1989 85hp problems

jippie98

Seaman
Joined
Sep 26, 2004
Messages
68
I will be taking my boat into the shop in the spring and I wanted to have the tech look at it because of some issues I was having. Any help would be greatly apprecaited in helping me understand what might be the issue. Problems.... The last time I was out I noticed a unusually large amount of fuel in the water. The engine idles fine but when I put it in gear at low RPM it will stall. I have had compression checked and it was 132,130,135...I only get 4000RPM at WOT. I just dont want to get taken for a ride by the shop while they are looking for ghosts. Thanks for the help.....Everything you guys have said has been trendously helpful.....
 

eurolarva

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 24, 2003
Messages
4,182
Re: 1989 85hp problems

Your problem can be one or a combination of various things. It could be simply a plugged puddle valve system that takes gas that is unburned and recirculates it to the motor for re burning. It could be an electrical problem causing you to only have ignition on one or two plugs. Or it could be a carburator not adjusted correctly. Your compression numbers look good. If it were me the first thing I would do is get a syloc manual for your motor. The manual is written so that people that are not paid mechanics can understand it. <br /><br />If you are not inclined to do this kind of work find a mechanic that is reputable. I would give him the motor to work on over the winter because they tend to give you better deals in the non peak time. If you take it in in the spring it could be weeks or even more to get it back. Starting in late march it is hard to find a mechanic that has free time.<br /><br />If it is puddle valves and dirty carbs you will probably be looking at around 200 bucks. Mechanics are not cheap. Good luck
 

jippie98

Seaman
Joined
Sep 26, 2004
Messages
68
Re: 1989 85hp problems

Thanks for the help.....IS the repair something simple or should I take it in if this was my first shot at it? as always...THanks again..
 

eurolarva

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 24, 2003
Messages
4,182
Re: 1989 85hp problems

Without more information it is hard to tell what is wrong with this motor. Here is a link for a good manual. Syloc manual <br /><br />If it were me I would buy the manual and start trying to find a mechanic. Force mechanics are hard to find and even harder to find a good one. When the manual comes look at the trouble shooting steps and see if you can find something that is related to the problems you are experiencing. Hopefully someone here can be of more help. Good luck
 

Jcrain

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 7, 2004
Messages
210
Re: 1989 85hp problems

Your problem sounds a lot like one I had on a 45 hp Chrysler. Check the fuel pump diaphram to see if it has ruptured.
 

Jcrain

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 7, 2004
Messages
210
Re: 1989 85hp problems

Your problem sounds a lot like one I had on a 45 hp Chrysler. Check the fuel pump diaphram to see if it has ruptured.
 

chuckz

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 22, 2004
Messages
625
Re: 1989 85hp problems

Force engines are very simple. I would start with a good decarb before anything else. If the engine is hitting on all three cylinders I would start looking for a restriction in the fuel system.<br /><br />Right now I have a 1987 85HP I'm getting ready for the spring. It sat several years so I'm doing any and all recommended maintanance including replacing as many gaskets as I can, thermostat, water pump rebuild, etc.
 

alcan

Commander
Joined
Dec 14, 2001
Messages
2,505
Re: 1989 85hp problems

Hi Sir Catchalot<br />I agree with Eurolarva. Even if your not mechanicly inclined or don't have the tools and a place to work. I feel it is a good idea to go ahead and purchess an after market manual (Seloc or Clymer). This will help you get to know your motor a little more intimately. It will help you comunicate with and help you choose a mechanic. It should make you feel less vulnerable and help you understand what you are paying for. Maybe I am just lucky maybe it's because the area I live, I don't know, but my expirence with marine mechanics has been first rate. These guys are honest and usually give a little more than you actually pay for. Now they ain't cheep and they do expect to be paid. You may also find that there are a lot of jobs that you can do, and will help extend the time between visits to the pro's. I also agree that if your going into the shop, now is the time. Don't wait until spring.
 

jippie98

Seaman
Joined
Sep 26, 2004
Messages
68
Re: 1989 85hp problems

Just purchased a Seloc manual. I am concerned that the cold temp in my area in March will still be a concern if I take it in for Spring tune up/repairs. Thanks for the help......
 
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