96 Force 120 starting issue

[the_dude]

Took the boat out yesterday, she ran fine most of the day. We went out 25 miles from Oceanside, and back to do a little rock fishing. After rock fishing for 3 or 4 hours the boat wouldn't start. I figured the deep cycle battery had drained a little, so switched it to both batteries, started right up...didn't think much of it. We got back to the launch ramp, while driving the boat onto the trailer it just started clicking and not even trying to turn over. Got back, batteries checked out all connectors check out. Starter goes up and doesn't come down or doesn't seem to turn. I even saw it spark once. It's stuck in the up position now. I'm really thinking it's the starter. Before I order one and install it, is there anything else I should check? Thanks in advance.

 

[HotTommy]

Just so you know, I got a replacement starter for my Force o/b at a local auto parts store.

 

[pnwboat]

Only thing I have to suggest is to double check the battery connections. Wire brush each and every connecting point including the connection between the negative cable and the engine block. Also check the voltage drop across the two main battery cables on the starter solenoid when it's engaged. If there is a significant difference, you may have a bad contact in the starter solenoid.

 

[Jiggz]

The starter's pinion gear should not get stuck in the up position. If it does, it could be the spring at the end of the shaft is broke or missing or the stop nut not set properly or you would need to clean the starter shaft and put in some light oil or WD-40 (most people do not recommend oiling or greasing the shaft because it becomes magnet to dirt, but that's one of the things you do for preventive maintenance to clean dirty parts including the starter). If stuck in the up position, the starter will never develop momentum to turn over the engine hence will not spin. You need to unstuck it first, inspect and then try again. It is also recommended to lightly grease the pinion gear itself and same with the flywheel gear to keep make it easily slides in and out of gear with the flywheel.

If the starter continues to drag, maybe it is time to overhaul it first, i.e. clean the brushes and commutator and make sure the brushes are still long enough and making proper contacts. Aftermarket asian starters maybe cheap to have but you also get what you paid for. The OEM's are very good and will outlast asian aftermarket ones even when only refurbed.

 

[the_dude]

It appears that the pinion gear stop nut and the spring are missing. That's why it's staying up on the flywheel. I pulled it and I'll get it checked, but I may just have to replace the nut and spring. I'll post back. Thanks for all the help.

 

[Jiggz]

No Title

Just to make sure we are on the same channel here's a pic of a starter motor with the stop nut, stop ring and spring. Note this is an OEM (1988) unit that is almost 27 yrs old and still kicking strong. And yes, I already replaced the brushes.

 

[the_dude]

Yeah that's it Jiggz. Where does one purchase a stop nut / ring / spring at a reasonable price? Local shop wants $41, I can buy the whole starter for $70 online. Right now I'm leaning towards buying the whole starter.

 

[Jiggz]

That's insane! $41 just for a nut, ring and spring. Well, I'm cheapskate but I'm also logical. Buy the new starter and just use the old one as a back up. If the new one ever dies then hopefully it is the same nut, ring and spring you can use over the old one. Boats dot net has the drive kit (nut, ring and spring) for $30 but still that is way too much. On another note, have you checked around the cowling to see if the three parts missing could have fallen through? I'm quite sure the nut you can use a substitute from Ace or other hardware stores.

 

[the_dude]

I'll look around inside and see if I can find them. I just ordered it from ebay for $56 with free shipping but I won't get it until Tuesday so no fishing this weekend. =(

 

[Jiggz]

Oh well . . . but then there is always that cold beer in the fridge. Lol