96 Force 120 Not starting

[KingTut713]

I am new to boat ownership so I really am not sure where to start. When the key is placed in the start position the motor will attempt to turn over but never seems to get there. After several attempts when I turn the key to start nothing will happen as if its completely dead. I have checked the battery and it was reading 12.75 Volts prior to attempting and 12.5 after multiple attempts to start. I was initially assuming the battery needed to be replaced but the voltage is there, so is there a reason why it would attempt to start and then do nothing after several attempts?

 

[The Force power]

I am new to boat ownership so I really am not sure where to start. When the key is placed in the start position the motor will attempt to turn over but never seems to get there. After several attempts when I turn the key to start nothing will happen as if its completely dead. I have checked the battery and it was reading 12.75 Volts prior to attempting and 12.5 after multiple attempts to start. I was initially assuming the battery needed to be replaced but the voltage is there, so is there a reason why it would attempt to start and then do nothing after several attempts?

A battery can show 12 volts on your meter but can be "dead" in that case the 12 volts you see is called "surface-charge"
You can either get the battery tested at an automotive supply store or try to start for example your car with it or take your car-battery to see is that will start your outboard.

if the battery turns out to be good, you'll have to check the battery-cables ant the connections is clean/no corrosion/tied
the next step would be the starter-solenoid & starter

 

[blackd]

Do the simple things first. On these engines it will usually be either the batter, solenoid or the starter. It takes amperage as well as volts to turn these things over, so it could easily be a post-winter battery.

1. Pull the plugs and see if the motor now turns over. If it does charge the battery
2. Plugs in, replace (temporarily) or jump the battery to ensure adequate power. If it turns over charge the battery. If after charging it occurs again replace the battery.
3. While charging the battery clean the connections.
4. With the cowl off check the starter. Does it turn freely? Is it retracted?
5. Get back to us if none of these work.

BTW, while the plugs are out and it turn over you can do a compression test to get your curent baseline.

 

[jerryjerry05]

First thing t do on any diagnostic: compression/spark test.
Post the results.

If it seems to drag and hard to make it turn over?
Low comp can cause the problem.
A rusty bearing in the lower unit can cause that too..

One of the best tools in an outboard techs tool box is a battery load tester.
On sale now at Harbor Freight $20

I don't like HF but the load tester is the only tool I'd get.
The comp testers don't usually work right.

 

[KingTut713]

Compression was 90 on all cylinders when tested last time it was run. It has been sitting for two years. I'll go through the checks and report back.

 

[blackd]

Your engine's compression is too low. It should be in the 140-150 range. Test again with another gauge.

 

[KingTut713]

I used a known to be working battery and got the boat started. So it seems the battery was the issue. Forgive me for not knowing the part but I did notice that the spinning thing on top of the starter would engage the flywheel but was occasionally falling back down and spinning on nothing. I assume that is not normal does this mean a new starter is in my future?

I don't have a way to check compression is there a gauge that anyone recommends?

Also it seems there are differing opinions but can I shift the boat into gear while on the muffs or should I wait to be in the water?

 

[jerryjerry05]

You said "but I did notice that the spinning thing on top of the starter would engage the flywheel but was occasionally falling back down and spinning on nothing. I assume that is not normal does this mean a new starter is in my future?"​

This is probably a weak battery.
The starter should be cleaned every 1-2 years.

Most parts stores will have loaner tools.
Usually they aren't the best??
But even a poor set gives some results.
What your looking for is that the results all be close.
5# +/- is what you need to see.
Any more than that and there might be a problem.
U-tube has video's on comp tests.

90# 2 years ago and run since then.'
Comp can change from one minute to the next.