I have an 1985 85 hp force. Starts a little on the hard side (9 outta 10 times you have to use the fast idle). Sometimes stalls at idle but that is rare and from what i have gathered from here is that this motor does not like to run slow speeds. other than that the motor runs fine but is a little sluggish. It no longer seems to top out. (also doesnt seem to top out in fast idle either. I used to be worried bout it overreving in fast idle). I have decarboned it. checked and replaced numerous plugs. and by reading the plugs it does not look (nor does the motor sound like) i have a dead miss. have not checked compression but i dont think it is bad and read on you will understand. Had a fuel leak. fixed it no change. been through the carbs no change. but here is the kicker. if you turn gradually (what way depends on the day) you can hear the motor kick in and feel the boat take off. sometimes only for a second sometimes if you hold it in a gradual turn it will keep up for a min. I have checked the linkages and made sure wot is wot. and I am doing this all at wot. I ran it with hood off and wiggle tested every wire hose and connector on the motor. I am at my wits end. I use the boat to this day bout everyday. I am not scared to take it out as overall it runs ok. But bugging me that Ive lost my top end power (kids like to tube)
