1989 125 force motor problems..NEED help

[zell66]

Hello all, newbie here. I have a 1989 yar craft about 18' powered by a 1989 125 force motor manufactured by Chrysler. Had to wire in a new harness for the ignition and am having a heck of a time getting the unit to start. When I try to start it the starter engages but very slowly. Battery is at 14volts, and fuel is present. I pulled the plugs and when to start it and the motor turned over the way it is supposed to. Put the plugs back in and SSLLOOWW. Any ideas as to why it won’t start?

Thanks

Zell66

 

[slolorus1]

Re: 1989 125 force motor problems..NEED help

my force 125 will definitely not start if it isn't cranked over quickly. If you are sure the battery does have a good charge, you may have a dying starter. Check the battery voltage while you are cranking the starter over, it should not drop below 9.6 volts within a 15 second period. If it does your battery is probably on the weak side. You can try jumping it with another vehicle or another decently charged battery. Disconnect the jumper cables immediately after it starts(if it does). If after all this the starter still cranks slow, it's probably done for.

Don't forget that in addition fuel being present you also need a spark. How long have you had the engine, did it run for you before this?

 

[zell66]

Re: 1989 125 force motor problems..NEED help

just got motor and boat. the seller said the boat was last in water 5 years ago, or so. boat and motor sat outside in summer and winter.

 

[slolorus1]

Re: 1989 125 force motor problems..NEED help

Oh. I would start by checking for spark at the plug wires. If there is a spark I would pull the spark plugs out and disable the ignition coils. Then crank the engine over for a bit(10-15 seconds). If your starter is still cranking slow at this point ,and your sure about the battery, it is definitely a goner. If it seems to crank the engine over at a good speed, let the engine sit for about 20 minutes. Put new spark plugs in and try it then.

I have an 87 125 force, It has a choke that is engaged by pushing in the key as you turn it. To start mine I have to: 1. make sure the fuel bulb is hard(by squeezing it)
2. Place the throttle in neutral at about 3/4 throttle
3.Turn and push in on the key
it starts every time and then I let it run this way (in neutral, 3/4 throttle) for about 5 minutes, and she's good to go.

Let me know if you need elaboration on any of these things.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1989 125 force motor problems..NEED help

While you are waiting for a starter, you need not be stuck in the drive. Pull the plugs and prime each cylinder with about the equivalent of a teaspoon of oil/fuel mix. Put plugs back in. Put engine in fast idle with ignition key on. Use a length of stout rope long enough to wrap around the flywheel two times, with a handle or dowel at one end and a knot at the other. Brace your foot on the splash well and using two hands give a good pull. It should fire right up. Once it is warm, you should not need to prime it to start it again.

 

[zell66]

Re: 1989 125 force motor problems..NEED help





Success


The engine fires and runs. Going to put in water tomorrow (Saturday) and run it for awhile.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: 1989 125 force motor problems..NEED help

What was your solution?

 

[mtndewnut]

Re: 1989 125 force motor problems..NEED help

I know this thread is really old.....but I was wondering what the solutiuon was also. I have an 87 Force 125 that is doing the same thing.

 

[Jiggz]

Re: 1989 125 force motor problems..NEED help

Well, the last recommendation was to oil the cylinders and the next post was all smile! So presume its the lubricating of the cylinders that solved it.