Force 120 won't start

[catchy27]

Hi All
New to the forum and looking for some help or advice
Recently purchased a Bayline Capri (normally sail) which I beleive is an '84 or '85. It has a Force 120 OB and was working absolutley fine when purchased a year ago and since. Haven't used the boat for about 3 weeks and now won't start. I've checked all the obvious and all looks fine. The dead mans switch is something that is bothering me. When the switch is depressed, or held down by the lanyard cap, are the contacts make or break? The reason I ask is because everything cranks and fuel is present so I fear that it is something electrical and I can only think that this is the cause. I put a meter across the terminals and they are make when in the undepressed state and break when depressed and sometimes make all the time.
Also when I push for choke, should I then be able to turn the key once more to turn engine over?

I'd appreciate soem advice from you much more experienced power boat owners.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Force 120 won't start

Need to know what year the motor is??The year of the boat doesn't mean the motor is the same.On the transom is a bunch of letters.The last #s will be the year of the boat.
On the motor:the transom clamp will have a sticker with model and serial#s.No sticker,post a pic.The 120 wasn't made untill 1990(I think).
I believe the kill switch is closed when in use.
Look under the flywheel and see if the magnet is still connected.
Outboardignition.com has test procedures for that motor.J

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Force 120 won't start

First things first, the kill switch, stop-switch or lanyard switch (all refer to the same switch but different names) is a normally open switch; meaning when not depressed or when the lanyard key is inserted the contacts should be opened. The function of the switch is to shunt (or ground) the ignition packs to ground so no electrical spark is sent to the plugs thus "killing" the engine. So to make sure this is working or set properly, read between the two terminals and it should be opened. And then try using a spark tester even a cheap one like an in-line spark tester to check for sparks in the plugs. If you have spark in the spark tester, and on all four plugs, you might want to double check your fuel system all the way to the carbs. As for the choke, yes, you 're supposed to depressed the key and turn once (for ignition on) and you should hear a click from the choke solenoid engaging and then another turn to start. Smell the exhaust and you should have a strong smell of fuel (in choke condition) if the fuel system is working. In choke condition, usually the engine will not run (due to over rich fuel mixture) but will try to cough. When you hear the engine cough. Reset the ignition switch to off and then start again without choking (or depressing the start switch). And it should run. Post back.

 

[catchy27]

Re: Force 120 won't start

Thanks Jerryjerry and Jiggz
I'll check the model out later when I am down on the boat and let you know the year of manafacture. So I was right to suspect that the cause of the non starting might be the kill switch, as when I tested it, it was sometimes make all the time. I'm guessing that if I by-pass the switch it should start? Assuming I have all the necessary fuel in the right place.
As I said it was all working fine 3 weeks ago and always started first time. I might have a faulty ignition switch because I can push and activate the choke solenoid but I cant turn it to start with the key depressed.
Thanks for the advice on checking sparks etc

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Force 120 won't start

Don't discount the power of graphite lubricant for turn key switches. It cost a lot less than replacing the switch itself.

 

[catchy27]

Re: Force 120 won't start

Thanks again Jerryjerry and Jiggz
Tried the graphite spray and hey presto the ignition switch started doing what its supposed to. Engine going again and had a bit of fun on the thames around greenwich as a result.

My 120 force is a 1992 model and is a long shaft 25". Does anyone know where I might get a clapped out short shaft so I can use the housing? A mechanic friend says he can convert if I can find a housing.

Also looking for a trim motor as mine is a bit hit and miss. Can't seem to find one on the net.

Any ideas??