08" Force 120 stopped cranking

[Jdiraff]

Anyone have any suggestions before I spend a "Boat load of Cash" fixing at the local marina.
Motor was running fine and then with one turn of the key, it stopped cranking entirely.

Battery is new and charged, I checked the wires to the bat to make sure they weren't loose.
When I turn the ignition, there is no noise, click, etc ?

Could there be a fuse or solenoid that I need to check ?

Thanks ...Jeff

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 08" Force 120 stopped cranking

Jeff: You have a Mercury Quicksilver 3000 control box FIRST check the yellow fuse on the electronic mounting plate. If this fuse blows, no power is delivered to the ignition switch. Second: Check to be certain you did not accidentally push down the red lever. This is the dead man or man overboard switch and if a lanyard is in it, pulling the lanyard pulls down the lever killing the engine. Usually though this only kills ignition and the engine will crank.

Third: Check to be certain that the controls are really in neutral. There is a neutral interlock switch (usually inside the Merc control box) Which prevents cranking the engine while in gear.

 

[Jdiraff]

Re: 08" Force 120 stopped cranking

Thanks Frank
Correct, I have a QS Commander 300 control.
First thing I checked was to make sure the kill switch wasn't engaged.

Where exactly can I find that yellow fuse to check ? Is the electronic mounting plate the box with all of the fuses located under the helm ? Whats the amps ?

The control has been sticking a bit recently so I am actually thinking that the neutral interlock switch or remote could also be the culprit. However, it was in neutral and was cranking and then just stopped without touching the controls, so it probably was in neutral.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 08" Force 120 stopped cranking

Hope you mean 98 Force? Depending on the boat? there might be a fuse panel under the dash.
Sometimes there is a fuse in the panel that blows?.
Test light? Check the key switch for continuity when you turn the key and activate the choke/enricher.
Test at the solenoid,again signal from the key switch?
I think the yellow fuse is on the motor.

 

[Jdiraff]

Re: 08" Force 120 stopped cranking

Yes 98 Force
Pretty sure the remote is in neutral
Found a 5 and 10 amp blown on the fuse panel which I replaced. I dont think they were linked to the ignition
Checked all of the other fuses...all fine including the 15 amp on the engine ( that one is blue)
Enricher functions when I push the Key . With the motor cover off, I did notice a click at the motor whenever I turn the key.... and the lights on the dash dim , etc.

Bad starter solonoid perhaps ?

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 08" Force 120 stopped cranking

If you have a click?? Then the solenoid could be bad.
Test light again,someone on the key.
Turn key and see if you have power on both big lugs of the solenoid.
If you do, then the starter needs work.
You can also cross both big lugs and see if it turns.Be careful it's gonna spark!!
Check all grounds and hot leads for being loose?

 

[Jdiraff]

Re: 08" Force 120 stopped cranking

Thanks
Ill take a look this afternoon
Hopefully, just the solenoid !

 

[jasonbailey]

Re: 08" Force 120 stopped cranking

Did you pull the battery cables and make sure they were clean? I pull my cables 1-2 times a season and hit the ends with a wire brush.

 

[Jdiraff]

Re: 08" Force 120 stopped cranking

Guys
Great advice
Lights at ignition turnkey....no engine crank
Cross over , no turn...lights on both big solenoid lugs
Looks like the starter is bad .....
They got um on ebay for like 90 bucks....will those suffice or do I need to spend like 300 bucks at the merc dealer ?
Jeff

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 08" Force 120 stopped cranking

Re-build yours??F15190 Parts under 25$
Take it to a good shop.they usually use good parts.
Sometime ust cleaning your will work?
I haven't bought a starter for my boat in 25 years.
I re-build them.Usually before they burn out they can be saved.Take yours apart and post some pics.
Get the factory parts.

 

[Jdiraff]

Re: 08" Force 120 stopped cranking

Ended up just buying one and dropping it in on Wed
Not that I didn't want to rebuild, but wanted the boat for the 4th weekend.

Thanks Frank, Thanks Jerry

Now another question....The remote is jamming occasionally in gear not allowing me to move forward or back or allowing me to start the engine. this is troublesome when out in the sound When this happens, the neutral button on the remote also jams
I can jiggle it loose, but again, its something that needs to be addressed
Could this unit be easily disassembled and repaired or do I need to purchase a replacement ? It's the Quicksilver 3000 Remote that came with the Boat/Motor