1990 Force L-drive won't start

[Trouterboy]

Bought this bought last fall. Nothing but issues so far. This time I was out and it was running fine but shift cable at lower end came unseated from harness. I was forcing the motor in gear prior to learning of this problem. Then motor died. I brought it home, fixed cable, and no motor won't start. Was having trouble with starter prior to all this. Fixed that problem. Now won't start. Cranks fine. Seems to be lacking spark as fly-wheel turns but no sound of trying to fire. I am sure all cylinders are not sparking. Think it could be a kill switch or wire issue at shifter lever. Help is appreciated. Thank you.

 

[92rslt1]

Re: 1990 Force L-drive won't start

There could be a neutral safety switch.. not 100% sure but its worth looking into. Does your prop spin free when you have it in neutral?

 

[roscoe]

Re: 1990 Force L-drive won't start

neutral safety switch

its either on the engine, or in the controls, depending which unit you have

 

[Trouterboy]

Re: 1990 Force L-drive won't start - fluid in the cylinder.

Re: 1990 Force L-drive won't start - fluid in the cylinder.

Thanks guys. I eliminated that as the problem.

I did manage to start it after pulling plugs and running starter for about 30 seconds. A gray gassy smelling liquid blew out of the bottom cylinder when I ran the starter without the plugs. Did not stay running though. So I blew out carbs, and did the cylinder blow out thing again. Just got it fired up and managed to keep it running for about four minutes. Not quite at idle, a little higher then idle. Then it died. Would not start right away.

I took off the plugs and blew out the cylinders again by running the starter for about 20 seconds. Again, the gray thick liquid was coating the plug in the bottom cylinder and more of it blew out of the cylinder while running the starter.

So, is the liquid unburned gas/oil mixture as it is a 50:1 mix two-stroke? Is it water coming into the cylinder from a hair-line fracture in the head? Is the plug wire bad? What do you think? What should I start to eliminate first?

 

[maxum_man]

Re: 1990 Force L-drive won't start - fluid in the cylinder.

Re: 1990 Force L-drive won't start - fluid in the cylinder.

I have read a few posts on here talking about the head gaskets on some engines having a very thin seal area around a water passage near the bottom cylinder. If it were to be pinched or torn, then it may leak water into the bottom cylinder.