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1989 Force 85hp won't fire.

T

tott

New member
I'm the original owner of a 1989 Bayliner Capri with a 85hp Force engine.
Last season I could not start it. No spark. I replaced the stater and trigger coils, it backfired once, then no start.
I took it to the local marina where it sat for 3 months. They contacted the mfg of the coils I had installed and the mfg sent two more coils which they installed along with two ign. packs. When I got it back, it still would not start. The marina said I had old fuel. I drained the fuel and replenished it with fresh. I finally got it running after cleaning the plug wire connectors (rusty). I put it away for winter. I am in the process of getting it ready to launch, and i'm back to square one. No spark with the spark plugs in the cylinders. If I remove the plugs and crank it with the plugs in a test jig, I get spark. Oh, I also replaced the flywheel.
Can anybody offer me a solution to my problem? I REALLY DON'T WANT TO PUT ANOTHER $1500 BUCKS IN THIS THING.
 
You have the kill button engaged?(had to ask)
Sometimes the buttons insides get corroded and won't allow the motor to start.
Unhook it and test it with a meter.
Some work when they complete a circuit, some work when breaking the circuit.
Figure out the one you have? Then either jumper it with a piece of wire or just leave it hanging.

outboardignition.com or cdiignition.com have test results for your motor.
You can do the base tests for your motor, you'll need an analog meter.
For the advanced test you need a DVA/ Peak Reading Volt Meter.

Here's a short piece of what you can find at OI or CDI


  1. Disconnect kill wire AT THE PACK.
  2. Check for broken or bare wires on the unit, stator and trigger.
  3. Measure DVA voltage of the stator between the output wire sets. With everything connected, reading s should be approximately 180 volts or more. Resistance readings between the stator wire sets range from 680 - 800 ohms.
  4. Disconnect the rectifier. If the engine fires, replace the rectifier.
Turning over slow can also make a no spark situation.
Make sure the magnet in the flywheel hasn't broken loose and isn't spinning with the flywheel.
 
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