Re: 1988 85hp Force
Some of us have to start our 85's in the tilted up (trailering) position initially. Once it has gotten started and is idling, immediately put it in the down position so that the water can get sucked into the cooling system. If you leave it up too long you run the risk of overheating the engine and melting something expensive. As you'll read in doing a search on the "tilt start" topic, it usually means that your carbs need a rebuilding. It doesn't affect the running of the boat- except for 1st start of the day- usually. Most of us seem to live with the condition until we either get tired of it or have some extra time. It's not too expensive to undertake and I'm told not too complex. I'll likely do mine next month.
Before you begin, though, I would recommend you make sure that your "overheat waring buzzer" works by taking a piece of wire with exposed ends and momentarily connect the overheat sensor bolt (it's the reddish plastic stub next to the to top spark plug) to one of the head bolts (creates a ground connection). This should make the warining buzzer sound under your steering console. If not then you have a break in the wiring to the console or, like in my case, the buzzer was bad and had it replaced. If you ever hear that buzzer while operating your boat, you need to immediatly stop the engine. Likely your impeller in your water pump is failing or has already failed and needs replacement.
Now before I start the day, I make sure that I've done this test and heard the buzzer.
Also add the Tell-Tale as noted in the forum and you'll greatly reduce the risk of ever overheating your engine.
Al
