1989 Force125 motor problems

I just recently bought a 1989 bayliner capri with a Force 125 on it.
It has 125 compression on all four cylinders, new ignition coils, brand new starter, new teleflex control cables I put on today, new plugs.
It starts up perfectly fine and runs ok. It's not super smooth, but seems to be doing pretty good.
My problem is when I get out on the water and give it gas, initially it feels fine but once it gets up to about 10 MPH it feels as if the propeller is cavitating or slipping and the motor doesn't want to rev above 3000RPM or so. Could having the transmission cables not adjusted correctly cause it to not go into gear entirely and cause this problem, or could this be something more serious?

Another strange thing is that it's really hard to turn left, but fairly easy to turn right... and when it's turning right it feels as if it runs a lot smoother and it has more power.

Any input is appreciated!

Mike

Re: 1989 Force125 motor problems

Welcome to iboats Michael.

The shift cable attaches to a shift rod.
When it moves, it is either in gear, or out of gear. There is no way to be partially in gear.



The difference in steering to the right is steering torque caused by the rotation of the motor and prop. It is adjustable, to a degree. Not likely you will get it to go away altogether on that motor.

You should have an exhaust snout just above the propeller.
It is there to direct the exhaust away from the propeller, and to counteract the steering torque.

Loosen the bolts that secure it, move the rear of the snout to the right of the boat, or move the front of the snout to the left. Tighten it down.

If the snout is not there, it would explain the cavitating or slipping you described. But usually in this case, the prop will slip and the motor will rev way up.

So if the motor won't rev past 3000 rpm, either you are losing spark - probably caused by high speed coils failing in the stator. Or you have a serious carburetor problem.

Click the link to see what the snout looks like, it is part #38.

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/images/FORCE/FOB4282/33.png

Re: 1989 Force125 motor problems

Thanks for a speedy reply!
I do have the snout...
When I have the engine in neutral it revs perfectly fine.... It will back fire sometimes when you let off the throttle.

The previous owner did mention something about the carbs might need to be synced....

Re: 1989 Force125 motor problems

don't forget to check for possible fuel starvation that could be caused by anything from fuel pump - to clogged filter - to plugged hose - to plugged tank breather.

Re: 1989 Force125 motor problems

Also check that your control cables are long enough. you should have them looped in the engine splash well. If the cables are too short, they bind, especially when you turn the engine.

Typically, you measure from the control box to the corner of the transom, then to the center of the engine and add two feet. round up to the nearest foot if the measurement is less than an even foot. Better to have them too long, than too short.