Force 120hp cuts out while running at any speed

[goldenFL]

Our 1994 Force 120hp motor cuts out as you going down the gulf. It can be at any speed. There is no warning it just cuts out. Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks
Colleen

 

[maxum247]

Re: Force 120hp cuts out while running at any speed

It could be possible that you have a bare wire touching the engine block randomly causing the engine to shut down at verious speeds.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Force 120hp cuts out while running at any speed

Does it stay shut down or does it just stutter? Does it restart right away or does it take time to restart? More info please.Jerry

 

[john from md]

Re: Force 120hp cuts out while running at any speed

Does it start right up again? When it cuts out, is it abrupt or does it sputter and slow down first? Do you have inboard or external tanks?

You need to give us some additional info in order for us to help you.

Regards,

John

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Force 120hp cuts out while running at any speed

Let's take a guess here--difficult without more info, but if it stops abruptly and at no particular speed, disconnect the blue and white wire from the ignition switch or if that is not easy, disconnect from the engine terminal board. If the problem stops, replace the switch. This assumes, of course, that Merc has not changed the stop circuit wire colors.

Even the Merc ignition was independent of the other engine circuits and charging circuit so a short within wiring should not cause the engine to stop. The only wires you need to check first are the two associated with the stop circuit. A short to ground here will cause the engine to stop, and it may restart immediately or it may take a while before it will restart.

If they have changed the colors, buy a manual and disconnect the stop circuit wires.

 

[99silverz]

Re: Force 120hp cuts out while running at any speed

I was boating down the Ashley River today and twice while in a no wake zone, the motor just shut off on me. No forewarning, just shut off. I tried to start it back up but it will not start unless I prime the bubble (which was soft) then it started right up with no issues. It still runs great at WOT as well. Do I have a potential fuel pump going out??

I have a 1996 Force 120
Internal 55 gal tank (little over 1/2 tank when problem started)

I go out on the boat every weekend for the last 2 months. No issues till now. If you have any questions, please ask in reference to an accurate diag. Thanks in advance.

Marvin

 

[john from md]

Re: Force 120hp cuts out while running at any speed

The ball going soft usually means a check valve problem. It can be fuel pump checkvalves sticking or it can be bad checkvalves in the bulb itself. If you haven't changed the fuel line and bulb in some time, now would be a good time to do it.

If your problem persists, then I would change the check valves in the fuel pump.

Regards,

John

 

[99silverz]

Re: Force 120hp cuts out while running at any speed

The ball going soft usually means a check valve problem. It can be fuel pump checkvalves sticking or it can be bad checkvalves in the bulb itself. If you haven't changed the fuel line and bulb in some time, now would be a good time to do it.

If your problem persists, then I would change the check valves in the fuel pump.

Regards,

John

Are the check valves easy to replace? If not, I would rather replace the whole fuel pump. Would that be a waste to replace the whole thing rather than just the valves? Money would be an issue.

I do have a new bulb so I will replace that first thing.