engine stalls at idle then wont start

1987 85 hp Force outboard motor. I get out about every two weeks on the boat and it starts right up at the launch. It stalls at an idle sometimes but runs great then we sit at the bay for a couple hours and boat has trouble starting back up, even has trouble starting after stalling at idle. It tries and tries to turn over but wont. The pump bulb goes soft after trying to turn over. Have pumped it while trying to start, still wont turn. What can i do?

Re: engine stalls at idle then wont start

i would rebuild the carbs and fuel pump
replace the fuel lines

Re: engine stalls at idle then wont start

Justintime, thanks, I did some more reading on the forum and sent some private messages because im new to this. Got some suggestions about the rectifier because my battery isnt charging. DOes that sound right to you?

Re: engine stalls at idle then wont start

Some Force engines that have rectifiers don't charge well and their batteries don't last as long. This is because the rectifier doesn't regulate the voltage and relies on the battery itself to regulate it. If you want to replace the rectifier with a regulator, look up my posts as I have previously described how to do it.

As to your starting problem. Do you mean that the starter is not turning the engine or that the engine is turning but will not start? If your ball is going soft on you, either the check valves in the ball or the checkvalves in the fuel pump are going bad. The ball is the cheapest and easiest to try first. If the ball still goes soft, then you need to replace the three check valves in the fuel pump housing. These valves will stick intermittantly but the ball going soft and the engine shutting off is a good indication that they are sticking.

Regards,

John

Re: engine stalls at idle then wont start

got a hand held volt meter
i have a test that takes less than 10 seconds!

Re: engine stalls at idle then wont start

Well I got the boat out this past weekend after replacing the rectifier. That was my problem. Started right up and the launch and then again after sitting in the bay. Hand held volt meter showed that my battery was charging now. Turns out I was starting out the day with a full battery and after starting the boat and playing the radio I was just draining the battery. My rectifier went bad and the new one is now charging me back up. Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

Ryan