Force 90 HP Starting Trouble

[jdaher]

Hey guys,

1998 Force 90 HP ELPT: turning over slowly (SEE VIDEOS)(Forgive the side view on the first one :facepalm: )

Not the battery, tried two new freshly charged batteries separately.

New voltmeter is arriving tomorrow. What exactly should I try and in what order? Thanks!

​

 

[jdaher]

Re: Force 90 HP Starting Trouble

2nd video: turns on faster sometimes

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Force 90 HP Starting Trouble

Remove the plugs and see if it turns faster.
If it works,then do a compression test.
Clean the starter,clean all the contacts.

 

[jdaher]

Re: Force 90 HP Starting Trouble

Remove the plugs and see if it turns faster.
If it works,then do a compression test.
Clean the starter,clean all the contacts.

It ran faster with the spark plugs removed. I just ordered a compression test set, but it won't be here until thursday. What does this mean? Thanks!

 

[jdaher]

Re: Force 90 HP Starting Trouble

BTW, it did crank earlier today once and I ran it for a while then cut it off.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Force 90 HP Starting Trouble

Try taking the starter apart.Clean it.
Might be an easy fix.
Easy to reassemble.

 

[jdaher]

Re: Force 90 HP Starting Trouble

How bad does she look?



One of those brushes was stuck down. Was it supposed to be?​

 

[jdaher]

Re: Force 90 HP Starting Trouble

Cleaned her up real nice...should have taken a picture before I put her back together....We'll see if it makes a difference in the morning!

BTW starters smell terrible....

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Force 90 HP Starting Trouble

I doubt the cleaning will fix the problem. From the looks of the armature it looks like it is already rubbing against the stator which means the bearings or bushings are also worn out. Anyways, try it again but if the problem persists, you'll probably better off getting an OEM for around $70.

 

[jdaher]

Re: Force 90 HP Starting Trouble

Fingers crossed, but I already bookmarked the page for one for $60 just in case.

I had to google a diagram to figure out stator and armature....:facepalm:

 

[jdaher]

Re: Force 90 HP Starting Trouble

Try taking the starter apart.Clean it.
Might be an easy fix.
Easy to reassemble.

That did it! Thanks Jerry!

I tested turning it with the spark plug wires unplugged and it turns like normal again. With wires plugged back in, starts on first try!

I didn't run it very long bc it seemed to be struggling to get water with my old single inlet round one. I order a better set of muffs (these); should be here tomorrow. My compression test set should be here as well. I'll post a video tomorrow if UPS gets here before dark....yes I live in the middle of no where. Thanks again guys!

BTW: Getting those brushes back in is not something I call easy...

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Force 90 HP Starting Trouble

Congrats and good on you. Not only did you save money you also learned along the way.

 

[jdaher]

Re: Force 90 HP Starting Trouble

Compression tested:
Cylinder, test1, test2
#1: 135,140
#2: 135, 140
#3: 140, 140

A little later after running it for a little bit, my starter smoked the next time I tried to crank it.... I let it cool down for a few hours, but when I went back out there to crank it...smoked again. Smoke was coming from the bottom of the starter. It also doesn't seem to be working as well either....should I just buy a new starter???

 

[jdaher]

Re: Force 90 HP Starting Trouble

The culprit:

Seems a piece cracked off at the base of the screw and was making contact where it shouldn't have. I went ahead and bought a new starter...

 

[TwoFish]

Re: Force 90 HP Starting Trouble

Bad luck the starter shorted but at least you know the rest of the outboard will work when you get the new starter.