1994 40hp Force Outboard Motor Starting problem! Please Help!

Hung_Phan

Cadet
Joined
Aug 26, 2004
Messages
7
Hi,<br />I am having a very annoying starting problem with my 1994 Force 40 hp outboard motor. As I turn the key, the round wheel on top of the engine turn and produce a clicking noise, but the engine just doesn’t turn on. I changed the sparks plugs so I am confident that it has sparks. I have noticed that there are gases dripping out of an outlet hole right above the propeller. I have read the manual over and over, tried the choke button, used the gas hand pump. But I just can’t get it going. Any advice on what might cause this is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
 

eurolarva

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 24, 2003
Messages
4,182
Re: 1994 40hp Force Outboard Motor Starting problem! Please Help!

Hello Hung Phan. Are you saying that the electric starter will turn the motor (flywheel on top) but the motor wont start or are you saying the starter will not turn the flywheel and all you are hearing is a clicking sound?
 

Hung_Phan

Cadet
Joined
Aug 26, 2004
Messages
7
Re: 1994 40hp Force Outboard Motor Starting problem! Please Help!

Sorry,<br />The electric starter does turn the flywheel, but the motor won't start. I guess the clicking sound is from this process. The motor just doesn't want to kick in somehow. Yesterday, i was able to get the engine to turn on, brought it out on the water and it worked great. Absolutely excellent. However today, the problem came back. I am somewhat blaming the ignition part of the engine. Is there any way i can check to see what is responsible? thanks
 

eurolarva

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 24, 2003
Messages
4,182
Re: 1994 40hp Force Outboard Motor Starting problem! Please Help!

Are you pushing the key in to choke the motor? I read that some force motors have a fuel enrichment instead of a choke which if done inncorrectly can flood the motor. I believe the trick is to engage choke and then start. Do not leave the choke on longer then a few seconds. Once motor is warm start it without choking it.
 

gpro

Recruit
Joined
Aug 9, 2004
Messages
4
Re: 1994 40hp Force Outboard Motor Starting problem! Please Help!

Hung,<br /><br />I am new to boating but I had the same problem as you did when I first got my boat. If you have a two-stroke engine check you mixture. I mixed too much oil than required thinking more oil will help the engine. Another trick I learned is using starter fluid and spraying it into the carburetor when your engine fails to start. <br /><br />Rommel
 

uncyboo

Cadet
Joined
Aug 11, 2004
Messages
12
Re: 1994 40hp Force Outboard Motor Starting problem! Please Help!

Starting fluid??? :eek: Scary.
 

eurolarva

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 24, 2003
Messages
4,182
Re: 1994 40hp Force Outboard Motor Starting problem! Please Help!

Do not use starting fluid unless you want to burn out your motor. Starting fluid is not designed for two stroke motors. It has no oil or other lubrication and can cause serious damage to your motor. If you must use a starting fluid use pre mix gas of 50 to 1 in a spray bottle
 

Hung_Phan

Cadet
Joined
Aug 26, 2004
Messages
7
Re: 1994 40hp Force Outboard Motor Starting problem! Please Help!

Thank you for all of your help. After having a little bit more experience with this boat which i have just purchased, i think that this engine doesn't start because it is flooded with gas. The reason why i say this is because i constantly see gas dripping out of the outlet hole above the propeller and also gas dripping out of the carburetor as i tilt the motor up. Usually, waiting one day will have more sucess in starting it (i guess because the gas evaporated). Once it start, it will start again very easily but is still very unreliable as it can get flooded again. However, i am confused as i can't understand why it get flooded in the first place. I didn't even use the hand pump nor the choke button. Can anyone tell me more info about a flooded engine? It's symptoms, how to get avoid it, why it happen, and how to clear it? Also, would a bad mix of oil/gas cause this? Thanks again
 

pettitt

Cadet
Joined
Aug 14, 2004
Messages
16
Re: 1994 40hp Force Outboard Motor Starting problem! Please Help!

I also have a 40 HP Force. I never choke mine. Make sure you have new plugs. Trim the motor to verticle position before you try to start, then prime or pump the fuel bulb until tight, then start. It should start in the idle position without having throttle more open. Always let idle for a few minutes before operating boat.<br />Jeep
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,826
Re: 1994 40hp Force Outboard Motor Starting problem! Please Help!

As more details are provided, I have come up with a few suggestions.<br /><br />1- disconnect the fuel line between the engine and tank when you store the boat.<br /><br />2- Make sure the vent is open on the tank, even when not in use, it keeps pressure from building up when the tank is heated by the sun, the pressure can force the gas into the engine. This is aslo why you should disconnect the fuel line.<br /><br />3- Change the fuel pump diaphram. Cost - $12. They deteriorate with time, and develope holes. The gas can leak thru the pump and into the powerhead, and flood the bottom cylinder. This seems to be a common occurance with certain brands of engines. Toy can get the diaphram kit at any Mercury dealer, it comes with instruction sheet.<br /><br />I hope this helps.
 
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