97 Force 120 idle/starting issue

[toneybrown]

Hey everyone. I have a 97 Force 120 which is a pain to start and has periodic idling issues that result in motor dying when shifting into gear. When trying to start after sitting, even after pumping the primer until hard, the engine will not start without a shot of starting fluid. Once it is started and ran, it will restart without problem until it has sat for multiple days.

The idle issue happens regardless of how long the boat has ran, it idles low and will die or dies when I shift into gear. If I rev the engine in neutral before shifting it doesn't die as the motor rpm stays high enough after giving it some gas.

I assume these issues can be fixed with a carb kit? My issue is I have never worked on a dual carb engine. If I pull the carbs to put in the new kit, will I be able to just bolt them back on? Will I need to do any type of adjustment after the kit? Also, I don't want to buy the wrong kits, I get lots of choices when I Google. Any recommendations on kits to buy?

 

[airshot]

Time to get a " factory" service manual for your specific engine. Most ofvthe xarbs I have rebuilt have a number on the carb, that along with engine serial number should get you the right kit. There will be a sync adjustment when you put them back on, this is where your service manual will come in handy.

 

[roscoe]

Are you using the "throttle only" feature when starting ?

Follow this starting procedure.


Open fuel tank vent

Check the kill switch, place in "run" position

Squeeze fuel primer bulb till firm.

Advance the throttle 3/4 way or more, without putting it in gear. -- This is done by either pushing a button in the center of the controls, or pulling the shift handle toward the driver, or raising the fast idle lever, all depending on what control unit you have.

Turn the key to the on/run position.

Activate the choke (fuel enrichment valve) by pushing in on the key. The valve is only open while the key is being pushed in.

Turn the key to start while continuing to hold the key in.

Release the key and choke when it starts.

3-5 seconds of "choke", is usually enough.

Be ready to pull the throttle back toward the idle/neutral position, when the engine starts and the revs increase.

Continue to pull the throttle back as the engine warms up.

You should not have to use the choke much, if at all, once the engine has warmed up.

Engine should start within 10 seconds of turning the key.

 

[toneybrown]

Are you using the "throttle only" feature when starting ?

Follow this starting procedure.


Open fuel tank vent

Check the kill switch, place in "run" position

Squeeze fuel primer bulb till firm.

Advance the throttle 3/4 way or more, without putting it in gear. -- This is done by either pushing a button in the center of the controls, or pulling the shift handle toward the driver, or raising the fast idle lever, all depending on what control unit you have.

Turn the key to the on/run position.

Activate the choke (fuel enrichment valve) by pushing in on the key. The valve is only open while the key is being pushed in.

Turn the key to start while continuing to hold the key in.

Release the key and choke when it starts.

3-5 seconds of "choke", is usually enough.

Be ready to pull the throttle back toward the idle/neutral position, when the engine starts and the revs increase.

Continue to pull the throttle back as the engine warms up.

You should not have to use the choke much, if at all, once the engine has warmed up.

Engine should start within 10 seconds of turning the key.

Holy shirt balls, I'm gonna try this tomorrow. I have no idea if my key will push in as I have never tried it. If this works you are my hero!

 

[toneybrown]

Are you using the "throttle only" feature when starting ?

Follow this starting procedure.


Open fuel tank vent

Check the kill switch, place in "run" position

Squeeze fuel primer bulb till firm.

Advance the throttle 3/4 way or more, without putting it in gear. -- This is done by either pushing a button in the center of the controls, or pulling the shift handle toward the driver, or raising the fast idle lever, all depending on what control unit you have.

Turn the key to the on/run position.

Activate the choke (fuel enrichment valve) by pushing in on the key. The valve is only open while the key is being pushed in.

Turn the key to start while continuing to hold the key in.

Release the key and choke when it starts.

3-5 seconds of "choke", is usually enough.

Be ready to pull the throttle back toward the idle/neutral position, when the engine starts and the revs increase.

Continue to pull the throttle back as the engine warms up.

You should not have to use the choke much, if at all, once the engine has warmed up.

Engine should start within 10 seconds of turning the key.

Oh man, thanks so much for your post!! I never knew I could push the key in to choke the engine, I just assumed it had an automatic choke! Just gave it a try and she fired up in just a few seconds!