Timing on a 1989 85 Force???

[thimsllib]

Could anyone give me instructions on how to adjust the timing on a 1989 85 Force? I'd really appreciate it. I'm told it should be at 30 degrees BTDC. Thanks any and all for you help.

 

[john from md]

Re: Timing on a 1989 85 Force???

I will give you the information but you need to buy a Clymer manual if you are going to keep this engine in good running condition.

1. Pull the plugs and ground the plug wires. If you don't do this, your expensive CDI modules will be toast.
2. Jumper the neutral safety switch.
3. Place the throttle in WOT position
4. Break the lock nut loose on the trigger/tower coupling screw. This is located at the center of the engine right under the flywheel.
5. Hook up an inductive timing light. If you use a modern advance type light, set the dial at 0. Advance timing will not work with a manually timed engine.
6. Engage the starter and shine the light at the case mark. Force has many versions of flywheel markings. Without knowing what type markings you have, I cannot tell you which mark is 30* BTDC. Adjust as necessary.
7. After adjusting, tighten adjusting screw lock nut and put engine back to running configuration.

John

 

[sho3boater]

Re: Timing on a 1989 85 Force???

I advanced mine but no change in speed so I put it back. I should double check it is right though. I had another motor and it went a hair faster, but was an older motor yet. It mostly had more holeshot with more timing (was running premium in it also) and not much difference in speed like 1mph. Later I found that motor should run less timing because it is higher compression. Maybe good thing I ran it on a shorter lake. So, I don't see a performance gain worth going after by messing with the timing (or worth the risk).

 

[john from md]

Re: Timing on a 1989 85 Force???

Smart thinking. As Frank Acampora has said numerous times, these small bores are giving all they got and you risk a meltdown for next to nothing in performance if you play with them too much.

John

 

[thimsllib]

Re: Timing on a 1989 85 Force???

Thanks John. Appreciate your help. I'll get a Clymer manual. I have a Seloc, but is Clymer the recommended manual? (Although I have basic knowledge of this motor, I consider myself a very novice mechanic. I have a mechanic friend who is helping me out)

I look forward to keeping this engine in good running condition.... once I get it in good running condition...

I pulled the carbs and fuel pump yesterday. Haven't had a chance to pull the carbs apart and clean them yet. I also pulled the fuel pump to check the check valves and when I got it open, the gas had orange-ish specks in it, and it looks like one of the check valves is fouled up (maybe corroded). I plan on changing out all 3 check valves... any idea what that orange residue might be?

 

[john from md]

Re: Timing on a 1989 85 Force???

I have seen orange colored poppets in the valves that tend to stick. I assumed it was the color of the plastic poppet. However, it may be from the stain in the gasoline. The new check valves are grey to dark grey color so I thought that they changed the material to something that was alcohol resistant. I could be wrong though.

The best manual is the OEM which are pretty expensive. The next best is the Clymer shop manual. The Seloc unfortuneately is pretty bad.

John

 

[thimsllib]

Re: Timing on a 1989 85 Force???

My check valves are orange, with a white center. The color of the specks in the gas pretty much matched the color of the check valve, so I assume the check valve broke down from the alcohol? I already ordered new ones and will swap them out when I get them. That, along with the carb cleaning, decarbing the motor and adjusting the timing will hopefully get me back out on the water. Thanks for your help John.

 

[john from md]

Re: Timing on a 1989 85 Force???

Happy boating.

John