Force 1989, 50 HP Cranks but won't catch

[stp119]

Guys,<br /><br />I bought this boat that has been sitting for 2 years. I am not getting a spark and I ran a compression test and got 70 psi. The maunual says I should get 135 psi. Does this mean my engine is shot?<br /><br />Thanks, pod-dog

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Force 1989, 50 HP Cranks but won't catch

Well the rings could be suffering from a carbon build up which locks them into the piston. On occasion you can free them up. 70 lbs should be adaquate to run the motor. If you trace down the ignition problem and get it started I would reccomend a good de-carbon job. This will establish if you are facing a rebuild or not.<br /><br />Bob

 

[Olson]

Re: Force 1989, 50 HP Cranks but won't catch

Pod Dog<br />Any updates on no spark situation? Good ground connections? New spark plugs, other? Are all cylinders getting no spark? If there is a kill switch, make sure it is not causing the problem. Please respond.

 

[stp119]

Re: Force 1989, 50 HP Cranks but won't catch

The first thing I did when I got the boat was trouble shoot the starting system and fuel system. I am getting good ground connections. I replaced the spark plugs. I noticed a tear in one of the plug cables where it connects to the plug. I was going to replace the cable but you have to buy the whole coil ($65). I am not getting a spark from either plug. I thought that was weird. I think it might be the module ($300) or the coils. Is their a way to test them. Any ideas? Thanks, pod-dog

 

[12Footer]

Re: Force 1989, 50 HP Cranks but won't catch

Something to try first..Rule-out kill circuit entirely, by disconnecting the blue and white wires at the terminal strip on the port side of the engine, and see if spark comes back.This will remove ignition switch,lanyard switch, wire harness and fuse block as possable causes (which should read open to ground wirth key in start or run posistion, short to ground if off, or with emergency lanyard removed.<br />Lettuce know how it goez.

 

[Olson]

Re: Force 1989, 50 HP Cranks but won't catch

Pod Dog<br />Thanks for responding. The 4 most common problems causing no spark are a faulty key switch, faulty wiring, faulty ground, a faulty flywheel, or a combination of any of these. Considering your boat has been sitting for two years, corrosion takes over and anything is possible. <br />Correct me if I'm wrong, from what you are describing, your engine has a CD (capacitor discharge) Prestolite Magna power III ignition system (flywheel, stator, trigger points, 1 CD pack, and 2 coils). I don't know your method of checking for spark, but I will suggest investing in a spark tester tool. You can get one of these at a parts dealer for about $25. It consists of wires that insert into the spark plug boots with the other end that grounds to the block. It will help you determine whether there is strong spark, weak spark, or no spark at all. As for checking the ignition components, go to a Force dealer/marina that repairs Force outboards. There is a good chance they will have a Force Outboard Repair Manual narrowed down to a specific year range and horsepower range. Also, SELOC Force Outboards '84-'96 Repair manual has many tips with much info. It can be ordered at www.chiltonsonline.com<br />Best of luck to you.

 

[Olson]

Re: Force 1989, 50 HP Cranks but won't catch

Pod Dog<br />If you do need a CD pack and/or coils, I've checked into prices. For your motor a CD power pack is $175 and each coil is $48. You can order these online at www.seilermarine.com The CD pack is manufactured by CDI Electronics and comes with a two year warranty. The coils come with a one year warranty. <br />I checked into the SELOC FORCE manual at www.chiltonsonline.com. Looks like the Force manual is no longer available. Sorry about that.