Force controls question...

[NMShooter]

Okay.. here is the control box I have, along with some questions below...I searched online for a manual, but came up empty. Any help appreciated...

1) I don't seem to have any ability to engage fast idle. I believe that to do this, I press the insert in the lever hinge to allow the control arm to move forward. However, when I do this, there is no movement of either the forward or reverse shift cables. What should be happening?

2) Next to the lanyard switch is a flat bladed adjustment screw. What does this do?

3) I'd really like the ability to have fast idle. If the controls are not fully functional, where can I go to purchase a replacement control box? This is for an 85hp 1988 Force.


Thanks for the help folks. I'm already deep in beer debts to many of you!

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Force controls question...

Your finger is in the wrong place! Press in the rubber button in the center of the control handle. While holding it in, advance the lever forward--that will be fast idle. (Pressing the button disengages the shift mechanism--you must still advance the throttle. Don't worry, there is an automatic stop. You can not go too far.)

The lever/button/screw you are pointing at adjusts the drag on the control handle. I have never seen a difference by turning it though. However, if it becomes necessary to take apart the box, this must be unscrewed all the way.

 

[NMShooter]

Re: Force controls question...

Your finger is in the wrong place! Press in the rubber button in the center of the control handle. While holding it in, advance the lever forward--that will be fast idle. (Pressing the button disengages the shift mechanism--you must still advance the throttle. Don't worry, there is an automatic stop. You can not go too far.)

The lever/button/screw you are pointing at adjusts the drag on the control handle. I have never seen a difference by turning it though. However, if it becomes necessary to take apart the box, this must be unscrewed all the way.

Nah.. I was just pointing to that screw to find out what it is for. I was aware that I had to push the rubber plug to engage the fast idle.

Pushing in that rubber plug and advancing the lever does not seem to move the throttle linkage on the engine. Should I see the linkage move?

 

[Josh P]

Re: Force controls question...

it should move but only a tiny bit, just enough to oopen the carb butterflies, an 1/8 maybe 1/4 not much more so the cable will hardly move

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Force controls question...

Then you need to check the throttle and timing synch. See: There is a stop at the bottom of the tower which hits against a stop on the shift linkage below the bottom carb. There should be an 1/8 inch gap in neutral. If the engine is out of synch and the idle stop screw is advanced too far in order to achieve a correct idle speed, then there will be little to no fast idle advance. Fast idle is only about 2-3 degrees advanced and carbs just crack open.

See: Timing and throttle opening are linked and both control idle speed. If timing at idle (and full throttle) is retarded too far, then the idle stop screw will need to be screwed in too far.

Thus: it is necessary to be sure that timing at WOT is correct at 30 degrees BTDC and the carbs are opened fully.

At idle, timing may vary but it usually is around 0-2 degrees advanced and carb cam is just slightly above the marks where it contacts the roller. Also be certain that the low speed needles are not set too rich--a little is safe for the engine, but too much slows it down and again, the stop screw will need to be screwed in too far. Low speed needles are usuallt around one turn out.

If you have a manual, do the link and synch. If not, search the forum for previous posts.