I am looking at buying my neighbors 125 hp Force outboard. He purchased it from some old timer 3 years ago. Did the the lake test and all, and everything worked fine. So he purchased it from him. But the boat had a bunch of quirks and one of them was starting. The old man gave him instructions on how to start it. I was actually over at his house and he started the motor up, but then after that, he has never been able to start it up. Fast forward to today, and I want to purchase the motor from him, but want to check the compression first. So I went over and replaced the ignition switch on it, and put on a good battery. But when I turn the key, nothing happens, other than the choke thingy moves.

So my question is what do I need to check on this thing to get it to turn over?

And before anyone says it, yes I know these motors have a bad reputation, but I just need something to get me on the water. The Bluewave bay boat I want is waiting for me @ the dealer. So as I soon as I get the money (so far I have $1 saved up), I will not worry about no old outboard.

Check the neutral safety switch (interlock), then the starter solenoid (relay).

Thank you sir, I will do that first thing in the morning.

that didn't work.

So you checked the starter relay and it's getting power when you turn on the key? Make sure all your connections are tight on the starter. You may take a voltmeter and check for voltage on the starter side of relay.

What do you mean? You have to check the circuits. Is it getting 12v to the ignition switch, to the small post on the starter relay when key is turned to start?

Alright, seems I was ignoring the obvious here. The interlock switch was not being depressed. So the remote control box needs to be replaced (or adjusted) along with the cables. I was able to check the pressure on all 4 cylinders and 3 of them were @ 110 and 1 of them was @ 125. Thanks for your help, I went ahead purchased the motor from him, actually I got the whole boat, but I should be able to get rid of that soon.