Force 85hp Starter Problem, please help

[AKFORCE85]

I have just put a new and tested starter on my 88 85hp force outboard. First time i turned the key with new starter everything worked fine. Next 20 times i tried starting the motor the bend-ix wouldnt engage. So i removed the starter and tested it again and worked fine. After putting starter back on and putting wires back on the outboard turned over fine, 4 or 5 times it turned over fine. So I got my fuel tank ready and tried starting the motor. once i tried to start it again I havnt been able to get starter to turn flywheel ever since. Is my reset bad cause i dnt see anything to push on the reset,

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Force 85hp Starter Problem, please help

PROFILE?? Does the bendix engage?Is the battery good?Load test it.
If the connections are good and the starter engages but won't turn the motor.Take the plugs out and try to turn it over.If it turns then,do a compression/spark test.J

 

[AKFORCE85]

Re: Force 85hp Starter Problem, please help

The few times the Bend-ix did engage the motor turns over fine. Its the Bend-ix not engaging all the time I dont understand. Starter spins when i turn key but doesnt pop up to spin flywheel. I will load test everything though. Thanks

 

[steveclv]

Re: Force 85hp Starter Problem, please help

Clean and lightly oil the bendix - sounds like it's gummed up so clean it with a spray carb cleaner or similar and then lightly oil it with a drop of 3in1. I also replaced the cable from the solenoid to the starter as it was a very thin 8ga cable - found a nice 2 ga in Walmart for 5 bucks - less voltage drop.

 

[AKFORCE85]

Re: Force 85hp Starter Problem, please help

I have tested all my leades from battery to starter, 13 volts. Even have 13 volts to the starter when trying to start motor. Do I take the starter apart to clean and lube bend-ix? The starter is band new and has worked a few times. Why this is so odd to me.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Force 85hp Starter Problem, please help

Take the starter apart.It spins and the bendix won't engage.Look for bad connections broken/bad brushes etc.If it's new take it back and exchange it.Lube the worm gear under the bendix.J

 

[steveclv]

Re: Force 85hp Starter Problem, please help

"new" starters very rarely are 'new' - they are mostly reconditioned and I have seen shade tree mechanics grab a tin of degreaser and a pot of black paint and make a 'reconditioned' starter or alternator without touching it with a screwdriver

Not that they are all disreputable, but the quality can vary from great to abysmal so having a bad one is always on the cards.

To clean the bendix, just spray the end of the starter where the threads are and move the bendix up and down several times to dislodge any gum - then a couple of drops of lightweight household oil.

I'd return it before I opened it up if it's new.

 

[swrupert83]

Re: Force 85hp Starter Problem, please help

I have an '85 85 hp that i bought a new starter for it (smoked the old one cranking too long... the bad part of having an optima battery) and after about a week the bendix wouldn't engage the flywheel. a few drops of marvel mystery oil into the bendix and it worked fine again for a few months, then the same... few more drops & perfect again. fyi don't stand next to the motor with the cover off and start it after oiling the bendix

 

[swrupert83]

Re: Force 85hp Starter Problem, please help

oil around the bendix gear, you'll see a seem between where the teeth are and the out side lip. the oil needs to get inside the bendix.... it works off internal friction and needs the oil as a medium..... i think

 

[AKFORCE85]

Re: Force 85hp Starter Problem, please help

So I took the starter off and oiled below the bendix and thats what was wrong, just a lil gummed up. Thanks for all your help. I will be on the water tomorrow

 

[steveclv]

Re: Force 85hp Starter Problem, please help

Another happy customer

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Force 85hp Starter Problem, please help

Glad I could help.J