable and they were HOT as hell!<br />Did I mess anything up?

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: How do you clear a flooded engine?

Remove and clean the battery teminals and cables. Reinstall them and tighten them with a pair of pliars if they are wingnut hold downs or a wrench if they are nuts.<br /><br />As for the flooded engine. Remove the spark plugs and turn the engine over.<br /><br />Hopefully there is still spark, a loose terminal..can cause all kinds of problems with the electronics.<br /><br />TMD

 

[jim dozier]

Re: How do you clear a flooded engine?

General rule of thumb on flodded engines if you are -in the field/on the water- and can't easily remove the plugs. Use full throttle. If you can't give it full throttle because of cable control issues open the throttles by hand on the carbs. Just be ready to kill the engine so as not to over-rev it. If you think it is flooded due to a stuck float I would disconnect the fuel line until it fires up.

 

[Hasbeen]

Re: How do you clear a flooded engine?

I my experience if the engine is REALLY FLOODED you will never get the thing started with out pulling the plugs, turning it over untill it drys out, cleaning or relacing the plugs!<br /><br />Hasbeen

 

[trollhole]

Re: How do you clear a flooded engine?

On my 96 force 90 to cure a flooded engine all I do is Put it full throttle and crank. 95% of the time it will crank after a second or two. Just remember what the previous poster said and get ready to back off quickly. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones out there with a Force that hasn't had a single problem. You would be surprised what a little general maint. will do for one of these motors.