1995 70hp Force Outboard Starting Trouble

[itmup4]

Hi, I'm new to iboats and this looks like a great site to learn! Today I started and ran my pontoon boat for about 20 minutes. Floated for a while then went to restart and the motor turned over , but wouldn't start. Tried numerous times .Didn't want to flood it, so tried again in a couple hours. Same result. About 4 years ago I think the symptoms were similar and had to have the stator replaced. Are there stator checks I can do with my volt/ohm meter? Also, anything else I might check? Any help appreciated! Thanks, John

 

[roscoe]

Re: 1995 70hp Force Outboard Starting Trouble

Welcome to iboats.

Lets hope it is something cheaper, and easier.

It could be something as simple as a worn out fuel pump, which will actually flood the bottom cylinder while it is sitting. They actually develop a leak and leak fuel into the block.

Or it could be spark related.

First, remove the sparkplugs and let it sit for a day or two to dry out. Then put the plugs back in, and try to start it. If it was flooded, it should start then. Would indicate a fuel pump rebuild is in order.

If it does not start, time to check for spark.

If no spark, time to test for the cause, (stator, trigger, or switchbox).

Let us know what happens when you try to start it in a couple days, or what you get when you check for spark.

 

[itmup4]

Re: 1995 70hp Force Outboard Starting Trouble

Roscoe, I tried it today and it started first time! Do I figure it's a one time deal or should I attempt a fuel system/pump investigation?
Thanks, John

 

[roscoe]

Re: 1995 70hp Force Outboard Starting Trouble

Hard to say.
But those fuel pump diaphragms get eaten away, especially with all the alcohol in todays gasoline.

It should be part of the routine maintenance, rebuild it every 7-10 years.

Fuel pump kit is about $18 from Mercury, and can be done with a few hand tools. They used to send an instruction sheet with the kit. Not sure if they still do.

Personally, I would rebuild the fuel pump. 1- to keep from being stranded, and 2- if it happens again, you have already eliminated one of the possible causes.