1988 force 85 no spark cly#1

[Bone 76]

I recently bought a 88 force 85 hp it has no spark on cly#1 I don't know much about boat motors let alone there ignition system . I have been reading a lot on the net and I tested all three coils with an ohm meter and they were all in spec. I also checked the trigger that was also ok , I haven't seen anything about checking cd modules or how to do so , I was also wondering why I have 2 blue coils and 1 black also 1 cd mod. Is black the other is blue what's up with that? I need help I don't want to just start buying expensive electrical parts!!!! I need help ASAP!!!!!

 

[john from md]

Re: 1988 force 85 no spark cly#1

It seems as if someone has replaced your parts with other model or model year parts.

In the case of coils, they may not present a problem. In the case of the CDI unit, I am not sure.

Your three cylinder engine has four CDI circuits in two CDI boxes. The reason for this is that the same CDI box is also used on 125hp, 4 cylinder engines.

One the 85hp, the fwd CDI unit runs cylinder 1+2 and the aft unit runs clyinder 3.

I suggest that you swap the two CDI units and see what happens. If #1 starts working and you lose 2 or 3, then you know you have a bad CDI box.
I suspect that is your problem.

If it does not move, then I would start looking at coil ground connections and high tension wire condition.

Check it out and report back.

John

 

[Bone 76]

Re: 1988 force 85 no spark cly#1

Thanx for the info John , I kinda figured that's why some of the electrical parts were different colors, I'll swap the cd mods and see if that makes any difference . But I decided to freshin up the whole motor with new piston rings , seals and gaskets and I'm glad I did because I found that the top rings on all 3 pistons were seized in the top groove ! Is that from low grade 2 cycle oil? Anyway I picked up all the parts today and started the rebuild but when I put a new ring in the cly. I noticed it would bind , it's a std. bore and the new rings are standard size do I have to file fit them ? I have rebuilt many 2 stroke dirt bikes and never had to file them! If I do have to do you know what the ring end gap is ? Thanx again for the help!!! (BONE OUT)!!!!!!!!

 

[john from md]

Re: 1988 force 85 no spark cly#1

I don't know why you would have to file a ring to fit if it is standard size. Maybe a PM to Frank Acampora might get an answer.

As far as the sticky rings, if you do a decarb at the beginning of the season and then, if you run alot, in the middle of the season, you should be alright. I have a three gallon tank that I use for decarbing and just do it during a routine fishing trip.

I use Wallly World oil and my engine is pretty clean inside.

John

 

[pnwboat]

Re: 1988 force 85 no spark cly#1

Before 1990, the std. bore size was 3.312. From 1990 on they changed the std. bore size to 3.375. I'll bet you received rings for the larger bore.

End gap for your motor is .006. Service limit is .016.

 

[Bone 76]

Re: 1988 force 85 no spark cly#1

Thanks for the info , I had a feeling something was wrong when the rings didn't fit , after some research I came to the conclusion that the rings were packaged wrong! I called my parts supplier and he took care of the problem and over nighted a new set of vertex rings that fit like there suppose to. I did however order 1 new piston due to a ring land that just didn't look right and I'd rather be safe than sorry!!! I recieved a vortex piston and the question I have is do I need a new wrist pin bearing? The place I ordered it from didn't mention anything about it and it doesent look like the factory needle bearings and retainers will fit ! I have the worst luck ordering stuff !!! Always have!!!! Thanx again, BONE

 

[pnwboat]

Re: 1988 force 85 no spark cly#1

Best bet would be to contact your parts supplier.

 

[Bone 76]

Re: 1988 force 85 no spark cly#1

Well I just finished putting the motor backtogether , I fired it up and figured out it was the cd box circut for cly. 1 causing no spark so i rewired the cd boxes and used the circuts for cly. 2,3 and 4 and it runs great ! Thanks for all your help , I'm going to drop it in the water this week and see how things go !

 

[Bone 76]

Re: 1988 force 85 no spark cly#1

Well, I put it in the water today, took it easy for a little bit to let it break in then gave it full throtle ! It took right off got up on plane and hit about 35 mph according to the speedo ! Then I backed off the throtle and I heard it start to misfire then lost spark to no. 3 !!!! I made it back to shore on 2 cly. It seems that that cd box I switched gave up completly , those things suck!!! Where can I find one at a reasonable price ? I found nothing on eBay and very little anywhere else !! I'd rather try and find a used one, cash is real tight right now . HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[john from md]

Re: 1988 force 85 no spark cly#1

There is a company called CDI repairs or something like that. They are supposed to be reasonably priced. You can also check ebay.

John

 

[Bone 76]

Re: 1988 force 85 no spark cly#1

Well I found a cd box from outboards unlimited in waterford Ct , put it on and took it out today and had a great time it ran strong all day! With 6 people it ran a steady 34 mph and around 36-37 with just me ! Couldn't ask for a better day! Thanks again for all the help!!!!

 

[Bone 76]

Re: 1988 force 85 no spark cly#1

Every thing is still good but I was just wondering what a hydro foil does and if it would enhance the proformance of my boat ? Will I loose some top speed with one or just get on plane faster?

 

[john from md]

Re: 1988 force 85 no spark cly#1

Hydro foils do get you on a plane faster but there is a penalty. They put a strain on the engine and steering and, if you take turns too fast and too tight, you can loose the boat.

Having run foils on small boats and trim tabs on large boats, the better bet is trim tabs. For a few more dollars than a 'foil cost, you can put Smart Tabs on your boat and get up on plane faster and retain better control.

I suggest that you search for Smart Tabs here at Iboats. There are alot of happy users and they only cost about $100.

Regards,

John