'88 Force 35hp starting problem

[Jess66]

Took my boat out ot the lake the other day. It started right up and I backed off the trailer. Let it idle at dock for about five minutes waiting for friends to load gear on to boat. The engine suddenly sputterd, then died and now it will not start.
I do have spark to both plugs. The engine will not fire and after cranking for a couple of minutes I noticed an excessive amount of fuel coming out of the exhaust port.
I thought that I might have water in the fuel. So I hooked up a second tank with fresh fuel and even put in new spark plugs. Also I have put in a new float kit and gaskets. Had new fule pump installed last season.

I still have an excessive amount of fuel coming out of the exhaust port when trying to start engine.
It still won't start.Could the reed valves cause this problem?
Thanks....Jess

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: '88 Force 35hp starting problem

Try vigorously pumping the priming bulb. You should be able to pump it to the point where it gets hard and it is almost too difficult to squeeze. If you can pump it repeatedly and it does not get hard AND if raw gas is now leaking out the lower unit drains or the exhaust, then the fuel pump diaphragm has failed.

If it does not get hard and raw gas leaks from the carb, and possibly from the lower unit, then the float is stuck down or the inlet needle is stuck open, or a small piece of junk is holding open the inlet needle.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: '88 Force 35hp starting problem

Or if you installed new floats, you have them installed incorrectly or incorrectly adjusted. The engine is hopelessly flooded. It won't start until you get the excess fuel situation resolved. If the engine ran ok before you did the work, the reed valves are not at fault.

 

[Jess66]

Re: '88 Force 35hp starting problem

The bulb fails to get firm when I squeeze it and gas does come out of the exhaust port but not the carb. I will try installing a new fuel pump kit and post my results. Thanks for the info....Jess66