bad starter on Force 120

[Anne Atkinson]

I have a 1999 Force 120 (on a 1999 Bayliner Capri) on which the starter is... "sticking" -- what I mean is the gear which should engage the flywheel sticks "down" and does not go up and engage to allow for starting. (This started happening our last time out, and thank goodness we were able to get it working again by removing the engine cover and hitting the starter in the direction it should turn (clockwise) to knock it loose -- just in case it happens to someone else, try that in a pinch!) The starter was replaced once in the summer of 1999 (still under warranty) when it gave problems then -- is this a common problem? Well, this time we're going to replace it ourselves as it doesn't look like it should be too tough to do. I searched around on the web and found a few sites which have a starter part, usually with the number 5393 in it, which is described as being for "Chrysler/Force" with varying ranges of hp, but all include 120....<br />I did not bring in the model/serial number from the motor which now I see would be very helpful in making certain that's the part.<br /><br />Wow, I didn't know Force was a Chrysler product -- was that pre-Mercury acquiring Force?<br /><br />If anyone has advice on replacing the starter or experience with frequent Force starter problems, I'd appreciate your insight.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Anne

 

[tesmel]

Re: bad starter on Force 120

I would try lubricating the worm gear on the starter with some engine oil. Not too much, wipe of any excess oil before starting or you would have a big mess to clean up.Hope this helps.

 

[Anne Atkinson]

Re: bad starter on Force 120

Good thought, Tesmel! We hadn't thought of or tried lubricating... Maybe that's all it needs -- that'd be cool (way cool, as the part looks like it'd be between $175-$225 US)! On that last trip it was alternating between being ok and sticking, in which case we could break it loose by banging on it in the clockwise direction. Hopefully we haven't destroyed it by banging on it, and some lubrication will work! <br />We've been having some problems that have kept us off the water for a while, so the past few times out have been our first for this year -- could the long period of not being run regularly contribute to the starter sticking?<br />-Anne

 

[norman158]

Re: bad starter on Force 120

by all means lube the worm drive before replacing your starter . chrysler marine was sold to u s marine /force in 1983 as part of the government bailout of chrysler and several years later force was bought by mercury if yours is a 1999 force it was one of the last by merc

 

[Anne Atkinson]

Re: bad starter on Force 120

okay, now I show my extreme ignorance -- which part exactly is the worm drive / gear? Should I just lube the shaft that the starter gear rides up on? Maybe trying to get some oil on the gear itself (on/near the shaft)?<br />Please pardon my ignorance...

<br /><br />I guess I ought to get a manual for the engine -- looking around I saw the Seloc Force Outboard Tune-up and Repair Manual (picture showed it as going up to 1996, but description said up to 1999 -- I'd guess that'd be ok as the 96-99 Force 120 is essentially the same?) and I've seen in some posts 12Footer recommending the Clymer Shop manual -- would either one be okay, or is one better?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Anne

 

[mbradburn]

Re: bad starter on Force 120

My neighbor has a Force 120 with the same problem. We just carry around a can of WD-40 and spray it when it acts up. In a pinch, spray on sun screen works as well. It is amazing how resourceful you can get when floating on the water!!!<br /><br />------------------<br />Michael Bradburn<br />AMSOIL Dealer - <A HREF="http://www.mcbproducts.net<br />1988" TARGET=_blank>http://www.mcbproducts.net<br />1988</A> VIP Valiant 175HP

 

[norman158]

Re: bad starter on Force 120

yes, lube that shaft in fact if it has a nut on it remove it and the starter drive and clean the shaft with a wire brush before you lube it

 

[wvmarine]

Re: bad starter on Force 120

Lubricating is ok if it solves the problem but typically it should not be necessary. You should never hit the bendix(drive gear) as you might end up damaging your flywheel which would cost three to four times the cost of a new starter. Brushing with a wire brush could score your shaft which could only worsen your problem. I suspect you have a weak spot on your armature since after you turn the bendix by hitting it it will usually start.

 

[Navigator]

Re: bad starter on Force 120

This may not be your problem, but when it does engage, does it seem to be lugging. Does the starter have a "Strong" engagement at a high speed or does it seem a bit slow.<br /><br />I agree on the lube the gear, that should be part of your routine maintenance. What I was wondering is if you could possibly have a small amount of corrosion on your starter wires, either on the starter itself, the selenoid, or the battery. Sometimes a weak connection wont let the proper amperage get through to the starter and it will have a difficult time spinning the worm gear up.<br /><br />Your problem may not be this, but I just wanted to throw it out anyways.<br /><br />BTW, your 1999 Force is a mercury product that used a new Mercury "Body"and lower unit, but the old "Force" powerhead. Mercury would have had to spend too much money to redesign the powerhead to make it 2002 EPA compliant, so they dropped the Force Line entirely.<br /><br />Nav

 

[Anne Atkinson]

Re: bad starter on Force 120

I don't _think_ corrosion in the electrical path is a problem, as when the gear is not stuck, it goes up and the starting seems very strong, it doesn't lag. Those are good thoughts, though. Now that you mention it, though, the battery is 2+ years old... I had hoped to go on with it and replace it next spring, but it had discharged over the period of about the past 6 months or so when we couldn't use the boat; we had to charge it back up. It seemed to take the charge fine, but maybe replacing it now would be the prudent thing. I _hate_ getting stranded out on the water!

<br /><br />What does "weak spot on the armature" mean, and can I do anything to fix it, or does that mean time to replace the starter?<br />thanks!

<br />-anne