force 85 #3 wont fire...

[AngryAtMyBoat]

Hello, I have a 1984 Force 85hp on my bayliner and the number three cylinder has no spark. I have replaced the coil, as well as the cid box for that on and no change. I have reversed the connections between the cid that controls the #1 and #2 cylinders and then I get spark so now I am assuming the issue is after the plug in connections for that cid box but I can't figure it out. I do have spark on 1 and 2 and the engine will run at a higher idle but dies when dropped down im guessing due to the #3 not firing... help please, its 92 here and it sure would feel good to get on the water!

Thanks!
Matt

 

[bayliner33]

Re: force 85 #3 wont fire...

I just went through the same problem, no fire on #3 when I reversed connection's it would then spark. I ended up having to change the trigger, and the switch box. My trigger had burned wire's, guess it shorted out the switch box. test the stator, and the trigger. Make sure all your connection's are clean and not corroded, check for broken or burned wires. make sure all your wire end are not broken off under the heat shrink. I had a couple that just pulled off. If you have a manual for the engine it will give you the info on how to test them. You can also pull flywheel and check stator to see if has any coils that are burned. Still learning myself. so hope this helps get you started.

 

[AngryAtMyBoat]

Re: force 85 #3 wont fire...

I just went through the same problem, no fire on #3 when I reversed connection's it would then spark. I ended up having to change the trigger, and the switch box. My trigger had burned wire's, guess it shorted out the switch box. test the stator, and the trigger. Make sure all your connection's are clean and not corroded, check for broken or burned wires. make sure all your wire end are not broken off under the heat shrink. I had a couple that just pulled off. If you have a manual for the engine it will give you the info on how to test them. You can also pull flywheel and check stator to see if has any coils that are burned. Still learning myself. so hope this helps get you started.

this may be a dumb question but I'll ask anyways, can the stator and trigger be tested without removing the flywheel? I don't have a puller and auto stores are closed... thanks for the reply too, everything seems to be like new condition wire wise.

 

[bayliner33]

Re: force 85 #3 wont fire...

yes, it can be tested on the motor. I'm not sure about the procedure. I do have a manual but do not understand it properly. I know how to test ign coils, and the rectifier. I did process of elimination on mine after testing coil's, and rectifier. put new plugs, boot's and end's.
I had switched cdi connection's and had gotten spark. plus my trigger was burned up. so that was an easy one. there is probably a link or sticky on here on how to test the stator, and trigger. some one with more knowledge will chime in, give it time,
steve

 

[bayliner33]

Re: force 85 #3 wont fire...

you can also try this link outboardignition.com, go to trouble shooting, force prestolite pg 6-9. found this in one of jerryjerry05 thread's

 

[AngryAtMyBoat]

Re: force 85 #3 wont fire...

you can also try this link outboardignition.com, go to trouble shooting, force prestolite pg 6-9. found this in one of jerryjerry05 thread's

Thank you for your help, I'm going to check it out now.

 

[A2M2]

Re: force 85 #3 wont fire...

I just spent several months chasing this symptom as well. Turned out to be a broken wire on the trigger. I could not find it at all until I finally pulled the flywheel and stator. It also would start and idle fine, even sometimes having a spark on #3. The break in the wire was right at the point where it enters the epoxy potting mix, and only really opened up when put into gear and the trigger rotated. Mine is an '84 as well!