1991 Force 120 HP Starting problems

[afd2131]

I am having some starting issues with my engine. First, we are looking at 1990 Force 120HP outboard, I just had the carbs and fuel pump rebuilt last year, as well as a new primer bulb and fuel lines. The engine will not start unless you spray gas into the carbs. This is a new problem that all of sudden seems to have started. When I brought it out of winter storage, the engine fired right up, no problems, but now it will not start. I am planning on replacing the plugs in a few days, same day Im installing a water/fuel separator. Any thoughts or ideas here?

FYI, once the engine is going, feels good, no problems, just a little scared to shut it off.

 

[busted-bayliner]

you probably need to clean the idle circuit on the carb the passages are so small it doesnt take much to gunk them up or you may need a link an sync on the carbs

 

[busted-bayliner]

heres a video tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDoR64jP5l8

 

[afd2131]

Much appreciated, Ill take a look at this!

 

[Jiggz]

You will be better off installing a clear fuel filter between the fuel pump outlet and the carb's (G2 from Walmart is good enough for less than $5) inlet tube. Follow the proper starting procedures and then let us know if you still need to spray fuel directly into the carbs to make it start. Starting procedures with cooling water already provided: 1) prime the fuel with the primer bulb until it is firm. If you have the clear fuel filter this should fill the filter all the way. 2) Place control lever in fast idle position. There are two methods to do this - first there is the button style at the center of the lever, push it in and push the lever forward and 2nd there is the pull the lever handle outward towards the driver and push forward. 3) Engage choke by pushing in the ignition key and turning while continuing to press it to start the motor. Hold the starter up to no more than 10 secs at a time. The engine will either start or "cough". If it only cougs then try starting again but this time without the choke. If it starts, then you can warm up the engine and lower down the idle by pulling back on the control lever in the neutral position.

Note, make sure the motor is not misfiring otherwise this could be the reason it is hard starting.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Do a compression test. Then follow the instructions from the others.

 

[afd2131]

Jigz, I have followed that starting procedure yes. There is a clear filter installed after the primer bulb and I can see that it is full. The primer bulb is firm, and the engine was choked when attempting to start. Apologies, I forgot to include this in my orginal post. I have not done a compression test yet, on my day off coming up Im going to install the fuel/water filter, put in some new plus ( these are only a year old, maybe 2), and do a compression test. When we were able to start the engine, we did spray gas directly into the carbs, which dripped a little ( I atributed it to possibly flooding the engine). Once started, she ran great on open water, little rough at idle speed, but Im thinking the fuel/water filter should help with that.

 

[Jiggz]

The clear fuel filter should be after the fuel pump and before the carbs. I see very little benefit having it located after the primer bulb.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Doesn't matter where the filter's installed as long as it's after the squeezie.
That said, the pump is a low pressure, low draw pump.
If it has too much to work through(too many filters)(like a water sep and small particle) it might not pull through everything.
The pump has a screen to catch the big pieces and the filter depending on where you put it catches it all.

 

[afd2131]

Just a quick update here. I installed my water/fuel seperator and installed some new plugs, boats fire up great, no problems at all! Thanks for all the help!