I have a 1987 50HP Force that runs but may need some carb work.

Odd thing I can not find a answer to. Place it in reverse, no problems. Put in forward and it just dies . Any ideas????!!!!

Try putting it in gear and manually turning the motor. You may have something binding in the geartrain causing it to lock up and kill the eng. The engine will be hard to turn-you may have to use a screwdriver\prybar in the flywheel teeth, just be careful not to break anything.

Will do. I will try first thing in the morning and post results. Thanks for the suggestion!!!

Probally a fuel problem when ya put it in reverse not as much load on motor..

Well. I used my hands to turn the flywheel. No issues and turned the same as it does in neutral.

I am starting to lean to a fuel problem as well. Anyplace local in Dallas do rebuild or cheap or sell the kits?

Just finished rebuilding the carbs (3)on my 85HP 1986 force. Had the pressed in seats in the carbs. Instead of paying $20 per kit, I went to the local hardware store and found the exact same size seat that goes to a tecum. lawnmower motor for $4. I also had to changed the diaphram in the fuel pump. Had holes in both chambers. The new ethanol gas eats the stuff up. Motor runs better than it ever has since I got it about 6 years ago. Mine acted just like that. Really easy fix in about 2 hours total.

I have an 1989 mercury 60 and had the same problem. I tried new plugs, new fuel pump, and finally took it to a shop and they replaced some eletrical parts. It still would die unless you just gave it a bunch of throttle as you put it in gear. I finally just turned up the idle speed about 1 turn and now it works great.

Have not had a chance to reply back to this. Got the boat restoration nearly.finished and now ready to tackle the motor again.

Thanks for all the advice! I will post my results soon.

HAH. Found the problem. The gasket under the needle for the float was not set in properly. Kept causing it to get fuel starved, after placing it in properly fired up with no issues!!!