Force 90 hp wont start after running...

[98 Bayliner Capri]

Hi , after some help please ! I have a 98' Bayliner 1600 Capri (have owned from new), with 90 hp Force by Mercury Marine. In 12 years use never had a single problem with the boat/motor....until 2 weeks ago when it all went sour ! To make matter's worse have recently had it serviced by local Mercury dealer (motor has been serviced annually without fail since new by Mercury dealer). My issue is that after running for an hour or so waterskiing it stalled a few times when going into gear from netural.. it did start after a few times however. Then it just failed to start ! The motor would turn over , but would not start despite repeated attempts. Ensured bulb was firm so we had fuel going to it , but it still refused to start. It did however start first time next day cold... Following weekend after skiing for couple of hours same thing occurred.. just would not start. Took it back to Mercury dealer who could not fault it! He replaced fuel filter was all he did after testing it. Have now lost faith in it. Any help would be appreciated.. Could it be vapour lock from the fuel tank , or a thermastat issue ?? Regards , Richard ( Melbourne Australia )

 

[TwoFish]

Re: Force 90 hp wont start after running...

The problem could bet lots of things but if you could give some information on what test the dealer did it would help.

The guys on this forum are great. They helped me sort out some problems with my motor and it runs fantastically now. Don?t give up on the motor yet.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Force 90 hp wont start after running...

While the engine is cold, check the spark at the plugs. You should have a good strong arc that "snaps". Make a mental note of the appearance of the spark. Next time you have the problem, check the spark again. If the spark is not as strong, or non-existent, then I would suspect the stator may be failing after it gets hot. You can also check the stator windings with a OHM meter.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force 90 hp wont start after running...

You say that you run it for a couple hours, then it won't start.
How much time in between when you shut it down, and when you try to start it?


Sounds very much like a flooded engine.

This can happen very easily if the diaphram in the fuel pump has worn out, torn, or has holes in it.
The ethanol in our modern fuel is also effecting the life of the diaphram.

This is a maintenance item that should be replaced every few years.
Simple job, $20 in parts, less than 30 minutes labor.


You can do it yourself if you choose.


What happens? The fuel pump is mounted on the side of the powerhead and uses compression pulses
to move the diaphram. If the diaphram fails, fuel leaks thru, directly into the powerhead, and creates a flooded condition on one or more cylinders.

I would rebuild the fuel pump.

 

[98 Bayliner Capri]

Re: Force 90 hp wont start after running...

Hi all , wow I got 3 replies.... just brilliant. Ok , some more info.... at first we all thought that it had run out of fuel - & that it was a faulty fuel gauge ( gauge said half full...but as it would not start we thought ok - no gas in tank...so we took the boat out of the water...I put in 25 litres of fuel to test my theory & next morning in the driveway with muff's on it started first time ! So I told Mercury dealer what had occurred...but my instructions were more around "fix the damn fuel gauge".. so he checked it all - apparently gauge ok , sender in tank ok... but he replaced the fuel filter also. Picked it up from dealer a few days later , started 1st time in water... then we did couple of hours skiing & then as per my 1st note it did same thing again...that is refused to start after running. We had stopped on the beach for a coffee break - would have been 30 to 45 mins... tried to start & just would not go. Luckily a kind chap in a Malibu towed us back to the ramp. I have to be honest & say that I dont have the tools or know-how to check the spark at the plugs... a pity I know as I would love to be able to fix myself... I would not know one end of an OHM meter from the other ! Ideally I want to go to my dealer with all feedback on here & say to him what the most likely problems are ( fuel pump , use OHM meter to test spark , diaphram etc... ) & have him fix... Anything else that can be suggested would be appreciated ! I suppose I have to think that after 12-years use that things start to go wrong / get old... but I love the boat & Force motor so will persist ! Thanks again to everyone thus far...

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Force 90 hp wont start after running...

Well Richard, if you feel adventurous, you can purchase a manual and do it yourself. If you see how easy it is to do these things yourself compared to the cost of having a Marine mechanic perform the same repairs, you'll be amazed. With some basic mechanical/electrical ability, and a few tools, you can do quite a bit on these motors.