85 Hp Force starting problem

[dcastle]

I have a 85 Hp Force (1987) engine that will start up and run just fine until I turn it off. When I restart it in neutral I can't give it any gas for some crazy reason and it will die if I put it in gear. The really odd thing is that if I take the cover off the engine I can give it gas and put it gear and I'm off to the races. Once I get under way I can put the cover back on and everything is just fine until I turn it off. I have to do the same thing all over again. Once in a great while it will start up with the cover on when I turn it off. Any ideas about this unusual problem??

 

[roscoe]

Re: 85 Hp Force starting problem

I've read of this a few times on this board. <br /><br />It seems that if the exhaust gasket leaks, the exhaust does not exit into the water, but leaks out under the hood. It has the effect of suffocating the engine, so it won't start.<br /><br />Apparently, when the engine starts and the exhaust pressure builds up, it has sufficient pressure to force its way out thru the water.<br /><br />If its bad enough, it won't stay running when the cover is put back on.<br /><br />Here is another post for the same problem:<br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=33;t=000874

 

[dcastle]

Re: 85 Hp Force starting problem

Thanks for the link to the posts with my same problem Roscoe. I checked that rubber hose that connects to the powerflow and sure enough, it has a tear close to an inch and a half long. I wonder if it is difficult to replace?

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: 85 Hp Force starting problem

You will need to remove the front 6 3/8 bolts and the 4-6 7/16 bolts on the inside that hold the cover inplace...then take the retaining ring off and replace the exhaust snout.<br /><br />Very easy.<br /><br />TMD

 

[dcastle]

Re: 85 Hp Force starting problem

I got the new hose installed and the motor starts everytime now. Thank you very much for your help.