Re: 1984 85hp force Initial start-up problem need Help!!
Been thinking about this for a day or two.
The engine starts, so that eliminates defective choke.
You say the engine re starts easily and runs well when warm, so that eliminates clogged or dirty carbs, and fuel problems. Both these also eliminate ignition problems.
A lean condition will cause spitting and stalling but before you play with the mixture setting, Tell me: Do you try to start the engine the first time with the control handle in fast idle/warm-up position?
If not, the engine may start but since it is too cold to properly vaporize and run on the idle amount of fuel, it will stall. Choke it or even just turn the key again and it will start again immediately. --Because there is nothing wrong with it.
Depending upon which control box you have, you either pull out the center of the handle, push in the rubber button in the center, or pull out the silver or chrome knob. This disables the shift and you can now advance the throttle handle till it stops. This is Warm-up position at about 1500-2000 rpm. Run the engine at this speed for a couple of seconds or until it is warm enough to run reliably at idle.
If that doesn't help, next, check idle speed. Too low an idle speed will stall the engine when cold yet may run well when warm. Idle speed should be about 700 RPM in gear, in the water.
Finally if the problem continues, check the low speed needles. Count the turns as you are screwing them it to a lightly seated position. Go about 1/4 turn at a time because they will only be somwhere near 1 turn out. If they are less than 3/4 turn out, richen them up a little--say another 1/8 turn out. If they are between 7/8 and 1 1/4 turn out, leave them.
It is possible to set the low speed needles too lean for running and the idle will actually improve, but at or near full throttle, the engine will melt piston(s).
NEVER-ever-ever set the needles leaner than 3/4 turn out. And be sure that all three are set the same.
