90 hp force hard to turn over

[Gerard1970]

A buddy brought his boat over for me to take a look at today. When trying to Start it on a full charge battery, I noticed it was hard to turn over. Pulled plugs and 125 psi on all 3 cylinders. With plugs out, there is no problem turning over. Any ideas?

 

[pnwboat]

Bad battery cables or corrosion on battery cable connectors, bad starter, possible bad starter solenoid. Start by taking all of the battery cable connections off one at a time and wire brushing the connectors. I have to do trhat to mine at the beginning of each season. Corrosion builds up on the underside of the connectors. Appears they are OK until you take them off and look on the underside. Wouldn't hurt to have the battery load tested at your local auto parts store either.

 

[glenn property of pam]

I agree with pnwboat 100%. If you have cleaned everything including the grounds, load tested the battery then its time to open the starter and clean the stator and brushes.
p.s make sure you use a backing wrench on the starter terminal bolt because it can spin and pull the wire inside that the brushes are connect to causing all sorts of problems.

 

[Gerard1970]

Thanks guys...should have mentioned that he bought a new battery yesterday. I was leaning towards the starter.

 

[Gerard1970]

One more question....if I have to replace the starter relay, can I use any relay (car) that has the same number of poles ? Thought I read somewhere on here that they can be swapped. Thanks.

 

[pnwboat]

I've used an automotive starter relay. Can't remember what type though....been working fine for 3 or 4 years now.

 

[MickLovin]

Just make sure the current rating of the solenoid's contacts will handle your starter motor. sounds like a starter to me.

 

[Gerard1970]

Update....changed the starter and like new. The old starter was toast. Problem solved!

 

[pnwboat]

There you go! Thanks for letting everyone know what the solution was.

 

[MickLovin]

The old toasted starter in the outboard trick! Oldest trick in the book LOL

 

[mla2ofus]

I had the same problem on my 90HP Force and found the starter shaft bushings needed grease.
Mike