Force 125 hard time cranking over ??

[Gulf Boater]

I'm trying to get my 125 force ( late 80 s) started but it's not turning over ? I get maybe a 1/4 turn of the flywheel. I tried using the starter from my 94 that I know works cause it turns my 94 over with no issues. And still the same issue
I removed all the plugs and it turns over and spins freely. When I put just 1 plug back in I get the really slow crank again. Any suggestions on what it could be ? also tried switching batteries but made no difference.

 

[JB]

Re: Force 125 hard time cranking over ??

Most likely, and easiest to fix, cause is hidden corrosion in the starter high current circuit, GB. Take the battery cables off, both ends, scrub the connectors shiny and reconnect. Do the same to the short cable that runs from the solenoid to the starter.

Load test the battery.

If still not working, connect jumper cables direct from your (fully charged) battery to the hot post on the starter (+) and the engine block (-). If the starter then jumps into use, you need a new solenoid and/or battery cables.

Let us know what happens.

 

[Gulf Boater]

Re: Force 125 hard time cranking over ??

I'm hoping it's the battery I checked and the charge was really low. Have on charge now will let you know what happens in the AM

Thanks for your help

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Force 125 hard time cranking over ??

Do a compression/spark test.Then check connections.J,

 

[auchandler1]

Re: Force 125 hard time cranking over ??

Had the exact same problem. Come to find out it was just the battery. Sounded like it was clicking but there wasn't enough power to crank it over.

 

[Gulf Boater]

Re: Force 125 hard time cranking over ??

I charged the battery and jumped direct to the starter still really slow cranking tried my other battery and got the same outcome.
Both batts turn my other 120 with no problem. It turns freely when the plugs are out. I tried getting a compression reading but I just don't think it's cranking fast enough for accurate reading. The flywheel turns about 1/4 turn then stops then goes another 1/4 turn so on.

I did notice that the starter seemed to be getting very warm not sure if that's cause I was going direct to the
Battery though ? I think I'm gonna try the starter from my 120 again with the fully charged battery and see if that makes a difference

 

[bentle]

Re: Force 125 hard time cranking over ??

Does the prop turn freely when in neutral?
You may want to remove the lower and then try to turn it over just to rule out another lower problem and is an
easier project than some of the others. Make sure it wont start or fire if you try this.
If no difference then try to start it at the solenoid, see if that makes any difference.

 

[Gulf Boater]

Re: Force 125 hard time cranking over ??

Yes the prop spins freely in neutral

If I was to jump at the solenoid how would that be done there's the main power coming in (12 o'clock pos) black ground (3 o'clock)
Power to starter (6 o'clock) and the yellow at (9 o'clock)

 

[bentle]

Re: Force 125 hard time cranking over ??

Number 6 to starter #3 ground. If it turns over then solenoid is bad.
careful when getting starter to hot or you may damage it.

 

[bentle]

Re: Force 125 hard time cranking over ??

Correction. You need to jump #12from battery to #3ground.
Have you gone through and cleaned all connections from battery to solenoid to starter and circuit breaker to the starter?

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Force 125 hard time cranking over ??

What are the comp readings?

 

[ldouble619]

Re: Force 125 hard time cranking over ??

Any updates on this? I have the same problem. Spins freely with plugs out, barely turn over with plugs in. battery is brand new and connections are clean.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Force 125 hard time cranking over ??

ldoubles?? You should start your own thread.That way we know there is a new question to be answered.
Some people answer/ask a question and never reply weather it's been fixed or not.

Do a compression test and post the #s.
In a different thread.

 

[jason32038]

Re: Force 125 hard time cranking over ??

Check your starter ground or all ground connections. There should be a small black ground wire from the rectifier to the starter (i think). That is the only thing I can think of being that the good starter off the '94 acted the same way. Check all connections. Make sure flywheel is tight and not wobbling when you crank it over. The power stud on the starter is isolated with nylon bushings. Try hooking both positive and negative jumper cables up to your battery and touch the negative (black) to the bottom of the starter and the positive to the power post and reply with results. If it works you have a ground problem somewhere. EDIT..make sure you touch the power post with the positive first then touch the bottom of the starter with ground to make sure you dont damage your power post from arcing out.

 

[Gulf Boater]

Re: Force 125 hard time cranking over ??

No updates at this time from me as I've been working on my other motor (Force 120) I have cleaned all connections on the 125 but now need to charge the batt. I have tried jumping direct before cleaning but was going with the ground on the block will now try the way Jason32028 Suggested.
I did find some water mixed in the lower unit would this slow the cranking by any chance ? I don't think so but I'm a newbie at this and want to rule that out as a possibility.

 

[bentle]

Re: Force 125 hard time cranking over ??

I think I already mentioned this but what the heck.
Remove the lower unit, make sure the motor will not start, crank her over and see
if there is any difference. If not then you can at least rule out the lower being bad.