1989 Force 50hp Issues

[bama.hunter]

I have a 1989 Force 50hp that I've been messing around with for a couple of months now. I've finally got it idling, cooling, and had used it 3 or 4 times with minor issues until last week. While cruising at full throttle, which is about 25-27 mph the engine suddenly slowed down to about 5-10 mph. There was no noise or anything just dropped off and wouldn't pick back up speed. Engine will shift in and out of F / N / R fine with no issues. So I thought it might be the hub on the prop due to it being the original prop. After taking a test run today with a new prop/hub its still doing the same thing. I can go forward but only at about 5-10 mph, but no more.

One issue it was having was at full throttle it would surge some and if I backed the throttle off a little it would stop and I could proceed back to full throttle again. I don't know if this had anything to do with the problem.

I'm thinking the problem has to in the foot or the throttle cables though and I'm lost on where to start.

Any ideas on what might be the issue.

Thanks, Jay

 

[bentle]

Re: 1989 Force 50hp Issues

Hi jay and welcome.
Let's start out with a compression test and spark test on all cylinders. Next you will want to look into fuel problems. Need to check fuel lines from tank to the carbs including the fuel pick up tube in the tank. Make shure all are in good shape and tight connections. Fuel pump may need a new diaphragm and filter cleaning. The primmer bulb should stay firm and hold the fuel after priming. In fact if you can give it a good squeeze while motor is bogging down and rpms come back then that would indicate a bad fuel pump diaphragm. Carb may need adjusting and float adjustment. Compression is key here because the fuel pump cannot deliver enough fuel if compression is to low. Also check the fuel vent and make sure it isn't plugged. Good luck.

 

[bama.hunter]

Re: 1989 Force 50hp Issues

I noticed this today...could this being causing the issue????

 

[bentle]

Re: 1989 Force 50hp Issues

Your attachment was invalid. Couldn't see it.

 

[bama.hunter]

Re: 1989 Force 50hp Issues

check it out now

 

[bama.hunter]

Re: 1989 Force 50hp Issues

After some research that piece is called the spark control arm and it was completely disconnected. I've screwed it back it to the black plastic piece, but I don't how to set it properly. Also I don't know if this would be causing my issue, but I guess we'll see.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1989 Force 50hp Issues

That controls the timing advance when you accelerate. You need to set the timing once you make ANY changes with the arm.
Very important.You can do damage to the motor if you don't.J

 

[bama.hunter]

Re: 1989 Force 50hp Issues

That controls the timing advance when you accelerate. You need to set the timing once you make ANY changes with the arm.
Very important.You can do damage to the motor if you don't.J

Could you point me in the right direction on finding out how to time a 50hp. I know there is a FAQ timing guide for 75-150hp, but below that.

 

[bentle]

Re: 1989 Force 50hp Issues

There is two different time settings for 89 50 hp. If you can retrieve the model number off the stern bracket or mounting bracket on the port side. Need to know if you have the 1989A or 1989B. Most likely you will need to synchronize your carb with timing. At the start of the forum there is a sticky called link and sink by Frank. Like jerry said you can damage motor by running it with timing out of adjustment. Another thing you can do is order a clymer force manual that covers 1989 50hp outboard motors. I have the one that covers 4hp-150hp 84-99 yrs. These manuals are full of very useful info and a must if you plan on repairing your own motor.

 

[bama.hunter]

Re: 1989 Force 50hp Issues

There is two different time settings for 89 50 hp. If you can retrieve the model number off the stern bracket or mounting bracket on the port side. Need to know if you have the 1989A or 1989B. Most likely you will need to synchronize your carb with timing. At the start of the forum there is a sticky called link and sink by Frank. Like jerry said you can damage motor by running it with timing out of adjustment. Another thing you can do is order a clymer force manual that covers 1989 50hp outboard motors. I have the one that covers 4hp-150hp 84-99 yrs. These manuals are full of very useful info and a must if you plan on repairing your own motor.

I'm going to check the compression today hopefully and see if it's even worth fixing. If so I guess I'll need a timing light and do some reading once I figure out my model number.

 

[bentle]

Re: 1989 Force 50hp Issues

Timing specs are 28?btdc static time 30?wot 1987c-1989a. On 1989b-1992b 30?static time 32 wot.
Checked only at cranking rpms. Timing must be check on both cylinders. Prestolite magneto cd ignition. Thunderbolt cdi ignition. Cdm ignition. Hope this helps and the info is right out of a clymer manual.

 

[bama.hunter]

Re: 1989 Force 50hp Issues

Timing specs are 28?btdc static time 30?wot 1987c-1989a. On 1989b-1992b 30?static time 32 wot.
Checked only at cranking rpms. Timing must be check on both cylinders. Prestolite magneto cd ignition. Thunderbolt cdi ignition. Cdm ignition. Hope this helps and the info is right out of a clymer manual.

I've got the motor running again, but I'm still needing to do the timing and hope to have it done next week some time. I'll keep you guys posted on the results.

Thank you all for your help and post, Jay