1987 125 Force Tweaking Questions

[rusty anchor]

Hello all<br />I have a problem with the motor sounding like the batteries are low when starting...I was told that this could be a timing issue. The timing checked out to be slightly advanced, so what I'd like to know is which way to turn the timing rod to retard the timing.<br /><br />Also my volt gauge is jumping all over...The rectifier checked good so besides the gauge itself, what else should I look for.<br /> <br /><br />Thanks in advance

 

[northvanwatertaxi]

Re: 1987 125 Force Tweaking Questions

maybe your battery is in poor shape try charging it see if that helps<br />The timing is easy to adjust but you need the manual

 

[imported_LakeRunner]

Re: 1987 125 Force Tweaking Questions

Welcome to iBoats!

 

[rusty anchor]

Re: 1987 125 Force Tweaking Questions

Thanks for the reply and welcome<br />I just got the boat last August and have been trying to get it reliable for a good day out.(Had to be towed back the first time)<br />The batteries are new along with the cables and I have a manual from Sealoc. It didn't say in the manual which way to turn the timing rod to retard the timing. Getting another person to assist in doing work isn't easy (I can find a dozen to go fishing)..So without going through the process described in the manual I thought I'd try to adjust it slightly and see if it cranked over easier.

 

[northvanwatertaxi]

Re: 1987 125 Force Tweaking Questions

I know how it feel to breakdown, it happens, my boat is a 1974, if you can get a small "kicker" that will help as well as save gas for fishing.<br />The way you set timing is on my engine just loosen the lock nut on the distributer aim the light at the timing mark and with the boat idleing, turn the dist right or left until the mark lines up with the notch, there are good articles here just do a search "timing force engine" anyway hope this helps

 

[roscoe]

Re: 1987 125 Force Tweaking Questions

Don't mess with the timing.<br />Timing doesn't effect starter cranking speed.<br /><br />Timing doesn't just get out of time on an outboard.<br /><br />Slow starter speed is caused by:<br />faulty battery<br />low battery<br />poor dirty corroded connections<br />loose terminals<br />dirty starter (inside)<br />Poor ground connection <br /><br />bouncing voltage gauge could indicate an intermittent connection, a connection that is loose.<br /><br />Measure voltage across the battery terminals.<br />Measure voltage across the battery terminals when engine is idling.<br />Measure voltage across the battery terminals when at mid throttle.<br /><br />Buy a Clymer Force repair manual if you plan on working on this motor.

 

[northvanwatertaxi]

Re: 1987 125 Force Tweaking Questions

The slow starting is usualy something electrical , take a digital voltmeter, and test the battery, should read above 12 volts and over 13 when the engine is on, also check the grounds and clean electical contacts for the starter, wirh a small wire brush.

 

[rusty anchor]

Re: 1987 125 Force Tweaking Questions

Thanks guys<br />Batteries are new and charged.<br />Terninals are clean and tight.<br />I was told the starter was new. The guy relplaced it, but his problem turned out to be the solonoid, so he gave me the old starter too.<br />The engine cranks fine without the plugs in.<br />Which is leading me to believe it might be fireing too soon.<br />This engine dosn't have a distributer.<br />Soon as I get a Voltage tester, I,ll do those other test you suggested, Hopefully this coming weekend,and hopefully its just the gauge.<br />Thanks again

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 1987 125 Force Tweaking Questions

Removing the spark plugs also removes the compression and is why it will turn over easier. Some automotive stores will test starters for you. It sure sounds like that is your problem. Also have the battery load tested. I have bought bad batteries before that were new. Some batteries dont have a full charge when they are new and sit on a self for months creating dead cells. Also what size and type battery are you using? Cranking or deep cell. How many cold cranking amps does it put out?

 

[rusty anchor]

Re: 1987 125 Force Tweaking Questions

I have two batteries around 675 motor cranking amps, on a switch, one dual cycle one a starting battery...even with the switch set to Both..its still cranks like they are weak.