85 Force Low Idle Issues

DWHinson · Aug 1, 2013

I have a 88 85 hp force. While on the water Sat. she started misfiring, running poorly. However, at high idle motor runs good and doesn't miss. I've cleaned gas tank & replaced gas with fresh high test, changed water separator filter, and installed new spark plugs. Compression is good on all three cyl. and I have blue spark on all three as well. So, firing isn't an issue, all three cyl. are hot.
When I back off of high idle and tap on no. two carb, motor perks up, then after a few seconds goes back to missing.
Would this be trash in the idle circuit of carb? I'm shuckin and jivin' trying not to pull carbs off.
Thanks for any and all help.
David W.

tater76 · Aug 1, 2013

Re: 85 Force Low Idle Issues

Sounds like a stuck float in #2. Don't risk running lean from a malfunctioning carb, it WILL harm #2 piston. Removing all 3 at the same time is the easiest way. Clean and inspect each, check/reset float height, adjust mix screw on top of carb one full turn out from lightly seated NO LESS. This will almost always clear things up.

DWHinson · Aug 1, 2013

Re: 85 Force Low Idle Issues

tater76 said:
Sounds like a stuck float in #2. Don't risk running lean from a malfunctioning carb, it WILL harm #2 piston. Removing all 3 at the same time is the easiest way. Clean and inspect each, check/reset float height, adjust mix screw on top of carb one full turn out from lightly seated NO LESS. This will almost always clear things up.

Thanks tater. I thought this would be the solution, (sigh). I've been taking down and cleaning with carb cleaner, seems to work. What do you think of the ultra sonic cleaning for carbs that's available? Expensive for sure, but is it worth it? Thank whoever for trolling motors. Best money I've spent on that boat yet.
David H.

pnwboat · Aug 1, 2013

Re: 85 Force Low Idle Issues

Also install an inline fuel filter between the fuel pump and carburetors. This will minimize any chance of debris getting into the carbs and causing a problem.

DWHinson · Aug 1, 2013

Re: 85 Force Low Idle Issues

pnwboat said:
Also install an inline fuel filter between the fuel pump and carburetors. This will minimize any chance of debris getting into the carbs and causing a problem.

I installed a Attwood filter/water seperator last year, but it stilldosn't catch everything.

Thanks,
Davidh

further · Aug 1, 2013

Re: 85 Force Low Idle Issues

In addition the water separator (which is installed between the tank and the bulb) you should have an inline filter between the fuel pump and carbs as PNW suggested. Cheap insurance!

tater76 · Aug 2, 2013

Re: 85 Force Low Idle Issues

I use wd40 or spray carb cleaner to clean out orifices. Follow that with compressed air, and your good to go. NEVER soak in products like chemtool carb dip, it is not necessary, and it will harm the carbs. After the cleaning do the link and sync as per the sticky at the top of the forum.

DWHinson · Aug 3, 2013

Re: 85 Force Low Idle Issues

tater76 said:
I use wd40 or spray carb cleaner to clean out orifices. Follow that with compressed air, and your good to go. NEVER soak in products like chemtool carb dip, it is not necessary, and it will harm the carbs. After the cleaning do the link and sync as per the sticky at the top of the forum.

Thanks, I'm working on carb today, will let you know if fixed. The issue is getting carb gasket. Nowhere close to buy one I'll have to travel 40 miles or I'll have to order it and pay 13 bucks shipping for an 80 cent part. Unreal.

jerryjerry05 · Aug 3, 2013

Re: 85 Force Low Idle Issues

I use Dawn dish soap to clean the carbs.
Real dirty/corroded, I use a spray carb cleaner and then wash with Dawn.
Then blow dry.
If you use any sprays like WD or silicone sprays, they can leave a sticky residue.
The needles and seat start out already gummed up and might not operate right?
Like the others said clean and reset the floats and air screws.
Wally world for inline filters Either a G-2 or G-12 in automotive.
Also look at the base gasket and the clamp around the exhaust rubber in the mid section.
The clamp is steel and it rusts,The other day I was having trouble with idling and on BOTH of my motors the clamp had rusted through and both motors had exhaust in the cowl.
Send me an address I should have a gasket.
If your really desperate?? You can make one?
Just make sure it doesn't stick into the throat of the intake.

tater76 · Aug 3, 2013

Re: 85 Force Low Idle Issues

If you do use wd40, and let the carb sit without fuel for a long period, then yes it would gum up like jerry said. However, the fuel flushes it out very quickly under normal operation.

DWHinson · Aug 4, 2013

Re: 85 Force Low Idle Issues

tater76 said:
If you do use wd40, and let the carb sit without fuel for a long period, then yes it would gum up like jerry said. However, the fuel flushes it out very quickly under normal operation.

Thanks guys for all the carb cleaning tips. However, all the cleaning in the world won't fix my no. 3 carb. I pulled the suspect carb off the motor yesterday and of all things, the float weld to the needle/seat assembly had broken. My no. 3 carb float was essentially laying in the bottom of the bowl. Hence, no fuel was getting to number three, and the cause of the misfire. (Duh) In all my years of tinkering with cars, boats, lawn mowers etc... I've never seen a float come apart like that. I did do a good job of diagnosing and isolating the problem this time without over complicating the issue. The result should be a quick, cheap, easy fix. On to the parts house Monday morning, and I'll be back up and running again by tomorrow night. At least it was a clear, defined issue, not a ghost. I hate chasing ghosts.

Again, thanks.

David H.

jerryjerry05 · Aug 4, 2013

Re: 85 Force Low Idle Issues

DON"T let them sell you a plastic float.
They are junk and not adjustable.
If you can't find one, I might have a spare laying around.
If not maybe another poster has one (FrankA)??

DWHinson · Aug 4, 2013

Re: 85 Force Low Idle Issues

jerryjerry05 said:
DON"T let them sell you a plastic float.
They are junk and not adjustable.
If you can't find one, I might have a spare laying around.
If not maybe another poster has one (FrankA)??

Thanks, I'm lucky. We have an old guy who was one of the first Bayliner/Force dealerships to open. He's been working on outboards since 1975. He has boxes and boxes of any Force part made. I know he has a metal float in an old carb in his shop. And, he's pretty cheap on small parts like that. If anyone needs Force parts let me know, I'll get you his phone #.

tater76 · Aug 5, 2013

Re: 85 Force Low Idle Issues

I have lots if you don't find one.

DWHinson · Aug 6, 2013

Re: 85 Force Low Idle Issues

tater76 said:
I have lots if you don't find one.

Thanks for the offer Tater. I found one yesterday. Guy charged me 7 bucks for gasket, float and putting carb back together. Installed carb yesterday, put the ole ears on her and she fired right up and isn't missing a lick. Cheapest Force motor fix ever!
Putting her in the water this evening, should be O.K. Looking forward to another great Fall fishing season.

David H

jerryjerry05 · Aug 6, 2013

Re: 85 Force Low Idle Issues

7$ waay to cheap for an outboard repair.
Go buy something nice for the wife(flowers,she'll love it).

DWHinson · Aug 6, 2013

Re: 85 Force Low Idle Issues

jerryjerry05 said:
7$ waay to cheap for an outboard repair.
Go buy something nice for the wife(flowers,she'll love it).

I suggested that. However, she told me to go buy some bait and get the heck out of the house this afternoon. Think I'll, take her up on that. lol
p.s. that's why I love her.

David H.

jerryjerry05 · Aug 7, 2013

Re: 85 Force Low Idle Issues

Then pick up the flowers on the way home!!

DWHinson · Aug 7, 2013

Re: 85 Force Low Idle Issues

jerryjerry05 said:
Then pick up the flowers on the way home!!

Flowers on the way. Thanks.

85 Force Low Idle Issues

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