1989 Force 125hp fuel issue?

basspro1886

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 18, 2011
Messages
34
Okay, not sure what the issue is here, but maybe if I shoot some of the symptoms out here, maybe I can get some ideas.

Things that I have done to the motor.
All 4 pistons and rings are new, and bearings.
New starter
I have cleaned both carbs, and am still waiting for Mercury to send me the new kits
New spark plugs, and all plugs are firing.
Checked to see if Carbs are getting fuel, yes they are, but I dont think the pistons are getting fuel.
Motor turns over nicely, but does not seem to actually want to start.

Any suggestions?
 

pnwboat

Rear Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2007
Messages
4,251
Re: 1989 Force 125hp fuel issue?

Check the reed valve assy., or bypass covers not tightened down or bad missing bypass cover gaskets. Also check the timing.
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,036
Re: 1989 Force 125hp fuel issue?

Just rebuilt??? Possible the floats are stuck.The flywheel key slipped when you put it back on.
Try a shot of gas in a spray bottle or starting fluid.Don't use a lot of starting fluid as it strips the oil from the moving parts.
Sometimes tilting the motor all the way up and trying to start it will let the floats move and allow gas to go to the cylinders.
 

basspro1886

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 18, 2011
Messages
34
Re: 1989 Force 125hp fuel issue?

Just rebuilt??? Possible the floats are stuck.The flywheel key slipped when you put it back on.
Try a shot of gas in a spray bottle or starting fluid.Don't use a lot of starting fluid as it strips the oil from the moving parts.
Sometimes tilting the motor all the way up and trying to start it will let the floats move and allow gas to go to the cylinders.


I will check the bypass today, install new gaskets just to be safe. I know the flywheel key is good, but will double check. I have a friend coming
over today to help. I will give you an update. I will also open up the carbs again, and make sure nothing is sticking and all jets are clear and free.
 

bentle

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 2, 2011
Messages
492
Re: 1989 Force 125hp fuel issue?

How's the compression? If you bull spark plug and they are wet on all cylinders then you are getting fuel to them. How's the spark on each one. If no fuel then do what jerry said. Sounds like stick floats or possibly bad fuel pump diaphragm. You can still get some fuel to carbs with bad diaphragm.
 

basspro1886

Seaman Apprentice
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Sep 18, 2011
Messages
34
Re: 1989 Force 125hp fuel issue?

Okay I checked compression again. Now take into consideration that this motor has never been started, so the rings have not been seated yet. But all 4 cylinders were at 100 psi.

To answer your question if the spark plugs are wet. Answer is no they were not. So I removed the carbs, and checked to see if the floats were stuck. Neither of the floats were stuck. I did check the needle valve, and they look worn. I have a set of kits coming from Mercury. So that should cover the needle valve. But I did notice the big issue. The main nozzle was rusted and some of the holes on the side were plugged. Again the kits should cover the replacement of the nozzle. I also noticed that the idle tube was slightly bent. I need to go back and see if the kits I ordered have those Idle tubes, and plugs. I called one of my friends that has some knowledge of the 2 stroke outboards, he stated that most likely this was the issue. I
know all spark plugs are getting spark, and the plugs are new, and the coils are new. I just have to wait and get the kits and go from there.
 

bentle

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 2, 2011
Messages
492
Re: 1989 Force 125hp fuel issue?

So both carbs have the same problem? Strange but possible I guess. Have you tried taking a spray bottle and spraying some fuel mix right in the mouth of both carbs. To much cranking without any lubricant to the cylinders will cause some damage. Pre priming may help to get you going. You didn't say if you rebuilt the fuel pump. An old diaphragm may be why your not getting enough fuel with thoughs low comp. numbers.
 

basspro1886

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 18, 2011
Messages
34
Re: 1989 Force 125hp fuel issue?

Well from what I have been told this motor sat for a few years. So when I pulled the carbs there were some signs of gumming and rust. Probably not a bad idea in checking the fuel pump. I have sprayed premixed fuel into the carb and the motor coughed. So I know I am close. While further inspecting the carbs the bypass tube was bent and plugged. I found the parts and are fairy cheap. I just need to wait for mercury to send me the overhaul carb kits and I should be back in business.
 

bentle

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 2, 2011
Messages
492
Re: 1989 Force 125hp fuel issue?

Ok sounds like you are in good shape. Check that fuel pump though cause years of sitting around will dry out the diaphragm in the pump. It's a cheap fix and will save future problems. Also might not hurt to check the fuel pickup tube in the tank for any plugging. Good luck and let us know how things go for you.
 
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