Help it's Sputtering!!

CapeBoater1 · #1 05-28-2006, 09:12 AM

Ok, first trip was great and my motor ran flawlessly. Second short trip it was sputtering a bit at slow speeds. It was almost like it would skip a bit with a slight lurch forward (ever so slight). I went out fishing today and it was sputtering a bit about an hour after I left and when I accelerated, I noticed it sputtering and It would not throttle up fully. I could only get around 3000 rpms when I was getting aroun 4200 on the way out. Water pump seems to be spitting enought water so I don't think it's overheating. Could it just be old fuel, or maybe the inline fuel filter? It's a 1988 force 125 in case anyone has one.

Finster · #2 05-28-2006, 10:33 AM

I had one of those motors and had a big problem with the electrical wires coming free from the terminal ends. It's difficult to see being there's shrink tubing over them, but just go over the whole motor and give each one a tug.

I think I had a similar with mine and vaguely recall that being the problem.

Bryan A. · #3 05-28-2006, 12:55 PM

Don't have any specifics on that motor, but check the basics. Finster is right, check spark; plugs, wires or power pack. Then fuel. Is the water separator full? Big posibility if it ran well first time. Also fuel lines, see if it is sucking air somwhere. Check for deteriorated lines with the new fuels. Also ethanol will dislodge old sediment so you are right too, check the filiter(s). Let us know how you do.

CapeBoater1 · #4 05-29-2006, 06:36 AM

Thanks I'll give it the big once over and trial run it today. I don't think it's anything major, as there does not seem to be any audible motor noise etc. The shift control is a bit worn and I plan on replacing that next year, but I don't believe that would have anything to do with this.