1989 Force 125 issues starting

[TrevorC]

I recently purchased an 89 Bayliner with this motor on it, but have been having issues getting it started. We could never get it started when we first tried it. When we first got out to the lake, the starter seemed slow to start spinning, like a slight hesitation after turning the key. We probably tried less then 10 times and eventually it seemed like the starter would never spin, like the battery was dead. Took the battery to a shop and it tested good. We put it on a trickle charger overnight and tried again. When we went out again, we were eventually able to get it started and running pretty good. Would die in idle but we could start it back up right away. We drove around for about 30 minutes when we were able to have it wide open with no issues, seemed to hit 30mph from phone gps. Once we got it in the slip we let it sit for about 15 minutes and then tried to start it again and it would never start. Seemed again that the battery was dead, just the motor would not turn over.

I'm looking for some ideas to try when we go out there again, right now it's in the slip so if there's things I can do without having to take it out of the water that would be best. I do have a trailer but will obviously want to get it started so I don't have to row it!

Thank for any help or direction!

 

[The Force power]

Welcome to IBoats :welcome:

Check all battery cables / connectors if clean & tied, pay special attention to ground connections.
"jump" the starter-solenoid to see if it start then? if so the solenoid is most likely faulty or key switch and or wiring

 

[Ed_1976]

On my 140hp Chrysler outboard mine was doing the same thing or pretty close to it. I replaced the starter and solenoid and now its good to go.

 

[foodfisher]

Sounds like starter. Disassemble and clean carbon from armature and check brushes.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Does it turn when the plugs are out?
Do a compression test.
Comp ok?
Then rebuild the starter, check the cable for hot spots,
or bad connections.