My 120 force outboard run on land but won't start in the water

[Adamfrosceno]

Ok I'm gunna try to get it all out my 120 force out board sat for six years I go the boat for free. I fixed everything and it now has a full tune up. The boat will start with the muffs on and run water or of the pee hole I guess it's call and will run it out of the propeller which the mechanic said was ok. Here's the issue it starts right up now in the drive way but in the morning after sitting all night it won't start in the water. My buddy and I got it started on land and backed it up into the water and it ran fine. We turned it off and started it up immediately in the water again and it worked. My idle on land in about 1100 and in water about 750. I get real sad about sitting at the doc everytime I try to take her out. I do all the work myself but I'm used to cars. Help me please. I need ideas I research night and day and can't figure it out.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: My 120 force outboard run on land but won't start in the water

Its really simple: Your engine is allergic to water! LOL

Seriously, you may just be experiencing problems with the neutral interlock switch. You didn't say, but if the engine will not crank over, then simply move the control handle from neutral to forward, to reverse, then back into neutral. There is some compliance in the controls and by doing this you tend to recenter the shift linkage and depress the neutral interlock switch.

If it will crank over, then: Are you using the correct starting procedure?
Cold starts require the control handle to be pulled out (or the center button depressed, depending upon which control it is) and the handle pushed as far forward as it will go. This disables the shift and allows the throttles to crack open and timing to advance a couple of degrees. It is called fast idle or warm-up. Now, when cranking push in the key and hold in to choke the engine.

Many of these engines are a bit cranky and will not start unless this procedure is followed. Once warmed, they will start easily with the control in neutral.

 

[Jiggz]

Re: My 120 force outboard run on land but won't start in the water

In addition to what Frank mentioned already, the best way to troubleshoot your problem is to simulate conditions in the water. You can do this by using a 32 gal trash can and submerged the lower unit up to at least the bottom of the anti-vent plate. Now try starting the engine with the cowl cover on. If it will not start but cranking there is a good possibility you have a serious exhaust leak. To verify, try starting it again with the cowl off, if the engine starts, check for exhaust leaks.

 

[Adamfrosceno]

Re: My 120 force outboard run on land but won't start in the water

Thank u guys for your posts. I followed all the steps to start the boat I do them everytime my neutral safety switch is ok and how do I check where the exhaust leak is if I have have one

 

[roscoe]

Re: My 120 force outboard run on land but won't start in the water

Would suggest you do a compression and spark test on all four cylinders.

 

[Adamfrosceno]

Re: My 120 force outboard run on land but won't start in the water

All the cylinders check out good. I went outside and tried to start it yesterday after it sat all night and it started right up with the cowl on.