How to test a Mercury Force 120 without starter

johnkbl · #1 February 26th, 2009, 08:05 PM

Hello!

I found a Mercury Force 120 1999 outboard, and it has a burned starter. (That was what the owner said). The owner also said that the engine has only 90 hours of use and has never been used in saltwater. If the starter is the only problem the engine has, it will be a good deal for me. I am ignorant in how to test the general state of the engine. Ofcourse a visual inspection will give me a lot of information. I dont want to buy the motor, replace the starter, and then, find that something else is wrong.

Could anyone here tell me how to check if the engine is OK without buying a new starter just to check it?

Thanks!!!

johnkbl · #2 February 26th, 2009, 08:07 PM

I forgot to say that the engine is located about 150 miles from my home.... So, I dont have a lot of time and resources there.

Sometimes I think that I like deals with problems... but.... damn! it is fun!!

Thanks guys!!

jimg984 · #3 February 26th, 2009, 09:38 PM

if the starter is burnt out after 90 hrs... he must have used the starter has a trolling motor... beware!! cant tell much about a motor without a starter to crank it over (i'm sure know that)

JB · #4 February 26th, 2009, 10:31 PM

Betcha the starter is okay and he has bad wiring/connections to it.

Definitely worth looking at, but unless you can turn it over there isn't much you can do to test it.

It is not a Mercury. It is a Force. It cannot be demonstrated, even on muffs.

That means don't spend much on it. I wouldn't offer over a couple hundred for it as is.

lowkee · #5 February 26th, 2009, 11:00 PM

Starters don't cost THAT much. I'm always leary of a guy who doesn't replace a part that will drastically affect the price of what he is selling. I see it as a way to say "runs perfect, but oops, I forgot the keys.. you'll just have to trust me.."

cdnfthree2 · #6 February 26th, 2009, 11:06 PM

And since boat motors aren't operated in a dirty dusty environment, the best cleanest motors visually could actually be the worst pieces of junk around. Visual inspections don't always tell as much as youd like with an outboard.

Frank Acampora · #7 February 26th, 2009, 11:37 PM

Remove the plugs and turn the flywheel by hand. If it turns easy, the engine is not locked up or grinding anything. Next, put you thumb over each plug hole while turning the flywheel. If it doesn't blow your thumb off, then there is no compression and the engine needs an overhaul.

If it does blow your thumb off, At least you know it has SOME compression. Thus, it may be acceptable mechanically. If it goes into and out of gear, and the prop turns, at least you know the lower unit is free. BUT remember that even well worn dog clutches will lock up and you will not be able to make them pop out of gear by hand.

Since you can not crank the engine, you can not assess the spark on each cylinder. While ignition parts are fairly expensive, they are easy to install and thus become a bargaining chip in price.

HOWEVER: If the engine can not be cranked and started, then you must buy it as a parts engine--depending upon condition maybe up to 300 bucks or so. And in making your decision, don't forget to factor in what gas is going to cost to look at it and bring it home.

BUT LIKE YOU SAID: It can be fun.

johnkbl · #8 February 27th, 2009, 12:18 AM

hey Frank!!!!!! great explanation!!!!!

i will check this engine maybe this weekend. i will try to get a leakdown tester and test the engine with a compressor..... but... that would be the first leak down test i have ever made.

also, i think that I can try to crank the engine connecting in some way a drill to the flywheel or to the propeller shaft. Yes, it is a crazy idea, but maybe it will work. If I survive to that experiment, will tell you about it.

the engine price is about 600, the starter here costs about 200. (i dont live in usa, have to pay shipping and a lot of taxes).

Thanks again.... more answers are always welcome!!!

Bigprairie1 · #9 February 27th, 2009, 01:45 AM

I'm not too sure about this (Frank or RR might know) but that flywheel might have a pull start capability on the flywheel. Not that I would ever want to actually try to start it that way). Anyhow, if it does, take a friend with you and see if you can get some heavy cord and a handle and try to give it a compression test via a pullstart. Again, I'm just spitballing here but it may be possible in lieu of there not being an operative starter on it.
BP

bman1bpm · #10 February 27th, 2009, 04:30 PM

You could hook some jumper cables up to your car battery can hook the negative up to the outboard block and tap the positive to the starter's positive lead. This would at least check to see if the starter works.
I'd think that its wiring too, either that or it has a lot more than 90 hours on it.
Either way, I wouldn't pay $600 for a motor that isn't running

Frank Acampora · #11 February 27th, 2009, 09:49 PM

You can wrap a rope around the flywheel, but if the engine is not on the boat, you will move it rather than actually try to start it. Even if it is on the boat, while a good running engine can be pull started, one that has not run in some time will most likely just pull your arm out and tire you without starting.

Where is not in the USA? Canada?

Like Robin Williams said in his stand-up routine, "Canada is like the loft over a really great party."