1990 Force L-Drive 90hp -- Can't get it to idle -- losing my mind :D

[Solace]

Ok so here’s my timing, everything is to spec as much as I can spec. However my idle adjust screw is super useless, unless it’s the wrong bolt, or I advance my timing. Right now idle is 2000rpm out of water on muff.

third video is with timing a little more advanced.

 

[Solace]

Oh, I can adjust the throttle. Ahah. Okay this is everything to spec, and man it makes a difference where I keep my ear!

 

[CaptnKingfisher]

Thanks all I appreciate the replies, no hurry to get on water, she’s my learning boat.

Everything is at manual specs. I’ve link and synced, 1 turn out, you can see the motor running in water but she does eventually at idle, dies shifting into gear. I have had it with different settings get up to 5kph, but it was weird and non spec.

fuel is good I have a separator.

spark plugs for this motor are the weird hapless plugs by spec, and that’s what I’m runnin
spark plugs for this motor are the weird hapless plugs by spec, and that’s what I’m runnin

compression test was good.

I’ve learned a tone during this thread, thanks to all. It’s fascinating to play with this motor. Like adjusting the choke, it’s taken 2 months to understand how carbs work and I was able to adjust it finally and make it start super easy. So I’m learning. Ive never played with motors before, ever. Really been fun!

also the carbs have new needles and been cleaned well… 4 times, just to be sure

any other theories or things to try?

Use adjustable spark tester to verify spark is jumping 7/16" gap that way we can eliminate the ignition circuit as the problem. It sounds like fuel issue anyway. I don't follow the "1.5 turns" or whatever for adjusting idle mix, because the mix is going to be very different if you are at sea level or in denver Colorado. I tune idle mix using an accurate tachometer. Turn screw in small increments counterclockwise until rpms begin to drop due to lean condition, then turn clockwise and you'll observe the rpms increasing. Continue to make small clockwise adjustments until rpms begin to decrease again due to a too rich condition. Then turn counterclockwise again, slowly adjusting for maximum rpm and engine performance. After making the mix adjustment you may need to adjust your idle speed again to lower rpms back to spec.

Your problem sounds like a fuel issue. Id pull off the water seperater and dump what's in it into a clear glass jar. Take a picture and show us what that fuel looks like. Clean your inline filter out as well. Inspect your fuel lines for wear. I'm not an expert in fuel issues but hopefully one of these things helped cuz if not I'd be thinking about another rebuild or fuel pump

 

[Solace]

Thanks!

So speaking of fuel issues, the fuel is for sure too oil rich. For sure. Got my mix wrong from some
Bad advise, bud just poured a **** load in. Once I learned more I did the math and yeah there’s way too much oil in there.

but it’s like 60 gallons lol, hopefully I’ll be able to burn the rich fuel off soon.
Batteru charging will report back if she runs in the water.

 

[Solace]

Adjusted carbs and she MOVES! I don’t think I did it right, I adjusted them all at the same time Willy nilly rather than one at a time. Sucks I can’t use gauges on my carbs I have to do it by ear and tach.

 

[Redbarron%%]

Have you actually read the information you have already been given or referenced?
Your helter-skelter troubleshooting and timing and adjustments will sooner or later result in a burned piston or just wrecked motor.
It seems that you have actually followed little of the helpful information those who are experienced have offered.

 

[Redbarron%%]

What I mean to say is a logical step by step approach using logical progression will find the problem, but tuning by ear is probably not going to get the job done.

 

[CaptnKingfisher]

I gave up on this thread when he posted he has a bad mix of fuel and he plans to keep using it. No wonder the thing runs like hell.

 

[Solace]

Well thanks to all who helped, the boat is now running primo, caught my first plane after a few more minor carb adjustments! She starts up, nice idle, and I launched after about 4/5 minutes. Now time to make her pretty! Cheers all,

To the super grumpy folks here, this is my learning boat. I did the best I could to follow instructions but you must have forgotten what it’s like to be a rookie working on your first motor ever. Super negative attitudes. “Have I read the previous advise?” Yes, multiple times, and printed too — and the boat now finally works. Stop being so grouchy.

 

[Solace]

What I mean to say is a logical step by step approach using logical progression will find the problem, but tuning by ear is probably not going to get the job done.

My carbs don’t have an option for air gauges, I’m using a tachometer and ear to maximize rpms. Am I missing something?

 

[Redbarron%%]

Have you had anyone say anything about air gauges? Have you seen anything about them in the videos on setting up the Force engines?
Have you watched the videos posted at the start of this forum?
To begin with the carb throttle plates are set completely closed (link) and then the cam is adjusted per the description.
These engines actually run up a fair amount of RPM with the throttle plates still closed. The advancing timing does most of the work to start with.
The throttle lever will be half way open before the cam opens the throttle plates an appreciable amount.
Try following the posted instructions if you want to get the engine working properly.
If you want to find a new way to tune the Force you are likely to be disappointed.

 

[topgun3690]

" He's a wild card, flies by the seat of his pants. Completely unpredictable" -----Jester----

 

[jerryjerry05]

Some "car, motorcycle" mechanics offer advice from their experience from working on said vehicles. "air gauges"
While working on a motor, no matter what kind? the outboard is way different than a car.
Others get so technical their explanations usually loose the attention of everyone but themselves.
They mean well but just don't know what they're talking about.

 

[Solace]

Holy **** guys, chill out. I took your advise and the boat is running and you're STILL going on that I didn't listen to your instructions?

OK well, thanks for all the fish, bye.

 

[Solace]

Hey all, boat is only running at 6mph. Throttle responds instantly going from neutral to WOT.

Propeller is not spun, I just got back from checking that.

Motor seems to idle well, runs great at WOT, but just wont push past 6mph.

Thinking a can of seafoam could help?

Also my exhaust bellows are completely destroyed, ordered new ones. Wondering if that's creating back pressure or something and not allowing full power?

I HAVE FOLLOWED ALL ADVISE POSTED I am still learning, please be courteous to new hobby mechanics. Everything is to specifications as much as they can be.

 

[Redbarron%%]

Holy **** guys, chill out. I took your advise and the boat is running and you're STILL going on that I didn't listen to your instructions?

OK well, thanks for all the fish, bye.

 

[The Force power]

Hey all, boat is only running at 6mph. Throttle responds instantly going from neutral to WOT.

- Explain

Propeller is not spun, I just got back from checking that.

Motor seems to idle well, runs great at WOT, but just wont push past 6mph.

- Maybe the outdrive is not working properly, they were apparently not very well built

Thinking a can of seafoam could help?

-No it will only give you smoke show

Also my exhaust bellows are completely destroyed, ordered new ones. Wondering if that's creating back pressure or something and not allowing full power?

 

[Redbarron%%]

If anyone offers to help will you pay attention?
Think about what you said.
WOT OK Prop OK 6 mph max/
Cavitation or prop slipping on the shaft. '
The engine is probably sitting on the rev limiter at WOT.
Take the black /yellow wire off the rev limiter and then you can finish blowing up the motor.
If the motor is turning max rpm and the boat is barely moving the only option is cavitation or the prop hub slipping as if the prop is absorbing 120 hp the boat has to move unless it is so waterlogged that it weight too much to plane.

 

[Solace]

buddy I am brand new to boating and mechanics in general, I am trying. Why are you all so critical? It’s getting to the point of trolling and is excessive.

prop is brand new from Amazon, not slipping, even did alignment marks to be sure.

why would you suggest I take wires off and blow up my boat…

man, this forum…

 

[The Force power]

I still did not get a reply on my questions, so I ask once more;

YOU - Throttle responds instantly going from neutral to WOT.
ME - EXPLAIN??

YOU -Propeller is not spun, I just got back from checking that. Motor seems to idle well, runs great at WOT, but just wont push past 6mph.
ME - Maybe the outdrive is not working properly/slipping? ( they were apparently not very well built or hard/impossible to get any parts for them)
ME - What RPM reading do you get at WOT??

YOU -Thinking a can of seafoam could help?
ME - No it will only give you a smoke show