98 force 120 starter issues

[critt50]

I have read every tread I could find on the issue and could not find an answer. When trying to start the starter turns but does not engage the flywheel. I have cleaned it and checked for a good ground and still nothing. There is a fast ticking noise as you first turn the key. Could this be the silinoid or is the starter bad. Im new to these engines so not sure where else to look. Thanks

 

[john from md]

Re: 98 force 120 starter issues

The fast clicking noise is the solinoid trying to work but it doesn't have enough power.

The first thing to do is verify the battery is good. If you don't have a high rate discharge tester, then take it to Walmart or Pep Boys and ask them to check it for you.

Once you know you have a good battery, then you need to clean all of the terminals on the wires going to the battery until they shine. Also, check the attachments at the engine and make sure that the red wires on the solinoid and black wire on the block are not corroded. If they are, clean them until they shine, including the area on the block where the terminal end is bolted.

If this doesn't fix it, then you may have a bad solinoid. Solinoids don't go bad that often on boats as they don't get the start cycles like cars get.

I am willing to bet it is a bad battery or corroded terminals.

Keep us up on what you find.

John

 

[critt50]

Re: 98 force 120 starter issues

The battery is brand new, I put it in Tues. Started again checking the terminals on both the + and - at both ends. Both shine like new pennies. Looked for what seemed like hours scratching my head when I just figured I would completely check everything one more time. Found the ground cable split and corroded inside the hull. What a pain, but replaced it and fired first try. Always seems like the little things are the hardest to find. Thanks for the help...