125 Force starts but dies after 1 sec

[iwaterdave]

I have a 1985 125 Force powerhead on a 1989 125 Force body. I had it running this last weekend but noticed neutral was off buy just a tad towards the reverse. So I made some adjustments to the linkage after following the directions from the manuel. Then had trouble getting power back to the outboards starter. I trouble shooted that buy following back the power to it's source. (I had a dieing battery) Now it will turn over, fire and start for about 1 second then die right away. I could repeat this all day. (Actually did until battery died again.)
I tried to get the linkage back the way it was but still the same... I need more idea's to try as I want to be back on the water this weekend.

 

[Jiggz]

Re: 125 Force starts but dies after 1 sec

It sounds like a fuel problem or idle setting is too low. So try the simple stuff first. Can you start it in idle fast? That means pushing a center button or for some pulling out the throttle lever and moving it forward. Basically, you are opening the throttle without engaging the gear. Or if you have a helper, have him do the starting while you open the throttle using the tie bar. Not a whole of opening just maybe 1/2 half way.

If it starts and then won't stay on and dies. Tighten the idle screw one full turn and then try again. Keep trying until it stays on. If after 3 turns and it won't stay on, it's time to check the fuel system. Verify the primer gets hard and doesn't get deflated. Verify there's fuel in the carb bowls. and the fuel pump is working. However, if the engine started and stayed on at high RPM, you can start lowering the idle screw setting. If it dies before it idles, then you need to do the link and synch adjustment discussed in the sticky post. Ensure there is no misfiring, if there is it could also be the cause of high idle RPM.