force 85 motor stalling out

[shanej]

Just bought a bayliner 1987 with force 85 outboard engine. Took it out on the lake today, and it ran good for a while, and then it starting sputtering and died. It continued to do that. Kinda sounds like a clogged fuel filter, I think. This is my first boat, and need all the help I can get. Also, water fills up in the bottom compartment of the boat, (about 4 inches worth), it that what the bilge switch on the dash is for?? To get that water out?? Any replies would be great. We read the whole manual but it wasn't much help. Thanks, Shane

 

[roscoe]

Re: force 85 motor stalling out

Thats a lot of water, start looking for a leak. Any fitting or bolt that goes thru the hull could be leaking.<br /><br />1 check for spark and compression on each cylinder.<br />2 buy a repair manual.<br />3 get rid of any old gas in the gas tank.<br />4 replace the fuel line from the tank to the motor<br />5 clean the fuel filter screen<br />6 rebuild fuel pump<br />7 rebuild carbs

 

[spartanpele]

Re: force 85 motor stalling out

I've got the same motor and have had some of the same issues. I'd say do as Roscoe says and get yourself a manual or two and do the maintenance he listed. I'd also add you should replace the plugs (UL18V), replace the lower unit oil, clean the water pump and replace the impeller as well. <br /><br />As for the water in the hull. The easiest way to find the leak is to get your boat in the trailer in a garage or outside at night. Have someone shine a bright light on the hull from the outside while you peer inside the hull bottoms from the inside. If you can see light coming through bright, you've got a leak. Look around the transom drain plug or plug fitting....and yes, the bilge is for draining that water while out on the lake. Just make sure its not sewage or gas/oil you're pumping out.<br /><br />As for the engine sputtering and dieing, as Roscoe said, replace plugs, clean the carbs, check over all vacuum lines, make sure the fuel filter and lines aren't clogged, put in fresh properly mixed gas, etc.<br /><br />Best of luck and welcome to the forum!

 

[chuckz]

Re: force 85 motor stalling out

Shane,<br /><br />Before you do anything else, make sure you had the vent for the gas tank open.

 

[shanej]

Re: force 85 motor stalling out

Thanks so much for your help, it is very much appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to help me. Shane

 

[Realgun]

Re: force 85 motor stalling out

Shane do your self a favor and clean the threads where the plug goes. I was getting a bit of water till I cleaned the plug now dry as a bone.