gas consumption ?

jazz123456

Cadet
Joined
Jul 26, 2005
Messages
11
I have a 1985 85hp Force, runs good but I used 12 gallons of fuel in 4.5 hours just off idle trolling for salmon, Is this normal for a 85hp? It does smoke at idle, but clears out at speed.. Thanks
 

accord_guy

Seaman
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
68
Re: gas consumption ?

It has three carbs. It doesn't care about <br /> anything but get up and go. If it's fuel <br /> economy you want, go four-stroke. Otherwise<br /> this motor was meant to scream.
 

Tregaskis

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 23, 2005
Messages
42
Re: gas consumption ?

Jazz, <br />Pretty much you can figure one gallon per hour for every 10horse power being used. Theoretically your engine should burn 'around' 8 to 9 gallons per hour at full throttle. Some engines a little more, some a little less. The Force design is not very fuel efficient at speed but with the cross flow induction system used is fairly economical at trolling speeds. 1 to 2 gallons per hour at most trolling speeds would be realistic. Does the 12 gallons include the fuel used to get you to and from the trolling area?
 

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: gas consumption ?

Speaking generically be sure the carb sync.is correct,Be sure timing if applicable is correct.<br /> Sometimes a fuel pump diaphram will get a hole in it.this would cause some smoke and a little extra fuel usage.<br />But I think the biggest problem is that motor is not happy trolling.A little 6 or 9 hp would save you a lot of gas and at $4 a gallon might be worth the investment.
 

timmathis

Lieutenant
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
1,295
Re: gas consumption ?

If you do that alot it would save money to get a smaller kicker in the long run. Otherwise that is about normal HPG'S.
 

jazz123456

Cadet
Joined
Jul 26, 2005
Messages
11
Re: gas consumption ?

Thanks to all that replyed.. good info.. I do have a kicker, but I use it for emergency's. The move-able kicker plate had to be mounted above the transum and onto the fiberglass cover. I put a piece of plywood behind mount, but I still don't feel it is strong enough for full time use.
 
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