Force 125 Tapping

[chrismarion]

Hey guys, I just went through the prep stages of getting ready to get her out on the water since the colder weather is letting up. After I got her started,finally, from winterizing the motor I heard a tapping. I do not know what the inside of this Force consists of. For the cylinder head that is. Vehicle engines I work on daily, but if I had to compare sounds its similar to valve tap/lifter tap. It took about 10 minutes and the sound got alot quieter, but I can still hear it. This is the first time with this engine after letting her sit for 3 months. Is this typical of a Force? Should I be worried and start investigating further?

Thankyou in advance,
Chris

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force 125 Tapping

Hmmmm, doesn't sound normal.
early fuel detonation, try some fresh fuel.
timing issue ? not common.

?

 

[chrismarion]

Re: Force 125 Tapping

It is brand new fuel, 93 Shell with 50/1 mix using Quicksilver. I was thinking of adding a bottle of seafoam, but wanted to wait to hear some suggestions. I know with OHC motors the lifters bleed down and upon start up after sitting they will tap. Along with being low on oil too. But this I wasnt sure about. Think maybe I should up the mixture of oil through this tank only? See if that does it?

Thanks Roscoe,
Chris

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force 125 Tapping

A little extra oil will not hurt anything.

Hope it isn't slop/play in a connecting rod.

 

[chrismarion]

Re: Force 125 Tapping

Took it to the lake today Roscoe to find out that my water pump/impellar isnt flowing enough at idle. But it flows good with any throttle. Changing it now.

The tapping is gone. I did add 3 more ounces to the mixture just in case. It was coming from the top at the side where what would be a valve cover to me. Maybe its not, but remember I do cars. Maybe some gunk or dried up oil residue?

 

[DJ]

Re: Force 125 Tapping

That is the exhaust cover. It could have been carbon, Force engines do run a bit dirty. Keep using Sea Foam, it is good for it.

I would remove the spark plugs and look them over.

By the way, 93 octane is actually detrimental to that engine. Higher octane fuels build deposits.

 

[chrismarion]

Re: Force 125 Tapping

So should I NOT run 93? Iwant to run the best and what is recommended. I ASSummed that I should be using 93. And as for the seafoam, every tank? Or about every 3-4 tanks?

This is the first REAL time I have gotten to use it since I have the boat done. So today was fun for me and to try all the new stuff I added to the boat. My fathers I am so used too. His is a 90'ish 60 Suzuki , this would be MY first boat. And no experience with a Force at that. But I couldnt beat the deal of the 125 being fully functional with 80 hours of use and a big Mercury Trolling motor for $200! Donor boat was damaged by a tree when the hurricanes came through. Owner wanted to cut his losses and part it.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force 125 Tapping

What a deal, $200 !
I run a little less than an ounce of Seafoam per gallon, all the time.
It works as a great fuel stabilizer too.

You might want to decarb the engine every 100 hours or so.
It is recommended as a maintenance item.

You can read more about decarbing here:
http://www.iboats.com/bbboard/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=36;gtid=1035563

I switched all my motors over to synthetic oil a couple years ago.
It really cuts down on the smoke and carbon buildup.

You should invest in a repair manual. The Clymer Force repair manual is pretty decent for your motor.
It will help you to understand the differences between a 4 cycle engine, and a 2 cycle outboard.
Things like: a 2 cycle has no valves, cam, push rods, timing belt/chain.
They are very simple engines with few moving parts.

Fuel: 87 octane is fine for your motor.
Higher octane gas has more additives that can HARM your motor in the long run.
Always get gas from a high volume station.
Avoid dockside pumps.

Happy Boating.