1986 force 85 hp rattle/inop

[markcerrone]

Force 85 was running good. Last 8 trips noticed a slight rattle sound.
Sounded external and not internal problem like rods. I grabbed the started top and moved it back and forth. It was tight but sounded like the same sound but with less volume using my hands. Last two trips I've been trying to verify the sounds origin. Lubricated the started shaft thinking maybe the old spring wasn't pushing the gear down well clear of the flywheel. Ran the boat about 75 % power for 45 seconds and the rattle got pretty loud. I pulled back the power and shut it down. Pulled the cowl to take a peak. didn't notice anything abnormal. attempted a start and the started just don't seem to have the power to turn the flywheel. Thought perhaps I was wrong and locked her up but each time I hit the started I get about an 1/8 of a turn out of her. Somebody please tell me it's time to rebuild/replace the starter and not a rebuild on the top end. I never got the starter to turn the motor over enough to get a start out of it. Pulled out the paddle and thanked god for the wind.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1986 force 85 hp rattle/inop

First pull all three plugs and see if the starter will turn it over. If it does, then the engine is free and most likely the starter needs rebuild or replacement. Don't forget to check the obvious: battery, cables, connections etc. If all checks out ok, then run a compression test. Ah! Hell! Run the compression test first if you can get the starter to turn the engine.

If the starter won't turn it and you can't turn it by hand or it is difficult to turn by hand, or if compression is very low on one or more cylinders,--THEN Guess what? Very often, detonation sounds like a rattle and it does major internal damage. Pull the head and assess the damage.