What year is my 85 hp force?

[swrupert83]

I just purchased an old 15 ft 1973 Chrysler boat with a non-original engine on it. I know it is an 85 horse power (white) Force outboard, with exhaust above the prop, 3 cylinder, power tilt, and it does not run....yet.

I do not know the year of this engine. I can not find a serial or model number on the engine or under the cowling (engine cover).

the mounting bracket of the engine (on the outside of the transom) is the number 442346-2. it is really corroded so only the 4 4 _ _ _ 6 -_ are clear enough to be sure are actually the correct numbers.

also the carbs have the following numbers on them: 581061, 632061, 582061. top to bottom. can anyone point me to another (specific) part of the engine where i might find any serial or model numbers

just hooked up a new battery to it and nothing happened, though it wasn't a serious attempt. as soon as i have an idea of what year i'm working with, I'll bust out the voltmeter & other tools, and hope to find the (first) problem.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: What year is my 85 hp force?

If it is definitely a Force and not Chrysler it is probably 1985 or 1986. Chrysler was sold to brunswick in 84 and I think Force changed to dark colors in 87. Not absolutely certain on that though.

Look inside the engine compartment. there should be an aluminum plate with the model and serial numbers on the lower support plate below the spot where the control cables and fuel line enter.

The model number will be something similar to 856HB with possibly two more numbers after the B

 

[swrupert83]

Re: What year is my 85 hp force?

thanks to the advice, I found the little plate (under a bunch of crud...needs cleaning time) found the number 856F5A

had the voltmeter with me today, turned the key( which sticks ON) and the starter did not turn again. went over and checked voltage goin into the..... starter solenoid.... got 12.4 coming from the battery, 12.1 coming from key ignition (little yellow wire), and nothing going into the starter. Jumped the starter solenoid with at screw driver between two big red terminals and starter began to spin, BUT the teeth did not jump up onto the ...."flywheel". so i guess i need a new starter solenoid and a new starter

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: What year is my 85 hp force?

First, never jump the solenoid between the power terminals. You are putting full voltage and amperage between your tools and trying to weld them.

Jump (depending on solenoid type) either between the two small terminals or the single small terminal and ground. This tests the solenoid by energising the pull in coil. You should hear it click. If it doesn't spin the starter this way, either the starter or solenoid is bad. The solenoid is a specially designed heavy duty high amperage switch. the yellow wire uses a small current to energise an electromagnet which closes the high current contacts.

If the starter is spinning and the bendix is not rising into the flywheel teeth, either the starter is spinning too slowly or (most likely) the bendix is dirty and stuck. Spray the bendix shaft with WD40 to clean it as you move the bendix up by hand. That should solve the problem.

If the starter does not turn with the key, first check the neutral interlock inside the engine. It is a brown switch below the carbs. The engine must be in neutral and the white button must be depressed in order to energise the solenoid and spin the starter. Since you have 12 volts at the yellow wire, and the starter spins when jumped, this may very well be your problem.

Take off the engine hood and check the interlock switch and contact. Sometimes, when the control handle is straight up in the neutral position, the contact on the shift linkage does not touch and depress the switch button. The easy cure for this is to jiggle the control handle a few times. If that doesn't fix it, then reposition the contact on the shift arm.

And try a little WD in the switch--will not hurt it and may stop the sticking. Amazing stuff, that WD.

Then, before you actually try to start the engin, check for spark on all three cylinders. If you have spark, then fuel up and try to start. Be sure to use muffs or submerge the lower unit in water. Running dry will ruin the water pump impeller in less than 30 seconds. However, assume the impeller is bad and replace it before using the boat. At least then, you will know that it is good for the whole season.

Oops--made a misteake (sic.) above. You jump the solenoid between the battery terminal and the small terminal to which the yellow wire is attached.

 

[swrupert83]

Re: What year is my 85 hp force?

so i checked the button on the shift linkage, and it was not touching in the neutral position. so i adjusted it. still nothing when i turn the key, except now I get voltage (12.3) on all four terminals..... but now the the starter doesn't turn. But when i turn the key off.... i still get 12.2 volts on all four terminals of the starter solenoid and nothing i do stops the voltage... short of pulling off the negative terminal of the battery. then when i reattach the terminal everything is normal... until i turn the key again then same thing happens again. Also when i jump the solenoid "trying to weld my tools" ....... the starter doesn't turn at all