Force 1998 90hp Hard to Start Warm

[mokemp]

I have a 1998 90hp outboard which starts beautifully cold. However, after the motor is off for more than 30 mins, it is hard to restart. I have replaced the spark plugs, fuel filter, water separator filter, and primer bulb. I have also run Quick Silver's water treatment and Quick Silver's engine treatment through the motor. I have tried several different ways of restarting the motor warm like fast idle, fast idle with choke, choke only with little success. This is my first boat so I am a little lost. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Force 1998 90hp Hard to Start Warm

When you prime the motor does the fuel bulb stay hard without leaking gas around the carbs? Are you running 87 octane and mixing your oil 50 to 1? It sounds like your motor is flooding. This could be a rich condition on the carbs or a problem with something else in your fuel systems. Verify that your choke is all the way open and not partially closed when it is not choked. A partial choke can cause your motor to flood.

 

[mokemp]

Re: Force 1998 90hp Hard to Start Warm

The bulb stays firm but not sure how to tell if gas is leaking around the carbs. I am running 87 octane with a 50 to 1 mix. What you are saying makes since about the partial choke. How would I know if my choke is all the way open or partially closed when not choked?

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Force 1998 90hp Hard to Start Warm

I have a chrysler and not a force but I believe the design is similar. Remove the cowling from the motor and look at the carburator The choke on the carb should be in the front of the motor. Attached to the choke on the carb is a linkage connected to a solenoid. The buttefly or choke should be open all the way. It should be 90 degrees from fully closed. Your problem could be a number of things but this is the easiet to check and fix. If it is not open all the way post it here and someone with a force should be able to help you.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force 1998 90hp Hard to Start Warm

I think that model use a "fuel enrichment valve" instead of a conventional choke. It is a small cylinder attached to the port side of the carb, just past the float bowl. On this system, the butterfly stays closed, and extra fuel is released into the intake when the choke/key is pushed.<br /><br />Anyway, I think your fuel pump may need rebuilding. As it starts to fail, fuel will leak into the powerhead of the engine when it sits. This causes a flooded situation.<br /><br />You can get a fuel pump rebuild kit from Mercury for about $12, and install it in about 20 minutes.<br /><br />Let us know how you make out.

 

[Oldsaltydog]

Re: Force 1998 90hp Hard to Start Warm

I have the same motor, same year. It does indeed have a fuel enrichment system, not a choke. Yes, it is really prone to flood easily. When "warm", after firming up the primer bulb, try turning the ignition key with the shifter in regular neutral (pointing straight up) and WITHOUT pushing in the key for enrichment. In this configuration, my motor starts right up. A lot of trial and error went into finding this out. By the way, my motor runs better on midgrade gas than 87 octane and with NGK plugs vs. Champion.

 

[mokemp]

Re: Force 1998 90hp Hard to Start Warm

I will confirm whether or not I have a fuel enrichment system or a choke. EBG- I tried all different ways of starting warm except using the bulb and starting in neutral. I am going to try these suggestion and let everyone know- Thanks

 

[mokemp]

Re: Force 1998 90hp Hard to Start Warm

EBG- I was out fishing this afternoon and tried starting the motor like you suggested. It worked. I understand how a choke works but need to research how a fuel enrichment system works. I would think priming while warm would flood the motor. By the way, this afternoon four boats around us were slaying some blue fish. We couldn't even catch a cold- Thanks

 

[Oldsaltydog]

Re: Force 1998 90hp Hard to Start Warm

Glad to hear that your 90HP started well. Priming the bulb puts enough gas into the system so the fuel pump can start pumping it; using it will not flood your engine. The enrichment system is just a little nozzle that squirts extra gas into the carbs -- and too much of it if a person is not careful. Good boating and good fishing.

 

[trollhole]

Re: Force 1998 90hp Hard to Start Warm

Another way of satring when the engine is flooded is to put the throttle all the way forward and crank. It will start. Just remember to let off when when it gets going or you will have more problems than you started out with.<br /><br />

Originally posted by EBG:<br /> Glad to hear that your 90HP started well. Priming the bulb puts enough gas into the system so the fuel pump can start pumping it; using it will not flood your engine. The enrichment system is just a little nozzle that squirts extra gas into the carbs -- and too much of it if a person is not careful. Good boating and good fishing.

 

[Oldsaltydog]

Re: Force 1998 90hp Hard to Start Warm

Yes, that will work, IF the motor is already flooded. Good advice by trollhole. But the original issue was how NOT to flood the 90HP Force while starting it warm.