1991 Force 120 starter ??

clop321

Cadet
Joined
Mar 10, 2002
Messages
16
Having a problem with all cold starts, where I am getting about 2-3 turns with the key before slow spin (binding like) and dead battery (fully charged battery or new). Starter is pulling 180-200 amps (book calls for 85-165). Is this starter eating my batteries ? Very frustrating ! Once running, it seems to run great. Any help would be appreciated.
 

cclemon

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Mar 27, 2002
Messages
89
Re: 1991 Force 120 starter ??

I had a similar problem with a starter on my 1990 force 90. If you can afford it, a new starter. IF not you may be able to rebuild it. If you choose to rebuild it, here are some things to check.<br /><br />1) Before you take it apart, scribe a line on the case and each end housing, so you can realine the ends when you put it back together. Mine had factory scribe marks. If you need parts, they may be available for your local Force dealer, if you don't know where he is, www.mercurymarine.com can help you find him.<br /><br />2) Check to see if the armature has been scraping on the magnets that are mounted in the housing. If they have, you will need to test each segment of the comentator seperatly, verifing none of them are shorted. This would also indicate you may need to replace the upper bushing, the one in the end cap on the bendix end. <br /><br />3) If the armature has not been scraping on the magnets, you may be able to just clean and lube to get it back in service. I would still check the bushing for wear. A little wear is OK, but too much will can cause alighment problems.<br /><br />4) Check the brushes make sure the are long enough to reach the commentator with out any problems of binding. I looked for a factory wear line indicator on mine, but did not find one.<br /><br />5) Make sure none of the brush wires contact the housing.<br /><br />6) I lightly sanded the commentator where the brushes meet with 400 grit sandpaper. A good cleaning lube and a little sanding fixed my problem.<br /><br />7)If you can afford it, buy a new starter.
 

clop321

Cadet
Joined
Mar 10, 2002
Messages
16
Re: 1991 Force 120 starter ??

Oil Slick... Thanks for the Good info and quick response. If thats the problem, it will be a life saver !!
 

Saperry

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Nov 13, 2001
Messages
99
Re: 1991 Force 120 starter ??

I had the same prob with a starter from a force 120. <br />Had it rebuilt 4 or five times at two different alternator rebuild shops in about 7 months.<br />Just would not work long and they would rebuild it under warranty and still the same prob.<br /><br />Finally the guy at the second shop said he would by me a new starter if I promised not to bring the old one back for annother rebuild. Put the new starter on and it works great. That was 3 years ago.<br /><br />That was the only problem I ever had with that force 120. My brother bought the from me and he still uses it all the time. <br /><br />I would not even try a rebuild. Just bite the bullet and put on a new starter.<br /><br />I copied this post from a reply I made to a guy with your (our) same problem. He had already tried rebuild also.
 

clop321

Cadet
Joined
Mar 10, 2002
Messages
16
Re: 1991 Force 120 starter ??

Thanks to all !! Starter was the problem. Starts like a dream.... one turn.
 
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