Would not start Force120 95'

[mrflorida]

Went fishing out in the gulf and when we were ready to head back motor would not start. Cranks fine but will not fire. Toggled the kill switch and tried all the usual tricks with no luck. When I got it home took out spark plug and did not see a spark. However, some guy said you have to have the plug touching the engine block to get a spark. Is that true? Does anyone have a troubleshooting procedure they can forward me? Thanks in advance.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Would not start Force120 95'

The sparkplug needs to be close to something so the spark has somewhere to jump to.
You can hold it 3/8 inch from the block with an insulated pliers, or buy a spark tester for a few bucks at an auto parts store.

1- buy a Clymer Force repair manual.
2-Check compression, spark, and fuel delivery
3- Investigate the one that is not right.

Could be stator, trigger, switchbox. The manual will tell you how to test each component. Most of it can be done with a $10 multi-meter.

 

[mrflorida]

Re: Would not start Force120 95'

Thanks for the reply, I tested the fuel supply after the filter and is getting there ok. On to the next..Wondered if there was a pdf out there for the repair manual I could download..Like the one for my car was that was posted online free.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Would not start Force120 95'

You may find a manual at the library.
And aftermarket manuals are readily available right here at iboats and any number of places on the net.
It will save you many hours of frustration and grief.
I have 6 manuals and I hardly even boat any more.
Thats where I get a lot of specs and procedures for the folks here.There may be some trouble shooting help in the tips at the top of each forum.

 

[mrflorida]

Re: Would not start Force120 95'

Final Answer!!
Got a Clymer Force repair manual and it is a bit of a pain figuring out what part pertains to your motor! The stupid book supports like 10 different types. Would be nice if there was a after market manual for just one type, but then they would not sell that many books!
Anyways I found the problem with the no spark thing. It appears there are stator problems with older Force motors. The original ones were black and had square corners, which made a 90 degree turn and stressed the wire. These black stators have a tendancy to fail. The new ones are Red and have a curved edge to reduce failures.
So, when I was running off shore the slamming must have broken a wire in the stator and thats why it would not start. The local parts guy was very helpful too!!!
Thanks!

 

[RTR]

Re: Stator story - No spark

Re: Stator story - No spark

I have a 1992 Bayliner Bowrider with a Force 120HP L-drive. It's actually been phenominal for 13 years!!
The post about the stator problem sounds like the same problem I now have. Lost 2 cyls and ½ way back to dock lost the other 2 cyls. Glad I always carry two 6ft paddles!
Where can I get a flywheel puller for this thing??? :%

 

[JB]

Re: Would not start Force120 95'

Go to Engine FAQs: Outboard won't start.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Would not start Force120 95'

You can get a puller from Mercury, $45.
Or from ebay, $12 - $25.

item number 220036069590

 

[RTR]

Re: Would not start Force120 95'

And I obtain a flywheel puller from FAQ????? d
(Probably not, huh!)

 

[JB]

Re: Would not start Force120 95'

Neither of you has established proof that your problem is ignition, RTR. You are jumping to conclusions without systematically troubleshooting.

Very useful to KNOW what is wrong before tearing into the engine.

 

[Reel-Fun]

Re: Would not start Force120 95'

Never assume that since you have the same symptoms as this guy so same problem and same solution...

many problems have the same symptoms but different causes and different solutions.

thats why its called troubleshooting. start tearing into a engine without reasearch and troubleshooting your going to waste alot of time and money...

grab a book and troubleshoot eliminate all other possible causes by running tests before tearing down.

 

[BOBPELL]

Re: Would not start Force120 95'

You may not need a puller.

I took off the top nut and soaked the little sunken area with PB Blaster for 2 days. Every once in a while I would give it a few "love taps" with a hammer.

I used a block of wood and hit it up from the bottom then turned the wheel 1/4 turn and did it again. Kept this up until it just popped up. If it does not come up after trying this for lets say 4-5 revolutions, add more "PB" and let it sit a bit longer. When I said "hit it up" I did NOT mean beat the he** out of it but don't be affraid of it either. The steel is quite thick.

I put mine together with anti-sieze grease so next time it will be even easier.
Unless it is rusted solid this should work.