Surface gap spark plugs in a 1986 Force 85 HP Outboard

[CaptainTDawg]

Ahoy skippers!

I just recently bought a used 1986 Bayliner Capri 1600 boat with a 85 HP Force Outboard (2-stroke with 3 cylinders) from the same year.

I have been having starting trouble and cant get the engine to run. Its backfiring and popping out the back.

So, i contacted the original owner and he said it was likely fouled plugs. I figured it was cause he used to keep spare spark plugs in the glove boxx cause they would foul so much.

So, i did some research on different spark plugs and read about surface gap spark plugs and how they were original designed for outboard 2-stroke motors, which is exactly what I have. I also read that these plugs are foul-resistant, which is exactly the kind of plug i need.

Theres one catch to these surface gap plugs: they need a high voltage igintion source to work.

So here are my questions: Does my Bayliner Capri 1600 have a strong enough igintion system to run surface gap spark plugs?

And do anyone of your 85 Force owners used surface gap plugs before? Are they any better than standard plugs?

Thanks for any help,
Captain T Dawg

 

[IamCanadian]

Re: Surface gap spark plugs in a 1986 Force 85 HP Outboard

http://forums.iboats.com/non-repair-outboard-discussions/surface-gap-spark-plugs-453495.html

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Surface gap spark plugs in a 1986 Force 85 HP Outboard

The surface gap plugs come standard in that motor.
Trouble starting??
First do a compression and a spark test.
The 3 carbs, Front top is an air screw, set it at 1 turn out.
I have twin 88/85's and I set mine there and leave it.
Backfring.Check the motor for TDC.
Remove all the plugs.
Thin screwdriver.
In the top hole,turn the flywheel till it pushes the screwey out all the way.
As soon as it won't go any further and starts to go back in.
Then to the front of the motor.
The flywheel,it has 4 hash marks.
3 together and 1 seperate from them.
There is a timing mark on top of the intake.
The single hash mark should line up with timing mark.
If it real close it's ok.
Off and it means the flywheel key has sheared.