force 1998 120 h.p. won't start

[davidgussy1]

I have a problem with my 1998 120 h.p. force outboard starting. My son statred and ran the engine a couple of times a few weeks ago. I replaced the starter and solenoid a month ago and everything worked great. I have two new 1,000 cc amp batteries. Now when my son tries to start the engine it only clicks at the solenoid. He changed out the solenoid and replaced the starter with a new one but still gets nothing more than a click at the solenoid. The batteries are fully charged. Does anyone have any idea as to what's happening? My son said there was a green wire that was burned from the battery to the engine. I'm not home so I don't know what he's talking about.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: force 1998 120 h.p. won't start

Green wire is probably the choke lead.
You need a test light across the solenoid.
Turn key and if it has power on both sides it's the starter???
Is the solenoid wired right?

 

[davidgussy1]

Re: force 1998 120 h.p. won't start

Thanks for the reply. The motor was starting and running fine until my son installed a new fishwell pump. I don't think that has anything to do with the motor not starting though. I installed a new starter and solenoid in January. Started it up several times and it ran like a champ. Now my son can only get a "CLICK" at the solenoid. Nothing else. He installed another NEW starter and solenoid and still nothing but a "CLICK" at the solenoid. The batteries are new and the cables are in excellent condition. I am at my wits end here. If you, Frank or anyone else has any ideas, I'm all ears.
Thanks

 

[Fishing Phool]

Re: force 1998 120 h.p. won't start

Do you have the 2 batteries hooked up correctly? The 2 positives jumpered together, and the 2 negatives jumpered? That won't solve your problem, but having them hooked up incorrectly could have started it.

 

[davidgussy1]

Re: force 1998 120 h.p. won't start

The batteries are hooked up correctly. The motor was running until my son replaced the fish well pump. Now only a "CLICK" at the solenoid. Any ideas? This is really puzzling.........

 

[NMShooter]

Re: force 1998 120 h.p. won't start

Do you have access to a 12V test light, or a voltmeter?

If you want to debug this, you are going to have to go through some simple diagnostics, starting with Jerry's suggestion.

Put the test light (or the voltmeter) across the big terminals on the solenoid. With with the key on (not cranking) the light should be lit, or you should see ~12V across the terminals. Turn the key to the start position. When the solenoid clicks, the light should go out or the voltmeter should read zero volts.

Next, check your cabling to ensure that you have not lost continuity... either through corrosion, loose connection, or a fuse.

Extreme Caution!!!!! Next, disconnect battery. Remove and secure the main red lead to the starter. Wrap the end in electrical tape or otherwise secure it from creating a dangerous short. Reconnect battery. Using an automotive jumper cable, CAREFULLY touch +12V to the starter lug and see if it the starter spins and engages.

I'm betting on the solenoid being bad, or the cabling being loose. There is a bunch of current needed to crank that thing and if there is a contact that is a little bit dirty / corroded / loose, it is going to "click" and then nothing.

Run these tests and see what you get.

 

[NMShooter]

Re: force 1998 120 h.p. won't start

If you have access to a voltmeter / ohmmeter, while you disconnect the starter from the solenoid, check and see what the impedance of the starter lug to ground is.