1989 force 85hp outboard starter question

[birdgod]

I notice that the starter is not running strong enough to get the motor started. So I disassemble the starter and notice that the "oil" inside is getting tick. So i need to clean the whole interior of the starter now and put it back. however how I have some questions.

1) what type of liquid do i use for cleaning the tick grease of the interior of the starter?

2) what type of lube do i use to put inside the starter. The original lube that i clean out is all black and sticky. Do i put the 2 cycle engine oil as lube or some marine grease that i use for the trailer? if not, please let me know what type to get. Thanks

3) Can I test the starter by connecting it to the battery directly. Don't want to put it back all the way and found out it is not working .

Thanks

 

[chuckz]

Re: 1989 force 85hp outboard starter question

Do not use 2 stroke oil. Use marine grade grease for the bearings.

Yes you can test it by connecting it to a battery. The starter is no more than a DC motor.

 

[birdgod]

Re: 1989 force 85hp outboard starter question

Do not use 2 stroke oil. Use marine grade grease for the bearings.

Yes you can test it by connecting it to a battery. The starter is no more than a DC motor.

Thanks for the fast reply. Have one more question. what do i use to clean the grease off? I was thinking of soaking it in some gasoline. Thanks.

 

[frasreid]

Re: 1989 force 85hp outboard starter question

Hi. I have just experienced the same problem whereby the starter would not turn over the engine or it would turn very slowly. Force 120 hp.
I am no expert however as a new starter was anywhere between ?100 & ?150 I decided to strip the starter myself.
On doing so, I noticed that it was covered in black sticky grease.
I did not use any solvent to clean it, just a dry rag. I cleaned the slots in the commutator and cleaned the ends of the brushes.
What I also noticed was that the heavy 12v lead did not appear to be insulated as it passed through the casing which made me wonder if the terminal could be moving and arcing or shorting against the casing.
When i reassembled the starter i slid a small piece of insulation over the positive terminal (the same thickness as the starter casing) to keep it free from shorting against the cover. I have fitted the starter back in the boat and it turns over perfectly. I hope this is some help.

 

[frasreid]

Re: 1989 force 85hp outboard starter question

Hi again. Just remembered I used a marine grease on the shaft, and I used a booster pack to test the starter before I fitted it back to the engine. Watch out though it will spark when you connect it, I also clamped the starter in a large workmate vice to stop it from moving about when it turned.

 

[birdgod]

Re: 1989 force 85hp outboard starter question

I have clean and reapply alot of marine grease in it. It is still hard to turn it by hand. But when I connect it to the battery it turn pretty well. However the I can still hear the it make some noise the first 2 second (like the matter rubbing against each other) after that the starter turn very well. I try it a few time and it look the same. I am going install it back to the boat. but since the boat is witerize. I can only wait till next year to test it. But I think it is good. Thanks for all you guys' help.

(can I try to run it on the motor even thought the motor is winterize?)

 

[moparman]

Re: 1989 force 85hp outboard starter question

the only lubricant that should be in the starter is on the armature where it passes through the nose and the end cap of the starter. There should be no grease or oil on the windings or case of the starter,just a small amount of moly lubricant at the aforementioned locations.Make sure the brushes, holders are clean and the commutator is lightly sanded to get a good contact.As far as cleaning the grease and oil off, I use brake clean, as it dries without leaving any residue on it.Hope this helps you with your starter issues. .............MOPARMAN ROLL TIDE

 

[birdgod]

Re: 1989 force 85hp outboard starter question

Oh Shxx, I think I make a mistake. I apply grease on the whole body inside. I put alot of grase at the top and bottom. The connection is ok since the starter is turning. I put grease in the gaps between the two magnets. and also a thin layer on the magnet itself...... should I open it and clean it out again?

 

[chuckz]

Re: 1989 force 85hp outboard starter question

YES! The starter should spin freely by hand when reassembled. If it doesn't, you have a mechanical problem.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1989 force 85hp outboard starter question

If that doesn't free it up you may be able to have the starter rebuilt locally instead of spending the dough to replace it.

 

[moparman]

Re: 1989 force 85hp outboard starter question

Yes ,clean it out. As I said ,you can use brake cleaner to wash every thing down, and the only grease goes on the armature shaft area where it goes through the nose of the starter and the end cap.

 

[birdgod]

Re: 1989 force 85hp outboard starter question

I open it back up and clean up the casing just leave grease at the top and bottom. After reassemble it I can turn the motor by hand. And when i hook it up to a battery, it run like new. Thanks for all you guys' help.

 

[moparman]

Re: 1989 force 85hp outboard starter question

Good job!! Glad it works MOPARMAN ROLL TIDE