lost spark? Force 125

[cafe_racer_750]

Just recently acquired a 1989 US Marine 17' fish/ski with a Force 125. Previous owner said it was winterized 3 yrs ago, wouldn't start in spring, and has sat since.
Sunday I checked, had spark on all 4 cylinders, compression at 130 psi across the board. Assuming at that point I had a fuel issue, I cleaned the carbs. Still nothing.
Yesterday, I rechecked spark and found #3 & #4 cylinders had no spark. Switched the CD modules around, and got spark on #3, but not #4. Put them back, and now I've only got spark on #1.
I've worked on bikes my whole life, but this is my first experience with a boat. Any thoughts? I'm mechanically inclined, but my electrical diagnostic skills suck.
Thanks for the help!

 

[81 charger]

Re: lost spark? Force 125

im assuming you have 2 cdi's on that motor

 

[SkiDad]

Re: lost spark? Force 125

here is how I diagnosed mine last year: http://www.outboardignition.com/support/176-3095.pdf

i have a 1985 model but pretty similar

 

[cafe_racer_750]

Re: lost spark? Force 125

Yes, I have 2 CD modules.
I was going by the same diagnostic PDF, just got confused because it changed. Started with all 4 cylinders having spark, then #'s 1 &2, then all of a sudden I only had spark on #1. But I've walked away from the motor for a bit. Working on replacing the rotten floor, which is a whole other story in itself.... I'm sure things will eventually work out, but wondering if I didn't jump in a bit over my head considering I know nothing about boats!

 

[Sarentack]

Re: lost spark? Force 125

That PDF points alot at the Stator.

But what about the trigger?


I got the 85HP which is 3 cylinder, previous owner replaced power packs and Stator due to not getting fire on 1 and 2 cylinders from the spark plugs, I eventually changed out 2 coil packs and that did no good either. Thus leaving the only thing I see being the trigger.

 

[cafe_racer_750]

Re: lost spark? Force 125

Sarentack,
That thought had already crossed my mind, considering the inconsistencies. I was going to dig in more after I get the floor done. Just hoping my multimeter is good enough to do the tests required. Otherwise, the motor may be getting pulled for the summer and ill just run the trolling motor. All I was looking for was a simple, cheap fishing rig for the kids and myself.
Thanks for the replies guys, let's me know I'm at least pointed in the right direction.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: lost spark? Force 125

1st check for the flywheel key shearing.
On the flywheel is a single timing mark and 3 marks together.
The single is to check for TDC.
A long thin screwdriver,remove the top plug(easier to turn with out the other plugs) insert the screwy in the top hole.
Turn over by hand,slowly untill the screwy comes out all the way.At the end is considered TDC.
Around the other side, top of the carbs is a timing indicator plate.It should line up with the single hash mark or be real close.
I had trouble with the connections on my packs and stator and trigger.I replaced the connections, even though they "looked" good and corrected my problem.
Any multimeter will work to test the stator. It's when it comes to the peakreading voltage that you need a different meter.

Usually the problems are pretty simple and an easy fix. Don't give up too easy.

Profile? Location? You might be close to someone who can help?

 

[cafe_racer_750]

Re: lost spark? Force 125

Jerryjerry05,
Great info! Thanks! I never even thought about the flywheel key. I'll have to get out there today and check that one.
Been meaning to fill out my profile, but either I'm blind, or there is no "edit" button on the mobile site. One of these days I need to fire up the old PC and see if I can edit it there....