1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems(updated)

[ammermanfam]

What I origionaly thought was a fuel issue has actually turned into an electrical problem. My no 1 cylinder has no spark. Which really explains the rough idle and weakness. I tried switching the cdi`s and no 1 still has no spark so I am thinking the coil, hopefully. What would be my next step here??
Switching coils??? Thank You, John


Edit , I switched coils and they work fine when switched. I Guess that leaves the trigger assbly. Any tips on trouble shooting the that???

 

[john from md]

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

Before tearing into anything, clean the connectors on the right side of the engine. If they are loose, hold them together with tie wraps. If that doesn't work then you need to get the meter out.

Page 5-29 of the Seloc manual gives the trigger resistance test. I would think that the Clymer manual will have it also.

Google a place called CDI repairs or something like that if you need a stator. I understand they are one of the cheapest places to get one.

John

 

[raekmike]

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

Had a similar problem.
Make sure you look up under the flywheel very carefully. I had one of the wires rub on the inside of the flywheel cutting through one of the wires going up. it wore the insulation off and through the wire leaving no spark to the one cylinder.

worth a 5 minute close inspection.....

 

[ammermanfam]

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

I checked the ohms on the trigger assembly and two pairs of wires were in specs at 45-50 but the third pair was infinite. The dead pair belong to the Dead cylinder so I believe case is solved.? I will report back with future progress through this little project. John

 

[john from md]

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

What ever you do, make sure you get a trigger for a three holer. Getting one for a four or five holer doesn't work.

John

 

[ammermanfam]

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

The flywheel magnet took some light damage when the puller started coming up a little cockeye after initail seperation from crank shaft. I know the manual says replace if there is any damage, but considering the financial side of it I am inclined to continue with the current repair of trigger and then reassemble and test. Any thoughts here? Are replacement flywheels even available. Thanx . John

 

[pnwboat]

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

Can you post pictures?

 

[john from md]

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

There are always flywheels coming up on ebay. If it is not too badly damaged, I suggest you try epoxy it with a product called Accraglas. It is made by a company called Brownells inc. You can google them.

Accraglas is the strongest epoxy I have found. It was developed for use in firearms and bonds to almost anything. It is inexpensive and easy to use.

If you do this, maybe your magnet won't fly off.

John

 

[ammermanfam]

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

I always have issues posting pix on forums. The damage is from the edge of the stator pressing into the outer lip of the magnet. there is 5 indentations but nothing loose or bulging. I think the epoxy idea should do well. I did check out ebay and a guy had a rusty looking one from a late 80s 125 hp and he thinks it may also work for 85 hp. Any thoughts there?? and as always, Thank You. John

 

[john from md]

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

There are alot of parts from a 125 that work on an 85 and vice versa. However, the trigger will not for sure but I don't know if a 125 would or not.

Try checking the part numbers of the 125 and 85 for the same year motor and see if they come close.

I know there are numerous folks that have switched parts around on this forum, hopefully someone will chime in.

John

 

[Force 9]

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

Sorry for the intrusion BUT I am trying to learn how to post a questoin as regards my issue...any takers? I just joined today...8/13/09

Roger

 

[john from md]

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems

Roger,

All you have to do is start a new thread and title it with what the problem is i.e. engine bogs at WOt, Engine won't start, How do I do ____.

When you post, give us the make, model, year, of the engine, how long you have had it, it's maintenance history if known and whether you are mechanically inclined or not.

Welcome aboard mate,

John

 

[ammermanfam]

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems(updated)

The new trigger arrived today!!I did install and started engine . sure seemed rough. I through timing light on and #1 was still dead. What the heck?! I tested both triggers and new one was good , old one still only 2 sensors working. Hum???? Backtracked my steps and came to testing the stator. ON a hunch I switched the leads from the stator and Voila, fire on all 3 cylinders. Now comes the next ???? . I nedd to check the timing and am wondering the simpelest way. Book says to use three spark testers and a jumper for the neutral interlock switch. Is there a less expensive way than this? I put the light on it at idle and the tdc mark was about 2 centimeters to the left of the timing mark. Anyways thank You. John

 

[john from md]

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems(updated)

1. jumper neutral safety switch by jumper wires or just wrap some wire around both terminals.
2. Remove plugs, reconnect plug wires and wrap wire around plug shells and then to ground. This is important as it keeps your CDI module from getting fried plus you can see the plugs spark as the engine rotaties.
3. Loosten the lock nut on the timing link screw.
4. Connect the timing light. If using an advance type light, set dial to ).
5. Put throttle in WOT.
6. Can be done two ways. A get someone to turn the key to start while you shine the light or B buy a remote starter switch $20, from sears or harbor freight.
7. Crank engine and set timing to 30*BTDC. Any more advanced and you risk a hole being burned in your piston.

John

 

[ammermanfam]

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems(updated)

John , followed your instructions to the letter and motor idles as good as it ever has for me. I am taking it out on sunday and will see how it runs. A question though, The book says 28* and you say 30*. Is there a reason for that??? Sure purs nice at 30. John

 

[john from md]

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems(updated)

The Clymer manual is using the conservative numbers for the newer models. The earlier models of the 85hp were 32 to 34*BTDC. By setting it to 30*, you are getting 32* at WOT.

It misses out on some other points as in the variety of plugs that can be used in this engine. The Clymer manual only lists the UL18V.

John

 

[sho3boater]

Re: 1985 85 hp possible trigger assembly problems(updated)

Mercury reduced timing a couple times for inline motors, maybe the same thing happened here. It was due to lower fuel standards. I ran premium in an old 70s inline I had but use regular in my force 85. The inline I had was old enough to have higher compression pistons they later changed, I figure in the 80s they didn't have that issue. Still I should check my force, I advanced it once and there was no change in performance so I put it back, but didn't use a gun on it. The mercury pulled harder on holeshot with more timing but top speed was about the same, this force did not change or I would have run premium in it that way like I did the inline.