89 Force 125 coil questions

funjohnny

Cadet
Joined
Jun 9, 2013
Messages
8
I have a 125 force that runs real rough and wont idle correctly. I took off the number one plug wire and it did not make any changes on how the motor ran number 2 did the same. But if I take off number 3 it runs worse. I just replaced all coils and wires and installed new plugs. Should motor change when wire is removed from one? Anyone know what could cause that I don't think it is getting any spark on 1 and 2 ....thanks john
 

pnwboat

Rear Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2007
Messages
4,251
Re: 89 Force 125 coil questions

If it's firing normally on all four cylinders, when you pull a spark plug wire off, it should change the idle speed and run a little rougher. Just keep in mind that there is more than just ignition spark that will prevent a cylinder from operating correctly. Rings have to be in good shape for proper compression, reed valves and carburetors have to also be operating properly. Check compression first and see what your readings are. Readings should be within 10% from highest reading cylinder to lowest cylinder.

If compression is OK, take some stator resistance readings. You should read between 680 - 850 OHMS between the two sets of Blue and Yellow stator wires. Reading between both sets of wires should be very close to the same. If you have 1 set that reads 700 OHMS, the other set should also read the same.

If stator readings are OK, then take a look at all the spade lug connectors on the 12 position terminal block. Right at the spade lug connector on the end of each wire, there is sometimes a small piece of black heat shrink that covers the spade lug connector itself and the wire. Sometimes the strands of wire break inside the heat shrink and you cannot tell.

If the spade lug connections are OK, then you might try swapping the CD Modules around to see if the "symptom" moves to number 3 and 4 cylinder. Note, take very careful notes, maybe digital pictures of the wires. It's very easy to get things mis-wired and really create a major headache in trying to put things back to the way they're supposed to be.
 

SkiDad

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 18, 2010
Messages
1,518
Re: 89 Force 125 coil questions

Note, take very careful notes, maybe digital pictures of the wires. It's very easy to get things mis-wired and really create a major headache in trying to put things back to the way they're supposed to be.

Great Tip! I took a bunch of pics when replacing my stator etc and it really came in handy to have all the pictures.
 

BlueFishCrisis

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Sep 7, 2010
Messages
96
Re: 89 Force 125 coil questions

I had a similar experience. The stacked plates in the flywheel had corroded and expanded, breaking apart and flying around in the stator cavity. Had two cylinders with no spark. Turned out when the pieces came off, it dislodged the magnet on the flywheel which rubbed away at the stator. I could not locate the issue with my meter, or the DVA attachment. Once i replaced the CDIs and the coils with no change, I figured it had to be either the stator or trigger. Replaced the flywheel and stator and everything was good to go.
 

funjohnny

Cadet
Joined
Jun 9, 2013
Messages
8
Re: 89 Force 125 coil questions

I just tested stator on 1 and 2 no ohms and 3 and 4 are at 800 so looks like I need a stator Thanks guys
 

BlueFishCrisis

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Sep 7, 2010
Messages
96
Re: 89 Force 125 coil questions

Pull and inspect your flywheel before your order just to be sure it didn't cause the damage. Would hate to have the stator in hand THEN find out the flywheel needs to be replaced too, like I did....
 

Jiggz

Captain
Joined
Oct 23, 2009
Messages
3,909
Re: 89 Force 125 coil questions

As Bluefish mentioned, you need to do a full open and inspect under the flywheel. Stators have heavy gage wire and just don't suddenly cut open for no mechanical reasons.
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,183
Re: 89 Force 125 coil questions

The shrink wrap on the wires ?
It can hide a broken wire.
I replace the connectors on all the wires and solved a problem.
Do a compresion/spark test.
 

funjohnny

Cadet
Joined
Jun 9, 2013
Messages
8
Re: 89 Force 125 coil questions

oK I installed the new stator today flywheel looks in great shape. Number 2 is now firing BUT number one is still not firing I can not figure it out anyone know what else it could be? I have put on new coils.plugs, and stator I checked all the connections on wires . Is there a way to test the cdi? also if it had a bad cdi would it fire on number 2 ? this thing has got me stumped I completely rid the whole inside of the boat now it don't want to run right don't know how much more money I can spend on this thing.
 

pnwboat

Rear Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2007
Messages
4,251
Re: 89 Force 125 coil questions

Double check the spade lug connections. I mentioned it above as well as Jerry. Sometimes there is a small piece of black heat shrink tubing covering the crimped/soldered wire connection on the spade lug connector. With time, age and vibration, the strands of wire break inside the heat shrink tubing. You cannot see the break and the tubing holds the wire to the spade lug connector, so it appears that everything is connected fine.

If the spade lug connections are OK, you can try reversing the CD Modules to see if the problem moves, and yes you can have one half of the CD module bad so it will only fire one of the two coils that it is attached to. If the problem does move, then it's most likely a bad CD module. Be very careful and write down or take some digital pictures of the wiring before you start messing with the wires.
 

funjohnny

Cadet
Joined
Jun 9, 2013
Messages
8
Re: 89 Force 125 coil questions

ok thanks I will check tomorrow this thing is about to make me crack....
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,183
Re: 89 Force 125 coil questions

If you changed the stator and the other stuff??You move the packs around? Changed the position of the coil. The trigger is the last option.
Like PNW and I suggested,the wire connectors under the shrink wrap can be bad. They can even survive a tug test?
Replace them and see if that makes a difference?
I might have a trigger? PM me if you need?
 

funjohnny

Cadet
Joined
Jun 9, 2013
Messages
8
Re: 89 Force 125 coil questions

Ok I moved coils pack 1 and 2 and 1 fired so the one of the brand new coils are bad. I put old one back on for now and it is firing again... Thanks for all the help guys now time to order a new trim motor and pump mine took a crap today.
 

Jiggz

Captain
Joined
Oct 23, 2009
Messages
3,909
Re: 89 Force 125 coil questions

Ok I moved coils pack 1 and 2 and 1 fired so the one of the brand new coils are bad. I put old one back on for now and it is firing again... Thanks for all the help guys now time to order a new trim motor and pump mine took a crap today.

A new motor is really expensive but if you can save it you can save a ton of money by just replacing the pump.
 
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