need info on force 40

[bayliner46]

i have a 96 model force 40 and the other day i was going up river and it started loosing power and then when i started to stop the engine died and now there is no spark from plug wires. got power going back to motor but no fire. can someone please start me in the direction to finding the problem

 

[wickware]

Re: need info on force 40

Please give some recent history related to performance and maintenance the past 3 years. The past usually helps related to current problems. Such as: I have owned it X number of years and maintain it yearly by checking, serving Etc. and this is the 1st problem I have experienced. Personally, I like to see Pics of the ?Monsters? and possible problems. Usually, there is a little more to the Story. Tell All or More or Excuse Me!! LOL JOW

 

[bayliner46]

Re: need info on force 40

i have owned it for a little over a year. the motor has always performed perfect until this happened. the motor on that day when i first started it up i had to give it some trottle while cranking it. it ideal a little rough and when i took off it like it took alittle while for it to get up to speed and plane out but it started running ok and i was going good and then it started laboring, so i easyed off gas and thats when it died. i had new plugs in it. i change them first of summer and used boat about 10 times since

 

[wickware]

Re: need info on force 40

Until the Pros Get Here! Most notables are big buck preventions and performance. Such as: 1. Lower Units Service (oil, impeller change and cooling water discharge), 2. Ethanol fuel problems and cures (in-line filter, fuel pump diaphragm, new lines, primer bulb and additives in fuel as Stabil and off season care), 3. Compression check for future ref. 4. What ignition maintenance is needed on your year model (to cover fire, fuel, compression, and timing needed elements)? Hopefully it will be a minor problem but maintenance is not to be taken lightly vs preventive maintenance on a schedule helps. Good Luck! JOW

 

[bayliner46]

Re: need info on force 40

the motor does not look like it overheated. i unpluged the big wire plug coming from the boat to the motor and it has no power on it but when unpluged the harness on the coil side has power on the center post. i am lost. could it be a wire has came off somewhere not letting 12v to fire the coils

 

[Surlaw]

Re: need info on force 40

I know the 40 hp force has a fuse on side of motor. You might check that but I think key is you said it started losing power. For how long? Maybe something electrical was melting??? Tends to make me think it's more gas related but now you say no spark at all. I'm pretty sure the 12V from battery just gets the motor cranking and the electricity for the spark plugs come from the stator once it's turning. While you're looking it over, might as well check compression on cylinders too. This is a great forum.

 

[wickware]

Re: need info on force 40

I was hoping a good nights sleep solved the problem and others had helped. I?m just focusing on you stating there is no fire. Have you pulled a plug and checked it for fire while grounded if this is permitted on your model? What type of ignition system do you have? Is it safe to test the system with a plug removed and grounded? This question is to the experienced ?on this motor?. OR! What method would you use to check for fire? My only experience is my 1970, 35 HP Chrysler with a magneto ignition system and I know it w/n hurt it. I read not to do this on some older cars with electronic ignitions. JOW

 

[wickware]

Re: need info on force 40

Surlaw,

Have you tested this model motor for fire and is it safe to pull and ground a plug and check for fire?

Bayliner46,

1. Is a kill system in the boat that kills the motor if you are not in control that can be bypassed temporally? Have you ever had any indications of electrical problems as the switch acting once or twice?? Try some WD-40 in the switch. Are other items working with the switch on (horn, lights, choke, etc).

2. It sounds fuel related if you find it to have fire. Do you see or smell signs of electrical overheating?

3. Did you see cooling water coming from the motor? Do you have an overheating alarm that works?

4. I?m throwing Stuff at you but you should work in a sequence of not having fire before getting into the fuel and compression matters. Check electrical connection at the switch, engine?s block and etc looking for a wire not tight, corroding or signs of heat.

5. I repeat, past history is important. We had a problem on a friend?s boat to learn that it had gone under water during a storm and the wires were breaking down 10 years later. Hope For The Best! JOW

 

[wickware]

Re: need info on force 40

What could indicate the problem is under the flywheel before pulling the flywheel? With a mirror or smelling could you see or smell if there has been some overheating under there? I?ve thrown some ideas and will watch for some good reports or results at this point. JOW

 

[bayliner46]

Re: need info on force 40

cannot see under flywheel.

 

[wickware]

Re: need info on force 40

the motor does not look like it overheated. i unpluged the big wire plug coming from the boat to the motor and it has no power on it but when unpluged the harness on the coil side has power on the center post. i am lost. could it be a wire has came off somewhere not letting 12v to fire the coils

Are you saying the motor is not cranking over when you say it has no fire? If that is the case you should be able to crank the motor from a ?Jump? at the starter?s solenoid If you are familiar with this. This would possibly answer if you are looking at an electrical problem. Otherwise, do you have a local marine or mechanic in your area that services OB motors? I would hate for more damage to occur than there is already. I?ll stop saying ?Good Luck? And That Might HELP!!. LOL!! That Might Help!! JOW