Force 120hp not starting

[Rcrdav25]

I have a 1995 Force 120hp and last time I tried to take it out it started up fine but then jumped into gear with the cold start up about half way and the engine killed. After that the engine did not want to start up. It seamed as if the batteries were weak. Well I had the batt. checked and both showed they had a bad cell, so I replaced both of them. When I got back to the boat launch i installed the two new batt. and tried to start the engine. Well it still seamed as if the batt. were weak so I pulled the cover off the engine and the starter was still engaged in the fly wheel. Well I tried to start the engine one more time and noticed that the starter was smoking. It was very hot to touch but I took it off and brought it to the auto shop and had it checked, they said that it was no good(it wass the original starter). So I ordered a new starter and put it on this morning and it is doing the same thing. I pulled the spark plugs out and tried to turn the fly wheel and it turns easily. Does any one have an idea what the problem could be? All of the plugs are fireing and are all in good condition. Any help will be greatly apprieciated. Sorry its so long!

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Force 120hp not starting

Take a file and file all the contacts to the starter and the battery so they are shiney. Also make sure all the connections are tight. If the starter uses the body as a ground see if you can connect a heavy guage wire instead and tie it to one of the connecting nuts to the starter. <br /><br />This may be shooting in the dark but it is not uncommon to buy bad marine batteries this time of year. Those batteries could have been sitting on a shelf since early spring without being charged. If none of this works have the starter rechecked. It could also be bad.

 

[ROODDOG]

Re: Force 120hp not starting

OK. I hope I've figured out how to reply at last.<br />I had a similar problem with my 120 Force. I suggest pulling all the plugs, fogging each cylinder with the spray that you use to store the boat at the end of the seasno, and hit the ignitions for about 10 seconds. Repeat fogging and turning it over a couple more times. Reploace the plugs, and you should be in business.<br />Possible cause: When your motor stalled, water may have been drawn into the lower two cylinders. You may want to check the condition of your bellows - leaks can allow water into the motor - not good.<br />Good luck - let me know.

 

[Rcrdav25]

Re: Force 120hp not starting

Well I charged my batteries (it seams that even though they are new that doesn't mean they are chareged) and as long as I don't pump the fuel bulb the starter will turn the engine over just fine. Once I pump the fuel bulb the engine will turn over a few times then it starts bogging down on each compression stroke of the engine. I also notice a lot of fuel coming out of the prop. Could this be a fuel pump problem? I also changed the lower unit oil this weekend and everything looked fine.

 

[Rcrdav25]

Re: Force 120hp not starting

Well yesterday when I got home I pulled the cover off the engine and removed the air boxes so that I could see the open end of the carbs. Then I pumped the fuel bulb untill it was firm and then waited about 8 minutes after which the bulb was still firm. A friend told me this was a good way to tell if I had a bad diaphram without having to take apart the fuel pump. After that I tried to start the engine and it turned a few times before binding again on what seems to be the compression stroke of the #3 cylinder. At the same time I noticed that fuel started to run out of the lower carb. Does this mean that I need to rebuild this carb? Also should I rebuild both while I am at it?

 

[97trophy]

Re: Force 120hp not starting

I would rebuild both. I purchased the kit at Napa; $12.00 per carb. I used nail polish (clear) to seal the plug. Someone suggested using JB Weld for the plug. I did not do that. Now I have a rebuilt pump and two new carbs and the engine runs great. I used carb cleaner that you dipp the carbs into. Hope this helps.

 

[22trophy]

Re: Force 120hp not starting

I just experienced this problem. The starter seeming weak with the drive gear engaged to the fly wheel. The repair shop said that rust on my unit, had caused the gear to fail to retract. This left it engaged for 4 hours on the ocean. It was fryed. My starter needed all new internals. For $140.00 it was rebuilt, and my 99 Force 120 HP runs like new (take that optimax's!).

 

[JB]

Re: Force 120hp not starting

Howdy, Rcrdav.<br /><br />Pull your flywheel and check the key.<br /><br />Sounds like it is trying to fire waaaay too early. That is likely to be a sheared key and shifted flywheel.<br /><br />The "jump into gear" could well have sheared the key.<br /><br />Good luck, and let us know what you find.