Force 85hp Starting (again)

[USMCMatt]

Yes here we all are again...

I have a Force 85hp 1984 - Runs like a champ and is very clean with good compression. The issue is it's a mother*@$)(* to start. Choke or no choke doesn't really matter. acts like the battery is dead, after a minute it'll start to actually crank then fire right up.

I do have a stall after coming back to idle now and then during the day and usually it fires right up but now and then I go through this hard start again even when warmed.

New gas, good plugs (I think) - Someone had the idea the battery cables might need to be replaced, they are the smaller ones that wingnut onto the assoc posts of the battery and they thought some heavier duty ones would be better.

Suggestions?

 

[healey8390]

Re: Force 85hp Starting (again)

If the batt is good and it cranks slow its either the stater, solenoid or corroded wires/cables. Mine used to crank slow for a couple of turns then speed up. It finally crapped out on me, coincedentally when the engine went, adding $$$$ to the tally, so i replaced it. Feel the wire to the starter after starting it. If its hot id suspect the starter is bad with too much internal resistance.

 

[USMCMatt]

Re: Force 85hp Starting (again)

Yes I should of mentioned that, the cable on the batt end gets VERY hot after some cranks, I think it even melted the rubber ends a tad bit. I was thinking about replacing the cables and getting rid of the wingnuts and using clamps instead, maybe there's just not a decent connection?

 

[TwoFish]

Re: Force 85hp Starting (again)

One quick way to check the starter is to use a set of heavy jumper cables & connect directly from a good battery to the starter. Connect the positive cable from the battery to the positive post on the starter. Then connect the negative cable to the battery and the touch the positive clip to the outside of the starter housing. You do NOT want the ignition on to do this or the motor to start. You could pull the safety lanyard as well just to be sure. BE CAREFULL OF MOVING PARTS. Only do this in short bursts. If the starter is bad you could create a direct short across the battery. Jumper cables do not have fuses to protect the battery.

If the starter turns well your problem is in the starter circuit.

Remember to reconnect the safety lanyard after you have finished.

Let us know how you go.

Good Luck

Dean

 

[shytownborn]

Re: Force 85hp Starting (again)

check your starter the way two fish says, sounds to me like a weak starter they act that way when their almost history, good luck

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Force 85hp Starting (again)

Good compression?Do it again.They should be within 5-10# of each other.
Next remove and clean the starter.Turn the brushes upside down or replace.They sell them on this site fairly reasonable.
Then check all connections.Under the starter is the main ground.Make sure it's tight.
Have the batter load tested a weak cell can do this.Clean all connections.
Also is the choke actually working or just clicking.It needs to move about 2 inches in the solenoid.
Remove the hood and look as someone hits the choke.WD-40 on the slide cleans the gunk from the area.J

 

[USMCMatt]

Re: Force 85hp Starting (again)

Thanks guys I'm going to get to work on all those suggestions!