No Power? 120hp Force Won't Turn

[eugenesh]

Hi, I've stumped the mechanics at the local marina. I have a 19 ft bayliner with a 120HP force motor. Last Saturday, I was out on the lake, after I took it off the trailer, it started fine - I made a couple circles around the lake at full speed (45RPM) and then stopped in the middle to set up my fishing lures.

I noticed that the fishfinder (left dash) wasn't getting power, so I checked out a couple fuses, didn't replace anything... then I went to start the boat - no dice, the motor didn't even make a sound. When I push the key in, it made the choke noise - making me think the motor was getting power.

I thought it was the battery, no - replaced battery with a fully charged one, no change - the motor doesn't even make a noise.
I have the red power switch, so i took that apart and connected the leads directly to the battery to bypass the switch, no power.

I then called for a tow. On the way back, the fishfinder came on somehow... but the motor still wouldn't start.

I'm not that great with electrical on the boat, but I checked the wires going directly from the motor, the two circuit breakers, and the fuses. Couldn't find a loose wire or a short anywhere.

This is the strange part: when I brought it out of the water and to the shop, it started fine on the hose.

Please help!

 

[rudedude]

Re: No Power? 120hp Force Won't Turn

Check the starter ,it may be shutting down when hot.

The coils will do this also when hot.

It may also be a loose wire that makes and breaks contact.


The choke is a seperate power wire from the motor.

 

[jm_bullard]

Re: No Power? 120hp Force Won't Turn

I had the same issue with my 1998 Force 120. My problem turned out to be a bad ground. I took the lead off the starter, removed the starter, and cleaned up all the wire connections to the starter and solenoid. I also cleaned around the bolt holes that connect the starter to the block. I also coated all the parts with electrical (conductive) grease before reinstalling. This cleared up my issue. Hope this helps.

 

[roscoe]

Re: No Power? 120hp Force Won't Turn

My money is on a bad ground, or the ignition switch.

 

[gonefishin485]

Re: No Power? 120hp Force Won't Turn

im going to say starter solenoid, or a dirty connection somewhere, 1 dirty connection can ruin your day!

id say start at your battery, clean all your connections all the way to the starter

 

[eugenesh]

Re: No Power? 120hp Force Won't Turn

thanks. bad ground. and a loose wire on the fuse bus. really appreciate the help.