96 Force 120 - Bad Starter?

[justinthehorse]

This weekend my 1996 Force 120 ELPT would not start. The starter turns over very slowly and starts to emit smoke when I hold the ignition on. Is my starter fried beyond repair? How much is a new one? It looks relatively simple to replace, but I would like any suggestions you might have when replacing it? Also what might have caused it to fail and what can I do in the future to prevent it.

 

[roscoe]

Re: 96 Force 120 - Bad Starter?

Marine Starters are expensive., about $235 from Mercury if I remember correctly.<br /><br />This guy sells them on ebay, has quite a few listed. If he doesn't have any listed for your motor, just email him by clicking on his name at the top of the page. About $150.<br /><br />What killed it?<br />bad wiring/loose connections.<br />Heat.<br />Just wore out.<br /><br />Might be able to rebuild it, but I would go with a new one.<br /><br />Installation should be a snap.

 

[justinthehorse]

Re: 96 Force 120 - Bad Starter?

Today I took it off the motor and dissassembled it. First of all, the engagement solenoid was frozen in the up/on position. When I first opened the casing there was a strong burnt odor and black dust everywhere. The bottom bushing was shattered and that must have shattered the supporting collar as well. There was also damage to some of the windings. My theory is that somehow the solenoid got stuck in the engaged position and the motor was probably run for who knows how long like that. This in turn caused the bushing failure which resulted in damage to some windings and alignment/friction problems. What do y'all think?

 

[justinthehorse]

Re: 96 Force 120 - Bad Starter?

Roscoe,<br />Where is this name? I would like more info to contact him about a starter motor.

 

[beach]

Re: 96 Force 120 - Bad Starter?

I would try a local starter shop. Get an estimate for them to rebuild. I have bought several starters from ebay venders that did not work as well as they should. At lease with a local rebuild you'll know what you're getting.

 

[roscoe]

Re: 96 Force 120 - Bad Starter?

OOPS, Sorry, I forgot the link.<br />Here it is.<br /><br /> click link <br /><br />He has over 1000 sales.<br />If you can't find one here, click his name at the top, then click the "ask seller a question" button. It will open a email to him.