'89 Force 50 HP Low Power

[hafus]

I recently purchased an '89 Cajun Demon (16 foot)with a 1989 50 HP Force outboard. The motor seems to run great, but it doesn't seem to have as much power as I would have expected. When I apply the throttle, I have a total of 90 degrees of travel. Of that 90 degrees, about 80 degrees is deadband and I only get a response in the last 10 degrees (about an inch of travel). I have the factory propeller and I am not sure what the pitch is, but I would guess 11 or 12 (I believe it is the original OEM prop). I tried a new prop with a 7" pitch and the RPMs were WAY too high. Max speed with a very light load is around 25mph. With a heavy load, I can't even get up on plane.<br /><br />Any ideas or suggestions? Could it be that my throttle cable needs to be adjusted to give me more response? I have looked at the throttle valve on the carb at full throttle and it is a hair above horizontal. I would be grateful for any help!! Thanks<br /><br />Thom

 

[bnk999]

Re: '89 Force 50 HP Low Power

You want the throttle plate completly open at WOT- My chrysler motor is similiar in that you don't get much response until it's pushed way forward- I have a 15' with a 75hp chrysler and it moves at around 37-38 mph (but my boat is a pretty light tri-hull) I would expect you to get at least 30mph, Is that a heavy boat, I am not familiar with that model--

 

[pipestone guy]

Re: '89 Force 50 HP Low Power

Thom,<br />I also have a 89 Force 50HP. Boat is a 16' fiberglass. With just me and a lite load I can get 28 MPH according to Speed on Fish finder.. HAd 4 adults and a youngster in the other day and couldnt get above 11 MPH. Motor was REALLY lugging.. So depending on the weight of your boat the speed sounds about right..<br /><br />Terry

 

[hafus]

Re: '89 Force 50 HP Low Power

Thanks for the inputs! The Cajun Demon is a standard type fiberglass bass boat. Sounds like I may not have a big problem....just need a bigger motor if I want to go faster! Terry A, what is the pitch on your prop?

 

[pipestone guy]

Re: '89 Force 50 HP Low Power

hafus, not sure exactly on the pitch.. I think its 11. I dont think there are that many diff pitch'd props available for this engine.<br /><br />Terry

 

[Docdoc]

Re: '89 Force 50 HP Low Power

Check your compression. If it isn't at least 110 in both cylinders, then you have a problem with ever getting any power out of this motor. Also, try adjusting your trim to different angles for different loads, that can make a world of difference. A 12 pitch prop with 10 3/8 diameter is about right for all around operation for your motor.

 

[hafus]

Re: '89 Force 50 HP Low Power

Thanks Doc.....will do!