help with my 96 force 40 please

[lansing]

Hey guys I am new to this forum and I am wondering if anyone has any input on a potential problem with my outboard, here it is- when I go to start this boat either cold or warm start the starter will be active only about 85 percent of the time so when I turn the key I hear a faint click. The only way it seems to get this engine to start is to play with the throttle in the neutral position. Someone said it could be a neutral safety switch? Any input would be great thanks!

 

[roscoe]

Re: help with my 96 force 40 please

Welcome to the iboats forum.


Where is the clicking coming from, the controls, or the engine?

I'm guessing the engine.
It is likely the starter solenoid clicking.

The solenoid may be failing.
Or, the starter may be failing.


Without testing, its difficult to say which.

 

[bentle]

Re: help with my 96 force 40 please

The switch is used to keep you from starting you motor while in gear. You wouldn't
hear anything if it was safty switch. Solenoid switch or starter. Could also be loose battery connections on battery. Also check for loose wires at solenoid and starter.

 

[lansing]

Re: help with my 96 force 40 please

hey guys thanks for the input is there an easy test i can perform to see if it's the starter or solenoid?

 

[bentle]

Re: help with my 96 force 40 please

Voltmeter that can read up to 20 volts. Red on a positive, black on a negative. Check at battery connections, then solenoid, then starter. Should be around 12.3-12.5 volts DC. If not then clean battery connections and connections to solenoid and starter. Make sure all are connected tightly and no corrosion on wires. Check for good grounds.

 

[fucawi]

Re: help with my 96 force 40 please

To check if its starter or solelnoid join the bolt heads on the solelnoid with a screwdriver .. if the motor cranks then the motor is OK .. if it does not its faulty .. you can dismantle the solenoid and clean the contacts ...drill out the rivits ..