1986 85 hp force starter

[Swanlodge]

I have had this motor for 20 years and not a bit of trouble until now.
When I go to start it, it just clicks, and keeping trying, and trying until finally
it starts. does anyone know why it does this. is it the coil?

 

[sho3boater]

Re: 1986 85 hp force starter

Could be the safety switch, mess with the throttle and make sure it is in neutral, though most will not click when this happens. Might have to adjust the cable a little or check control if it is that. Could be the solenoid is getting bad, this will be connected to the starter positive cable, usually red cable, small black thing with two large battery cables on it and one small wire from your key to trip it. Check for 12v to the starter, if none when it does not want to start then it could be bad. Could be battery connection or battery, if voltage falls the solenoid is supposed to click and not undervolt the starter, just like a car will. Bad connection to battery might get hot, check them for tight and clean connection. Last could be the starter is tired. Brushes can go bad they are in the bottom end of starter you can buy them, if you oil the starter gear a lot eventually the oil will go to the brushes and mess them up.

I'd check the solenoid first, it will get power or ground on small wire to activate it, and connects the starter to 12v battery. Get a cheap meter and verify it is getting power to starter. It should be what is clicking. Ensure you have good battery and connections next, then the rest. The coil only supplies spark to the engine and has nothing to do with turning it over.

 

[Swanlodge]

Re: 1986 85 hp force starter

Thanks for the quick response. I like the lower voltage idea, because it always happens when i first start it at the landing. Thats where I always get the problem. Once I'm on the lake, i restart it 10-15 times without any problems. I assume the motor charges the battery as it is running.
Thanks I will give it a try. P.S. I see your from Michigan, thats where I got the motor.

Thanks

 

[sho3boater]

Re: 1986 85 hp force starter

Makes sense, two things that aggravate this would be a weak battery or draw making it weak....and if the starter gets bad it will pull more current causing lower voltage.

Mine would not start this summer until I got a good battery on it, it needs some power. About time to put it away

 

[john from md]

Re: 1986 85 hp force starter

Take your battery to have it tested. If bad, buy a new Maring Maxx from Walmart. If good, clean the positive and negative cables and post on the battery and coat with grease after you reconnect them.

John

 

[JB]

Re: 1986 85 hp force starter

The most common cause of your symptoms is corrosion causing small resistance in the starter high current circuit.

Remove both ends of both battery cables and clean them thoroughly. The worst offender is where the battery ground cable bolts to the engine block.

Good luck.