Re: carb problem 87 force 125
These engines do not have a temperature isolator between the carbs and block. Consequently, upon prolonged sitting, some of them will vaporize fuel out of the carb bowl, making the level too low for consistent starting.
Heat rises, so the top carb would be expected to be more affected.
If you choke both carbs, the engine is still warm, and will flood. When you choke only one carb, the lower one fires those two cylinders and carries the engine until the top one clears itself. Then, the top is firing and carries the bottom until it gets enough fuel for consistent running. This happens in a matter of seconds.
However: you did not give engine year but as said above, choke butterflies are linked; close one and you close both. Or is the screw loose or the link rod missing so only one choke is closing with the switch?
Try priming the carbs with the bulb and see if it helps. OR: You didn't say you tried it but if not, start the engine in fast idle without choking it.
The other thing that comes to mind is: Are the low speed needles set too lean? And are the equal? Those engines usually like about 1 turn out from lightly seated. And depending upon the manual, setting the low speed needles by manual instructions MAY get them too lean. Best idle setting is NOT the best running setting. With the engine warmed up and in gear, on the water, give it full throttle (hole shot) If it bogs down and almost dies, then picks up again, it is too lean.
