Force 125 From Hell

[Speedtek]

Greetings! Great forum and great advice all around!!

Here's my problem..

I have a 1988 Force 125 on a 19' Bayliner Capri Cuddy. I've done alot of work on it and still have problems.

Since I have owned it (I have had it on the water 4 times so far) I cannot seem to get to full RPM (it is pretty consistant at around 3000 RMP) and run at slow speeds (Between 10 and 20 mph).

I've done all the work below, changed loading of the boat, changed props, and I cannot seem to get it to move as it should (Though, it runs much smoother now!)

The stats are as follows:

Compression on all cylinders is ~150.
I have spark on all 4 cylinders.
I have fuel to both carbs and have adjusted floats to spec. (though, I do get a little fuel "drool" from the carb intakes)

Work Done:

-Replaced impeller.
-Crimped new terminals on end of plug wires. (The old ones were corroded and actually rusting off the wires).
-Removed, cleaned, and adjusted carbs per spec.
-Timed motor on water at WOT.
-Fixed exhaust "Boot" (was leaking exhaust into cowl).
-Set all linkage per spec. (Throttle plates open at WOT etc..)
-Checked for slipping prop hub as recommended on the forum.
-Set idle mixture to proper spec.

I'm at wit's end, its embarrasing to see a little aluminum fishing boat running laps around me!

Any advice would be great!!

 

[maxum247]

Re: Force 125 From Hell

Have the you done a link and sync on the carbs and adjusted them correctly? Check the floats and inlet needles and make sure there adjusted and working correctly and not hanging up!
Assuming your engine is not missing on a cylinder or cylinders, have you checked the sparkplugs to see if they are wet fouling, carbs may be a adjusted too rich if the carbs are drooling.
Have you checked engine timing?

When trying different props did you go up in pitch or down? Down will increase rpm while up in size will decrease rpm!

Does the boat sit unusally low in the water and what condition is the bottom hull in, has it been patched or full of moss or barnicals? max!

 

[Speedtek]

Re: Force 125 From Hell

Now that you mention it, I did pull the plugs on the water to take a look at their condition - they were wet with fuel and a bit "carbony" - how would i un-fatten the carbs? lol

I went down in pitch on the prop and got a small RPM boost, but nothing to write home to mom about.

The boat's hull is in great shape, beyond the pukey blue paint that gets on me everytime I touch the wet hull - i'm sure that adds a tad bit of drag, but probably is negligable.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Force 125 From Hell

You need to test the stator following the steps outlined in the on-line Ignition Troubleshooting Guide from Rapair/CDI using a DVA Meter.

A weak high speed winding will allow low speed running but severly limit rpm in gear in the water.

DO NOT SPEND $$$$ as there is NO RETURN ON ELECTRICAL PARTS,

PROVE the part defective before you buy.

 

[maxum247]

Re: Force 125 From Hell

If your 125 Force is a 1988C-1989

Idle mixture should be performed with the boat in the water tied to the dock securely.

1. Connect an accurate shop tachometer according to it's manufactors instructions.

NOTE
Adjust the top carburetor first and the bottom carburetor last. It may be necessary to switch back and forth between the carburetors several times to get the mixture correct. If necessary, reset the mixture screws to the intial settings and try again.

With engine not running.
2. Turn the (idle mixture) screw(s) clockwise until lightly seated. Do not force the screw(s) tightly into the carburetor(s) or the tip(s) and the carburetor(s) will be damaged.
3. Back out the (idle mixture) screw(s) to specifications. (1988C-1989 125 hp Force 1 full turn out from lightly seated.)
4. Start engine and run the engine in neutral at 2000 rpm until warmed up to normal operating temperature. Once operating temperature is reached, allow the engine to idle 1-2 minutes to stabilize the motor and allow the fuel recirculation system to begin functioning.
5. Set the throttle lever control to idle position. If necessary adjust the (throttle stop screw) temporarily to obtain the recommended idle speed. (700-800 RPM in gear for 1988C-1989 125hp Force).
6. Slowly turn the (idle mixture screw) counter-clockwise in 1/8 turn increments, pausing at least 10 seconds between turns. Continue this step until the idle speed decreases and idle becomes rough due to an overly rich mixture. Note the position of the idle screw slot.
7. Slowly turn the (idle mixture screw) clockwise in 1/8 turn increments, pausing at least 10 seconds between turns. The idle speed will gradually become smooth and speed will increase. Continue this step until the engine speed begins to slow again and/or misfires due to the excessively lean mixture. Note the position of the (mixture screw slot).
8. Position the (mixture screw) at a midpoint between the settings of step 6 and step 7.
(It is important not to set the idle screw(s) less than 1 turn out) on the 1988C-1989 Force 125 during final adjustment of the carburetors.
Better to have the carburetors too rich than too lean.)
9.(You'll want to do this part not tied to the dock and sitting down!) Quickly accelerate the engine to wide-open throttle and back to idle. The engine will accelerate cleanly and without hesitation if the mixture is adjusted correctly. Readjust as necessary.
10. Adjust the (idle speed screw) to specifications if necessary. (700-800 RPM in gear for 1988C-1989 125 hp Force). Good Luck! Max!

 

[Speedtek]

Re: Force 125 From Hell

You need to test the stator following the steps outlined in the on-line Ignition Troubleshooting Guide from Rapair/CDI using a DVA Meter.

A weak high speed winding will allow low speed running but severly limit rpm in gear in the water.

DO NOT SPEND $$$$ as there is NO RETURN ON ELECTRICAL PARTS,

PROVE the part defective before you buy.

Ok, I tested the ignition components per the manual and everything is in spec. I've adjusted the mixture control per procedure as well. I have a bit more RPM and speed (3000-3500 rpm) but it barely can plane.

Last thing I am thinking is that I may need to rebuild the fuel pump, or replace the fuel bulb - The fuel bulb is the "wal-mart" brand and never gets totally hard when running - any chance that it can be too small in size and causing a fuel flow restriction?

To isolate the fuel system I ran the fuel line directly to a small fuel tank and bypassed the quick disconnect - though, i still used the existing fuel bulb.

The engine runs like a sewing machine, just does not reach a decent RPM.

 

[maxum247]

Re: Force 125 From Hell

From my manual.

Power Loss:
Several factors can cause loss of power or speed. Look for air leaks in the fuel line or fuel pump, restricted fuel filter, chipped cracked or broken reed valves, or a choke/throttle valve that operates improperly. Check ingnition timing adjustment.

I'd rebuild the fuel pump, cheap to do, under $20 make sure there are no air leaks in the fuel line or connectors, even if it's not the problem it should be done anyway if it hasn't been done in awhile, you'll thank yourself every time you get back to the dock or at least I do. Good Luck!

max!