Trouble starting 150 HP Force OB

[pyson]

I just purchase a 20' boat with 150 HP Force OB engine. I think it is about a 1989.

The seller started it up without a problem.

I put 10 gallons of gas in the tank followed by the necessary amount of oil. I attempted to start it (with a water muffler on it of course), and it started and I ran it for about 2 minutes--it was just starting to warm up. The muffler fell off, so I shut down the motor immediately.

I haven't been able to get it to start since. It wasn't cranking great, so I bought a new marine battery for it, since I knew it was going to need a new one soon anyway. That didn't help.

I thought I might have flooded the engine, so I took out the spark plugs (which are all brand new by the way) and burned off any extra fuel with a propane torch. I cranked the engine a few time without the plugs in to try and spit out any excess fuel also. This did not work.

I thought that maybe the gas and oil wasn't mixed properly since the boat was just sitting in my driveway. I towed the boat around the block a few times to get a good mix. I also drained the gas lines to make sure I had the good gas/oil mixture in the lines. Still did not turn over.

I believe I am using the correct starting procedure too (as told to me by the previous owner). I turn on the electric primer ( an in -line fuel pump) until I see gas in the glass tube. Then I put the engine in neutral, with a fairly high idle setting. I start by cranking the engine by turning the key and then press the automatic choke a bit.

I get nothing when turning the key but the engine revving--no backfires, etc.

I am close to bringing it to a buddy who knows engines (I hope....lol) or to a local shop?

Any ideas of what may be going wrong or how I am messing up? I am new at this, so it very well could be me.

Thanks!

Matt

 

[roscoe]

Re: Trouble starting 150 HP Force OB

You have an electric in-line fuel pump? If so, that was rigged, and should not be.


Open fuel tank vent

Check the kill switch, place in "run" position

Squeeze fuel primer bulb till firm.

Advance the throttle 3/4 way, without putting it in gear. -- This is done by either pushing a button in the center of the controls, or pulling the shift handle toward the driver, or raising the fast idle lever, all depending on what controls unit you have.

Activate the choke by pushing in on the key.

Turn the key to start while continuing to hold the key in.

Release the key and choke when it starts.

3-5 seconds of "choke", is usually enough.

Be ready to pull the throttle back toward the idle/neutral position, when the engine starts and the revs increase.

Continue to pull the throttle back as the engine warms up.

You should not have to use the choke much, if at all, once the engine has warmed up.

Engine should start within 10 seconds of turning the key.

 

[pyson]

Re: Trouble starting 150 HP Force OB

Thanks for the response, but I believe I have done all of the steps you mentioned. Anyone else have any ideas what could be the problem?