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1989 F0rce 85 turns over in spurts but won't start

C

cjf1980

New member
Hi all,

I accidently reversed the 12/14 AWG Grnd and +ve battery cables (the smaller ones) that supply power to the steering panel.
The thick 10 AWG battery cables (+ve and Ground) were connected correctly.
During that time, I kept trying to start the engin but nothing happened. Not realizing my mistake, I kept checking fuses under the strg panel, and must have turned the ignition key a couple of times.

Anyways, I have since then fixed my mistake, but now the engine turns over in spurts and does not start.

Would the incorrect battery connection have blown something?

Checked the starter and it works fine (disconnected from flywheel and tested)
Checked and cleaned the carb bowls, and they look good.
Checked spark plugs ( surface gap type) - they look okay.
Cleaned fuel filter.

How do I check the CD boxes, coils or spark?
Would the rectifier have blown and if so, does that affect starting? It is my understanding that, it only helps with charging the battery.
Any ideas on what I need to do next?
Appreciate the help.

CJ

Oops , forgot to include the model - Force 856X89F
 
Last edited:
Possibly blew the trigger/stator.
Remove one plug,hold it against the block.
Then turn the motor over.
Look for spark at the electrode.
Use insulated pliers or a piece of wood.
outboard ignition. com and CDI ignition has test procedures for outboards.
Do a compression test just to makle sure everything is ok.J
 
just for the hell of it disconnect the green and black wire under the cowl that goes from the power pack(s) to the kill switch...
 
papyson said:
just for the hell of it disconnect the green and black wire under the cowl that goes from the power pack(s) to the kill switch...
Click to expand...

Will try that. Papyson
Are you suggesting that the power packs are at ground? That the kill switch is bad.
From the wiring diag, I cannot understand how the primary wire mix up caused all this.

Any explanation would be very welcome.

Thanks,
CJ
 
Jerryjerry05 said:
Possibly blew the trigger/stator.
Remove one plug,hold it against the block.
Then turn the motor over.
Look for spark at the electrode.
Use insulated pliers or a piece of wood.
outboard ignition. com and CDI ignition has test procedures for outboards.
Do a compression test just to makle sure everything is ok.J
Click to expand...

Here's an update.

Jerry, checked the spark plugs. They are all sparking fine.
The engine turns over good with the spark plugs removed.

So I'm thinking, it may not be electrical.
Am I right? I do not think the battery is a problem and will have it load tested.

I also disconnected the kill wires from the stator. No change.

Checked continuity at the kill switch. It is zero with the lanyard pulled and open when in.
So the kill switch is okay.
It is definitely sparking, but the question is - is that enough. Or maybe there's no fuel getting to the cylinders

Any ideas?

I am still not sure how the stator or trigger would blow.
Just not sure if changing it will solve the problem. Since I'm seeing sparks on all 3 plugs.
Appreciate the feedback.

Thanks,
CJ.
 
If your getting spark and fuel.
Then possibly the flywheel key sheared.
I don't usually tell people to do this.
Starting fluid.Quick shot in the carbs.
No start?? Pull the flywheel.
 
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