'89 85 hp Force hard start+hesitation

17force85

Cadet
Joined
Aug 19, 2007
Messages
19
hard to start. once boat gets goin its fine for a little bit but once it warms up it starts hesitating sometimes dies when i kick it down max speed about 28 mph with gps. i had a post awhile back but no one looks at it anymore so heres whats goin on......boat still hesitates and is still hard starting drains the damn battery down everytime i try and start it and i have to charge it up and then boat seams to fire up after its been tried once than sets awhile and then starts.... anybody have any clue as to what could be wrong?

i have spark
carbs have been cleaned
tried switching gas tanks ran the same on both
new plugs
new battery
new fuel pump kit
new fuel filter
compression is good
 

Bigprairie1

Commander
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Jun 13, 2007
Messages
2,568
Re: '89 85 hp Force hard start+hesitation

What about the choke? It could be sticking or completely inoperative. Does it click when you enable it?
 

17force85

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Joined
Aug 19, 2007
Messages
19
Re: '89 85 hp Force hard start+hesitation

yes the choke works like it should untill it doesn't get enough juice from the battery that is...lol
 

Nate3172

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 22, 2007
Messages
143
Re: '89 85 hp Force hard start+hesitation

Reeds ok? Quality of spark good? should be able to jump a 3/8 gap with a nice blue arc. If it is orange than is probably a little week. Timing correct? Especially at cranking speed. I believe it should be between 28-30. Not sure on an 89' so consult the manual on that.Anything else..........? Vacuum leaks?
 

17force85

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Messages
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Re: '89 85 hp Force hard start+hesitation

currently cant get the boat to run but how would you test the spark color i have a timing gun cause i dont have anyone to help me most of the time and i wanted to see if one of the coils was getting to much resistance today but i couldn't get the boat to run? no vacumn leaks that i have found timing is fine also
 

17force85

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Aug 19, 2007
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Re: '89 85 hp Force hard start+hesitation

also if i do get it started how do i check timming on it? i have timming light for a car.... im just assuming that since it runs fine when its cold its an electrical problem somewhere...when things get hot they have more resistance so im going off of that theory im a car guy and am new with boats...
 

Nate3172

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Aug 22, 2007
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143
Re: '89 85 hp Force hard start+hesitation

A number of methods can be used for checking the quality of the spark. There is the KV method, but this requires an oscillisope or a kv module hooked up to an engine analyzer. Probably not in the cards for you, but is the best way to test. Another, one that I will use from time to time, is a 2X4 with two nails driven into it. Bend the nails towars each other until you have approx. 3/8 gap. Run a wire to ground on the engine from one of the nails and hook your spark plug wire to the other nail. Make sure to do only one at a time and do not disconnect any of the other plug wires while doing this. If you do, you can fry a cd module if it can't release a spark. Once you do one and it checks out ok, hook it back up to the spark plug and then test the next.
 

Nate3172

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Aug 22, 2007
Messages
143
Re: '89 85 hp Force hard start+hesitation

Is your timing light switchable to 2-stroke? If not it won't work for you. You don't need it running to adjust timing, it is done at cranking speed. Consult a manual and follow it's direction. My 85hp specs 30 degrees, but actually runs better at 28
 

17force85

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Aug 19, 2007
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Re: '89 85 hp Force hard start+hesitation

thanks nate i have no manual ill try the nail method for now and go from there.....
 

Nate3172

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Aug 22, 2007
Messages
143
Re: '89 85 hp Force hard start+hesitation

Being that you are experienced with automotive, I'm sure you know how to hook up a remote starter switch to a starter solenoid. Do this at the motor and you can test the ignition with the key in the on position and cranking it over at the engine so you can be right there and getting a closer view of things. I'll go grab my manual and get the timing specs and method for checking it for you for your particular year 85. Just so there is no confusion and I'm not speaking from my backside.
 

Nate3172

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Aug 22, 2007
Messages
143
Re: '89 85 hp Force hard start+hesitation

One other thought that just occured to me. Are you sure the carburetors are synched properly? If one is off it could cause a problem.
 

17force85

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Joined
Aug 19, 2007
Messages
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Re: '89 85 hp Force hard start+hesitation

the carbs were takin off and cleaned by a marine is this something they would have caught? im not familiar with carbs im used to FI engines but i can do anything if theres instructions could you tell me how to check if they re synked properly?
 

Nate3172

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 22, 2007
Messages
143
Re: '89 85 hp Force hard start+hesitation

Remove the link that goes from the throttle/timing rod so the cam that the bottom carburetor roller is not touching it. Then loosen the clamping screws on the tie bar that ties all three throttle shafts for the carbs together. Make sure the throttle shafts are all fully seated or closed and re-tighten the clamping screws. Hook your cam link back up and that's it. Doesn't hurt to check, mistakes are easily made even by certified pro's.
 
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