1990 Force 90 - what am i doing wrong?

[further]

Please help. Just purchased an 18' Bayliner with Force 90. I'm a newbie - first boat, but somewhat mechanically inclined. I just wanted to get the motor running so I got the ear muffs, connected it all up, hooked up the battery put it in neutral and turned the key. NO DICE!!. Everything else works so the battery should be good. Nothing happening with the motor though. THe motor is real clean and looks like it was well taken care of. THe seller had rebuilt the carbs, replaced coil packs, steering cables, impeller and said it ran fine last season. When I turn the key, I hear a slight click but thats it. Any suggestions would be very appreciated.
Thanks

 

[CapCramer]

Re: 1990 Force 90 - what am i doing wrong?

Check battery condition or just throw on the charger for a couple hrs then report back.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1990 Force 90 - what am i doing wrong?

Some came equipped with a kill switch on the control box, bit this would not stop the engine from cranking. Take off the hood and on the side opposite the starter, look for the brown neutral interlock switch with a white button. If the shift linkage is not centered in neutral and the white button is not depressed, the engine will not crank.

On the starter side, you can jump from the battery red terminal on the solenoid to the small yellow terminal. If the solenoid does not click closed and the engine crank, then the solenoid is bad. It will spark a bit when you first jump it so do it firmly to minimise the initial spark.

Careful, if you jump it with the key on, it will start even if you have it in gear.

 

[further]

Re: 1990 Force 90 - what am i doing wrong?

Thanks for all the advice. Wow, I though it would be easier than this. So it was the battery - duh!! should have checked. Anyway, i got the battery all charged and hooked up. SO here it goes. Pumped the bulb, choked for a few and turned the key - she turns over but doesn't start. I've got about 1/4tank of fuel but its from last season according to the seller. Tried and tried but no dice. Why can't she just start up??? Please tell me I'm doing something wrong on the startup or am forgetting to do something? Any ideas?
Thanks

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1990 Force 90 - what am i doing wrong?

Pull a sparkplug and ground it on the block. Check to see if the engine has spark. If it does, then try:

Pull the control handle out and push forward as far as it will go. OR: if there is a center rubber covered button, push it and push the control handle forward as far as it will go. This is the cold start/fast idle position. Some engines just will not start cold unless in this position.

You must push the key to choke while cranking. Choking without cranking does nothing.

Try those two things and see if they help.

 

[further]

Re: 1990 Force 90 - what am i doing wrong?

Thanks Frank. I will try your suggestions. I did notice that the control does pull out but I assumed it had to be left in neutral to start. So, the cold start/fast idle is the control pulled out and pushed all the way forward? Geez, I need an owners manual - Actually just called us marine yesterday and gave them the hull number and they are sending me an original owners manual. I also ordered a manufacturers service/repair manual for the 1990 force 90 both of which are in transit and once recieved, I will be studying them intently.
Also, i noticed a safety leash input?? (not sure if thats the correct term) near the steering wheel- has a cover and note on dash says to make sure leash is connected while operating. When i open it, looks like something needs to go in? Not sure if this is something that could be an issue as well?

 

[Jeremy90bay]

Re: 1990 Force 90 - what am i doing wrong?

That "safety leash" acts like a kill switch if it is not connected the boat will not start. if the boat is running and that comes off it will die. They should have given it to you when you bought the boat.

 

[further]

Re: 1990 Force 90 - what am i doing wrong?

Crazy!! It has a plastic cover on it. THe seller did not give it to me and its nowhere in teh boat. Anyone know where I can find one. Looks like a cigarette lighter.

 

[Jeremy90bay]

Re: 1990 Force 90 - what am i doing wrong?

I have never seen one like that. What kind of boat did you say it was?

 

[Jeremy90bay]

Re: 1990 Force 90 - what am i doing wrong?

I have a 1990 bayliner capri and mine is like a button and the plastic clip goes on top of it. maybe somebody removed or changed yours. post a pic of your dash if you can.

 

[further]

Re: 1990 Force 90 - what am i doing wrong?

1990 Bayliner 1800 CR

 

[Jeremy90bay]

Re: 1990 Force 90 - what am i doing wrong?

post a pic of the dash if you can.

 

[further]

Re: 1990 Force 90 - what am i doing wrong?

lol, we have the same boat. Yes, there is a plastic clip that covers it. When you take the clip off, inside looks like there are contacts.

 

[further]

Re: 1990 Force 90 - what am i doing wrong?

Couple pics attached

 

[Jeremy90bay]

Re: 1990 Force 90 - what am i doing wrong?

Mine doesnt cover it. on the dash is a red button with a black boot around it. the button pushed in and out. one end of the clip is on a little cable that you are supposed to clip to yourself. (incase you fall in the water the boat will shut down) the other end has a plastic piece that holds the button in so the boat will start. it seems like your missing something maybe.

 

[Jeremy90bay]

Re: 1990 Force 90 - what am i doing wrong?

That looks like he took out the kill switch and put in a cigarette lighter. Thats funny. Im at a loss now. check under the dash to mack sure there arent wires that have come undone. I will take a pic of mine to show you but cant do it until tomorrow after work. thats the only time I can go to the boat.