99 Force 120HP

[cucinae5]

I have a 99 Force 120HP giving me start up trouble. I took the boat out last week and didn't realize that I had the kill switch off. Continued cranking until the motor sounded as though the batteries died.

Took the batteries to have tested and they were fully charged. Took the lid off the motor and the starter gear sticks when it hits the flywheel when i turn the ignition. I did manage to spray with WD40 and got it to work. Or at least i thought. The other day i took it out and it took me like 8 tries to get the motor to kick over. Seems the starter once engage with the flywheel has are hard time kicking it over. Any suggestions or ideas on this. It does eventually kick, but i though after one or two tries it should work.

Side note, once the engine is ran for a bit and is heated up i have no issues restarting the motor. Starts right on contact.

 

[john from md]

Re: 99 Force 120HP

You may have burned some of your starter windings. These starters are only made for short on cycles. Keeping it engaged will cook it for sure.

If you are handy, you can pull it apart and inspect it. If not, you might take it to a boat shop.

John

 

[cucinae5]

Re: 99 Force 120HP

wouldn't it be easier to just replace the starter? If it isn't the starter what else could it be? Can something be up with the flywheel?

 

[john from md]

Re: 99 Force 120HP

Absolutely, replacing the starter is easier and more expensive. Most of us try to keep the money we put into these old boats to a minimum.

I'm guessing it is the starter but you could have high resistance at the battery, leads or solinoid. Before buying a starter, it would be wise to at least eliminate the other possibilities.

John

 

[cucinae5]

Re: 99 Force 120HP

couple of things i forgot to ask.

1. if the starter was going bad how come it works fine when the engine is heated up?

2. how do i check the silenoid and where is it located?

 

[john from md]

Re: 99 Force 120HP

When the engine is warm, it is easier to turn. That is why your starter has no problem starting it. The solinoid is located next to the starter, in the lower cowl. It is essentially a high amperage switch. When you turn the key, you energize a coil and it pulls a copper contact plate into contact with two copper contacts. Over the years, these contacts get pitted and don't transfer as much amperage to the starter. You can check it by doing the following.

1. disconnect both heavy wires from the solinoid. NOTE you will need to isolate the red wire so it doesn't touch ground.
2. put a an ohm meter accross the the two big terminals. Set it at its lowest setting.
3. turn the key and read the meter. Do this several times and observe any differences. If there is pitting, the plate doesn't always come down in the same spot all the time and the resistance reading will be higher.

I'm afraid I can't give you a target for what is good and what is bad as I don't have any manufacturer numbers. Ideally, you would want 0 resistance.

John

 

[cucinae5]

Re: 99 Force 120HP

thanks John you have been a great help....