1989 Force 125's

[TrenchFisherman]

My father just bought a 1989 Bayliner with twin 125 force engines. I begged and pleaded him not to get the boat especially with those motors after I read all the posts on this site. Is there any good points with these motors? Most posts on this board is people having problems and I am just wondering if there is anything good about the engines? What parts are we going to have to always check and make sure she is running sound? Thanks

 

[wvit100]

Re: 1989 Force 125's

I have an '89 Force 125 on my boat and haven't had any problems out of it. I run some decarb through it a couple of times every year but so far I haven't had to do anything other than regular maintenance. My only real problem with it has been getting it to idle right so that it wouldn't die when putting it into gear. I finally rebuilt the carbs this past summer and made sure all the settings were correct and it ran better. It also has one spot in the rpm range, just coming off idle, where the motor has a shake to it. I've finally decided that is just the way it runs. My motor seems to run much better on the Champion plugs than any others.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1989 Force 125's

Shaun,<br /> I always hoped Force would do well.Unfortunately<br />they didnt make it.Apparently for obvious<br />reasons.While some factory parts are still available there is no factory parts support.There are some generic parts available and after market service manuals are easy to get.NAPA auto parts has 12 pages of Chrysler/Force parts.Compared to 87 pages of E/J parts.I have heard that some Bayliners arent too good as well.Although Ive heard that larger Bayliners are better How large I dont know.<br /> As with any boat, if this boat was sitting a long time, more than a season,I would go through the fuel system from tank to Carb(s)Check clean and repair as required.If you dont know the motors I would seriously consider replacing the water pumps.If these motors start nickel diming you be careful it could be a hard habit to break.<br /> Even "good" brands can be a real money pit.<br /> I think a smart move would be to plan an eventual<br /> upgrade to a single motor in the 200 hp range.<br /> I think a carefully selected 200 would perform<br /> as well or better than that pair with less gas<br /> and heartache.<br />Hope your dad has many hours of happy cruising.

 

[DJ]

Re: 1989 Force 125's

shaun,<br /><br />You can make the Force's live on by being especially vigilant regarding maintenance.<br /><br />They tend to run a bit dirty, so, decarb. process is a MUST.<br /><br />Stay close to them and run em' till they die.

 

[TrenchFisherman]

Re: 1989 Force 125's

somebody mentioned that i should sell these motors. i was thinking about it and wondered hope much i could get for the twin 125's? does anybody have a clue what they are worth? thanks

 

[12Footer]

Re: 1989 Force 125's

After what Djohns explained, I'll answer this other question..Not much. It's the worst part about a Force engine (it's resale value).<br />They are good engines, given maticulous attention to maintainence.<br />The most you can get for Force engines (running) is on trade-in for new engines,in the crate.<br />And that price will surely be jacked.<br />But again,do what Djohns said, and baby them for many more years of service..Turn your head to them for one trip, and You'll prly end-up replacing them sooner than you'd like.<br />You axed abt the engines weakest points. They are, <br /><br />A exaust port plate gasket warping,allowing water to enter the cylinders. Check the compression frequently.<br /><br />B The lower units seam to lose thier seal a bit more than other motors.<br /><br />C They carbon up rapidy, (as previously mentioned), and they don't run well on additives that limit carbon.So frequent shock treatments are essential.<br /><br />D They don't like salt water. Don't get me wrong,tho..With proper flushing after every outing, they'll live long and prosper. Forget that step, and they wont. It's just what they are made outta.<br />Bayliners are not the best made boat.Do a search here for "Bayliner" for more detailed info.

 

[Dave H]

Re: 1989 Force 125's

I to have a Bayliner with twin 125's and could not agree more with 12Footer. Unfortunatly I had to learn the hard way.

 

[Bry21317]

Re: 1989 Force 125's

I have an 88 Bayliner Capri with a Force 125hp, and as 12Footer says they will run forever if you treat them right. You must do all the Maintenance on them for them to treat you right.<br /><br />I have had mine for about 5 yrs and all I have done is tweak it, never had it break, other than the trim has problems. Other than that the engine purs perfect. Only rebuilt the carbs twice, probably didnt have to, but I did it. Replaced the Fuel diaphragm, didn't have to, water pump impeller every year and she will keep running forever.<br /><br />At least I hope. Oh yea don't forget the Deep Creep Decarb, this is what I think 12Footer recommended and it works great on this engine.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Bryan Cox