'96 Force 120 hard to start "cold", why?

[wncboater]

Hello, I'm new to this forum but have already learned much from searching through old posts, so thank you for being here!

I just got my recently purchased boat with a 1996 Force 120 hp out this weekend. It is consistently difficult to start when cold (aka has sat overnight or longer), but is very easy to start when it has been run recently (say, within the last hour). It goes like a banshee once it's running.

It has brand new plugs and fresh gas/oil.

Is this a choke problem? If so, what do I adjust/replace? If not, what else might I try?

Thanks, from a newbie first-time boat owner!

 

[199675hpforce]

Re: '96 Force 120 hard to start "cold", why?

if you checked battery and suspect fuel related a diaphram rebuild kit is in order. Then run some mercury power tune through the carbs. once you do all this make sure the screws are out 1 and half turns out see if she starts right up. Never seat the fuel screw on carb as its a pin and can be damaged if tightened.

 

[wncboater]

Re: '96 Force 120 hard to start "cold", why?

Do you mean a fuel pump diaphragm kit? Is this indicated even though she runs great at full throttle?

I already ran Seafoam (not Mercury) through it for decarb; not much smoking resulted, all things considered. Should I still run the Mercury product?

Thanks!

 

[199675hpforce]

Re: '96 Force 120 hard to start "cold", why?

i would reasearch posts and see if thats your problem. Mine has a similar problem but its gotta be single carb for three cyl. I would atleast take your plugs out and clean them up see if that helps. Check the sync of the carbs im no expert at this. Turning the adj screws 1/8to1/4counter clock couldnt hurt.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: '96 Force 120 hard to start "cold", why?

With the hood off can you actually see the choke butterflies completely open when you push the key in?

 

[roscoe]

Re: '96 Force 120 hard to start "cold", why?

Welcome to iboats.

These engines are all cold blooded at startup.

Do you squeeze the fuel bulb till firm?
Is choke working?
Are you holding the key in, while turning to start?
Are you advancing the throttle to approximately 3/4 before trying to start it?

 

[wncboater]

Re: '96 Force 120 hard to start "cold", why?

I have found that having the throttle open does help, but hadn't figured out how much, so thanks for the clue!

I do pump up the fuel bulb.

I do not know about the operation of the choke, and will have to check that when I'm back where I keep the boat next weekend. How does the choke work? I recall it looks like it's hooked up to a vacuum line.

 

[wncboater]

Re: '96 Force 120 hard to start "cold", why?

"Are you holding the key in, while turning to start?"

Could you explain this further? I hold the key so the starter is cranking for several seconds at a time, but release it so I don't burn up the starter.

 

[roscoe]

Re: '96 Force 120 hard to start "cold", why?

When you push the key in, it activates the choke.
So you need to push the key in and turn it to crank and eventually start it.

 

[gonefishin485]

Re: '96 Force 120 hard to start "cold", why?

what he means is that with the ignition turned on, (one click clockwise) you should forcefully push the key as if you were trying to get it further in the ignition, you should hear and audible click or knock, these are the choke butterflies closing, then while the key is pushed in, turn the key and try to start it.

this should be done when your having your cold start problems, the choke is specifically for that, it closes off the air flow so the motor will get a richer fuel/air mixture, and will start easier when cold.

remember two different motions
to choke, push key in (towards front of boat)
to start, rotate key clockwise

also when the motor is warmed up, this is not necessary

 

[wncboater]

Re: '96 Force 120 hard to start "cold", why?

Holy @#&$ ! I never would have figured that out! I've been starting my boat without any choke at all. No wonder it was difficult. Thanks so much for the information!