Starting problems 1989 Force 85 hp

[pedro61]

Hi all, I'm looking for some guidance with my '89 Force 85 hp.
First, had some quirky starting issues... wouldn't turn over every time I turned the key. Then it did after shifting into forward, then back to neutral.
Boat started and ran fine a couple of times for 2-3 hours. Then, stalled and could not be restarted. First time, one of the plug wires had come off. Last time, not sure, but haven't been able to restart. The top plug connector wire also now seems to be cracked, which I taped up with electrical tape.
Battery is new and recharged to full, but motor doesn't seem to crank fast enough to get it started. A couple of times previously, I had to push in the choke manually to get it started initially, since choking by pushing key in doesn't seem to move the choke gizmo very far.
Any suggestions for troubleshooting starting and stall/won't restart issues?
Thanks so much.

 

[OldNBold51]

Re: Starting problems 1989 Force 85 hp

It sounds to me like you have a few separate issues going on. 1) the "won't turn over until forward then reverse" is the neutral safety switch near your carb linkage. Take a look at it and understand how it works, and make adjustments or clean. 2) this motor is a magneto motor meaning the faster the engine spins while turning the key, the hotter the spark for the cylinders. A weak battery, poor connections, or a bad starter will affect spin speed. Too slow of spinning speed and the motor will not fire resulting in fouled out plugs (possibly) . 3)choke: the choke engagement should have the butterfly completely closed. If not, make adjustments or change the electric choke mechanism.

 

[pedro61]

Re: Starting problems 1989 Force 85 hp

Bold51, thanks for the reply. This motor is challenging...
I'll have to look up the exact location of the neutral safety switch to check it.
Starter seemed to be cranking well yesterday initially, then lost its punch. Today, after charging up the battery, it cranked the first time I turned the key. Now, all I get is a "switch" noise, kind of a click and no movement from the starter.
Also, out of nowhere today, pushing in the key to choke the motor I got full range of motion from the choke. Yesterday, it barely moved.
I'm thinking an electric switch or connection may be faulty. I've looked at fuses and checked connections to fuse panel, starter, etc., with no positive results...
I'll check neutral safety switch next.
Thanks so much!

 

[further]

Re: Starting problems 1989 Force 85 hp

What kind/age of battery are you using?

 

[pedro61]

Re: Starting problems 1989 Force 85 hp

Battery is brand-new. Can't remember brand at the moment, but it was the highest-priced model (cranking/deep cycle combination) at Wal-Mart.
Plus, I just charged it up again and it was reading 12-plus volts.
Would welcome any input you might have....
thanks

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Starting problems 1989 Force 85 hp

Checking connections consists of, taking them apart, cleaning and reconnecting. Especially grounds. A lot of corrosion goes "unseen".