Force starter sticking

jjdoro2

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 31, 2003
Messages
42
I have a 96 Force 75 hp with a starter that frequently sticks and will not jump up to engage the flywheel. Judging from other posts this is a frequent problem with this starter. I have decided to buy a brand new starter and am debating between 3 companies that make this starter. They are Arco, Sierra and API Marine. Can anybody recommend which is the best to go with? Also I see on the Mercury website that the original oem 50-819085 has been superceded to 50-819085T1. What does that mean? Maybe they redesigned it to cure the sticking problem?
 

Backlash

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 16, 2001
Messages
586
Re: Force starter sticking

Kingfisher,<br />Have you tried lubricating the shaft that the gear rides up & down on? I'd clean it up good & lube it with a small amount of white lithium grease. Then just check it out once in awhile before you head out.<br />Backlash
 

jjdoro2

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 31, 2003
Messages
42
Re: Force starter sticking

Thanks Backlash. I've tried a light oil and also omc wheel bearing grease. Haven't tried lithium grease but will give it a try but I think the sticking is going to require more drastic measures. This is a rebuilt starter and when I first got it a couple years ago it stuck then also so I took it back and they said a burr needed to be buffed down so they did that but now it's sticking again.
 

Backlash

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 16, 2001
Messages
586
Re: Force starter sticking

Hi Kingfisher,<br />If you've tried a light oil that should have done the job. How easily does the bendix gear move up & down the shaft by hand? Can you feel any particular area where it binds or sticks? <br />Backlash
 

9675hpforce

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jan 26, 2003
Messages
98
Re: Force starter sticking

Its new battery time try wal mart they are cheap $28 for the car battery and change the posts.
 

9675hpforce

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jan 26, 2003
Messages
98
Re: Force starter sticking

I have a question on your 96 75hp force what is your compresion numbers on cyls? My manual does not give specs on this motor nor the 4hp but every other hp.
 

jjdoro2

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 31, 2003
Messages
42
Re: Force starter sticking

The area where it is sticking is at the bottom and the bendix nut is just big enough to fit over the spline and stick. It sticks pretty tight. I have a new dual battery with plenty of CCAs and reserve minutes. I dont't think any amount of grease is going to help this case. Another poster on a different string recommended to grind the spline down which I think is what it will take. However I plan to be fishing in eastern Washington and don't want any problems so I opted for a new starter from Arco. I may try grinding it down just to see if it will work and keep it as a backup. Thanks for all your help.
 

jjdoro2

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 31, 2003
Messages
42
Re: Force starter sticking

Also to 96 75HPForce. I haven't done a compression check on the one I have. I looked through a Seloc manual and did not see anything either. How are things in Whidbey? I,m not far away - Bremerton. The motor I have is on a Starcraft Fishmaster 170.
 

9675hpforce

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jan 26, 2003
Messages
98
Re: Force starter sticking

Dog my motor is on a 1996 starcraft fishmaster 170. These are cool boats mine is mostly white with a blue and grey stripe,grey interior. What is your top end speed and what prop are you running.
 
Joined
Apr 16, 2003
Messages
27
Re: Force starter sticking

I just had my starter for a 50 hp Force rebuilt. Works like new. Cost was substantially less than a new starter. As long as the armature is in good shape it can be rebuilt over again. Call around to a good automotive electrical shop. They can<br />assess the situation better than anyone.
 

MustangJAB02

Cadet
Joined
Aug 25, 2009
Messages
9
Re: Force starter sticking

I have a 1989 Force 150. I just rebuilt it and am running into a sticky starter as well. I got the boat for free because the motor was blown. I rebuilt it and am ready for it to be on the water. Before I started the project the starter engaged fine and now it doesn't spin fast enough to engage the flywheel at all. I think maybe the starter has gunk in it keeping it from spinning as fast as it needs to be. Please help. Thank you
 
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