Force Switch or starter?

[DBoon11]

I have a late 80's 85hp Force, and the switch or starter is really intermittent. Sometimes it takes 10-20 turns of the key to get it to turn over, otherwise just makes a humming sound. Do I have a switch problem, or a starter problem? I do not have a lot of knowledge on motors, but if it is a switch, I would suppose I could replace that quite easily right at the console, but if it is the starter, would I need to have that done at a shop?

Thanks,

DBoon11

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Force Switch or starter?

Remove the plugs and do a compression/spark test.It sounds like the starter.If you can change the switch then you can do the starter.You need to troubleshoot the starter/solenoid to see whats bad.
You need to fill out your profile(you might be close to someone who can fix it).J

 

[john from md]

Re: Force Switch or starter?

Spinning the engine with the plugs removed won't tell you anything helpful for an electrical problem.

Have you had your battery tested lately? Have you cleaned the battery terminals, solinoid terminals and engine ground?

You need to do these things first and make sure your battery is fully charged before trying to start it again. When you do, report back on the results.

John

 

[moparman]

Re: Force Switch or starter?

An easy way to check what's bad is to check the voltage at the starter wire while having someone crank it. Low voltage ,go back to the solenoid and do the same thing on both terminals [in to the solenoid,and out to the starter], if your voltage is good at the starter then you have a connection that's bad or it's starter time[ or at least take it to your local starter/alt shop and have them check it out]

 

[huskerdaninva]

Re: Force Switch or starter?

An easy way to check what's bad is to check the voltage at the starter wire while having someone crank it. Low voltage ,go back to the solenoid and do the same thing on both terminals [in to the solenoid,and out to the starter], if your voltage is good at the starter then you have a connection that's bad or it's starter time[ or at least take it to your local starter/alt shop and have them check it out]

Finding "your local starter/alternator shop" that will re-build a unit is getting scarcer than hen's teeth. (at least around here in VA.) I said it before...it seems to be a lost art or just financially unviable to rebuild anymore.