Overheated 15 hp Force Questions

[ctbs]

Hello kind and wise outboard fanatics! Went fishing today (second time out for the year). At lake #1 the motor started up and ran fine. Trouble at lake #2 - felt the loss of power a couple minutes after leaving the dock. Was obviously overheating, so I shut her down right away. I didn't have time to check the exaust stream, but there were no weeds on the lower unit. Could some other obstructon, or impeller, or pump be the problem? How should I proceed?<br />Unrealted question, I have had this engine for two years now, and under low idle she coughs/spits. I overided this phenomena by applting more throttle, bur now it's time to fix. Is this a carb rebuild issue? Inclosing, would you all weigh in on your opinion of the quality of two cylindar Force engines.<br />Thanks so much for your consideration,<br />Chris

 

[fixin]

Re: Overheated 15 hp Force Questions

Before you go tearing into anything, I would do A compression test and take a close look at the sparkplugs for any sign of water and check to see the head bolts are tight(don't go crazy,they strip easy)You could have a blown head gasket. FIXIN

 

[rbruce63]

Re: Overheated 15 hp Force Questions

Start with the water pump. Fisrtly, if you haven't replaced the impeller it's time to do so. Secondly, make sure that the water pump housing is not pitted, if it is pitted, it is time to change the water pump housing. If your motor is fixed with a thermostat, then it's time to check it for obstructions.<br /><br />To adjust the carburetor I have found that the motor has to be at operating temperature, secondly, put the motor in gear and start turning with your hand the idle mixture screw to the point where the motor idle drops, then open 1/4 turn and you are all set.<br /><br />Use the correct motor oil and mixture and make sure to use fuel stabilizer/conditioner to prevent gums and dissolve gums and varnish in the fuel system.<br /><br />A compression test is most valuable tool for detecting broken rings, perhaps you should check the compression and establish how level it is in each of the cylinders.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Overheated 15 hp Force Questions

What year is this motor? Can you also post the model number. To replace a 15 HP motor with a new one you are looking at around 2000 dollars. Yours is a pretty basic motor and if you have any mechanical experience you should be able to perform most of the work yourself. First thing to do is get a manual. The manual will tell you things that need to be done so that break downs will be fewer.<br /><br />As mentioned remove lower unit and replace the impeller. If the impeller is broken and pieces are missing please post it here. Those parts may be blocking your water flow when you install a new impeller and you will have to flush it out. It is recommended the impeller be changed every two years.

 

[fixin]

Re: Overheated 15 hp Force Questions

Please post your findings,A bad headgasket could cause a motor to cough/spit and overheat by forcing exhaust into water ways (check those plugs)FIXEN

 

[ctbs]

Re: Overheated 15 hp Force Questions

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I replaced the impellar, ran the motor in a clean garbage can for 10 minutes and I think I'm good to go. I liberally sprayed carb cleaner in the intake once she warmed up, and also added a carb cleaner fuel additive to the tank and the hesitation/cough seems to go away (for now?)<br />Regards,<br />Chris

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Overheated 15 hp Force Questions

carb cleaner is usually a temparary fix. Rebuild the carb and the fuel pump. (Not sure that motor has a fuel pump) Fuels have lots of alcohal and cause the rubber parts to fail in carbs and fuel pumps. If it is running good now wait till the end of season or early spring to rebuild. About late july start adding stabilizer to your gas and make sure you are keeping your gas can as full as you can and you are closing the vent when boat is not being used during the week.

 

[ctbs]

Re: Overheated 15 hp Force Questions

A full gas tank - is that to prevent mosture from forming inside of the tank?<br />CT