Force 50 HP starter problem

sadand

Recruit
Joined
Aug 26, 2002
Messages
2
I have a 1989 Force 50 HP engine (507X9B) that starts and runs fine if I pull start it with a cord, but the starter is not strong enough to turn it over. If I take out one or both spark plugs, it will turn over OK. I have seen some past posts about voltage problems, etc. What should I lok for before I spend $150 on a new starter? Exactly how do I "jump" the starter to get full voltage to the starter to rule out a voltage drop in one of the connections?
 

SB

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 7, 2002
Messages
48
Re: Force 50 HP starter problem

My first guess would be the battery. Taking out the spark plugs really reduces the load and a very weak battery could then crank the engine.
 

rogerwa

Commander
Joined
Nov 29, 2000
Messages
2,339
Re: Force 50 HP starter problem

I had the same motor with the same problem. My wife didn't really like the rope thing because we looked like hillbillys.<br /><br />I had a known good battery (new) and I just a jumper cable to cross the leads on the solenoid. <br /><br />I went to a local used boat parts store and bought a rebuilt for $95. I probably could've had it rebuilt for less.<br /><br />I would still tyr the cheap stuff first, but my bet is on the starter. This is fairly common occurance on the this motor.<br /><br />If you need to replace, you may try ebay as well. I wouldn't buy new because of the cost..
 

wannabeboater

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 15, 2002
Messages
49
Re: Force 50 HP starter problem

I have an 88 force 85 hp, and also had the same prob.I was sure it was the starter. I did what you did took the plugs out, and it turned fine. With hope I picked up a new battery,slapped it in, and everything was fine.<br /><br />SB is right,Taking out the spark plugs really reduces the load and a weak battery could then crank the engine.
 

sadand

Recruit
Joined
Aug 26, 2002
Messages
2
Re: Force 50 HP starter problem

I have a new battery that is fully charged, so it's not the battery. Does anyone know how to correctly jump directly to the starter or the solenoid? Is it just like a car, going from negative on the battery to any part of the metal frame of the outboard, and positive on the battery to positive connection of the starter or solenoid?
 

jimdi@localnet.com

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 13, 2002
Messages
31
Re: Force 50 HP starter problem

Just don't do this - If you mess up and hit the wrong thing you can take $1000 worth of power paks out.<br /><br />Try another batttery. They do sell NEW batteries that are bad. It happens.<br /><br />If it still won't start - check the brushes in the starter. If they are worn replace them.<br /><br />Finally just replace the starter solinoid. But quite frankly - if it spins the engine with no plugs in (which by the way overloads your powerpaks)<br />Odds are the battery or the starter. In that order.<br /><br />jim
 

KCLOST

Commander
Joined
Jun 22, 2002
Messages
2,095
Re: Force 50 HP starter problem

Yea I would first try a new battery,<br />It may be that you have a battery that doesn't have enough cold cranking power. Read the manual on your motor and make sure you have the proper battery.. That could be your problem....<br />Not all 12v batteries are created equal....
 

Capt. Bob

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 14, 2002
Messages
308
Re: Force 50 HP starter problem

Just for the heck of it...why not clean the connectors...not that many and they probably could use some maintenance anyway...then with a set of jumper cables from the truck to the new boat battery..... That would eliminate the cables and the battery as being the culprit.
 
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