Search results

  1. sidenberg

    optimax saltwater question

    I am looking at a new purchase, a 2002 Mercury Optimax Saltwater 150 HP. Anyone offer opinion on this motor as far as reliability, ease of self repair and maintenance etc. My current motor is a 1987 Force 125 that was easy to work on and still runs excellent but this newer boat I am considering...
  2. sidenberg

    1987 Force 125 Tilt motor not working

    Just testing motor getting ready for fishing next month and tilt motor not working at all. No sound or nothing when switching toggle. Was working fine last time about 1 month ago. Where do I start checking?
  3. sidenberg

    Ignition system parts life span

    1987 Force 125 HP. Wondering about the various ignition parts, ie trigger, stator, coils, cd modules, etc., Will these things need to be replaced eventually. Is it not about if, but when? If so I am considering purchasing these items now while they are still available and reasonably cheap. What...
  4. sidenberg

    Force 1987 125 HP doesn't start sometimes

    Went fishing. Engine started up right away at the start and ran perfectly. AFter running about 45 minutes I shut off the motor to fish. After sitting about a half hour tried to start but no go. Motor turns over but found no spark. AFter sitting for about 20 minutes engine started up and ran...
  5. sidenberg

    Oil drip from propeller shaft

    I noticed small oil drip along bottom edge of lower unit under propeller. Must be from the shaft I quess. Iiis this easily fixable or should I be looking for another lower unit?
  6. sidenberg

    Force 125 Prop rotation

    A right hand prop rotation means in forward gear the prop is turning clockwise, right?
  7. sidenberg

    Bayliner floor repair

    1987 Bayliner Capri cuddy 19'. I am replacing some of the plywood flooring and would like advice on best product for sealing. Is it okay to use allpurpose polyester resin directly on the raw plywood? If not what type of polyester resin would be best. What about a gelcoat on the raw plywood...
  8. sidenberg

    1987 Bayliner water leak detection

    I a have a 1987 Bayliner Capri cuddy 19'. Not surprisingly I have discovered various water leaks originating from the top deck at the bow. Places like the the hatch cover, windshield, cleats etc. I noticed that the rubber bumper that runs around the outside edge has been sealed from the...
  9. sidenberg

    Trailering Bracket

    This trailering bracket does seem to fit exactly correct. Is this how it should look?
  10. sidenberg

    Tilt Cylinder Leaking Force 125

    The tilt cylinder on the right side of my 1987 Force 125 just started a small leak of fluid. I just noticed a bit of fluid has dripped that appears to be coming from the top around the shaft. I intend to replace the seals to correct this. I would appreciate any guidance with this repair.
  11. sidenberg

    Bad Fuel

    How long will fuel last in the tank premixed with oil and a stabilizer like stabil?
  12. sidenberg

    Water Pressure & Temp Questions

    1987 Force 125. Will hooking up a water pressure gauge to the telltale plug outlet give an accurate reading to determine if the water pump is working correctly? If so, what would be the proper PSI at idle and at WOT? Using an infrared thermometer what would be the proper temp when pointing at...
  13. sidenberg

    Trailering Bracket

    In looking at the motor leg parts diagram for Force 125 I notice a trailering bracket part # 72. Is the use of this effective and or necessary? It seems as it would help take pressure off the power tilt will towing but not sure if it would help reduce any stress on the transom.
  14. sidenberg

    Seized T-Stat screws and telltale plug

    1987 Force 125 Screws for T-Stat cover and slotted screw plug above got telltale are frozen solid. Tried impact driver with no results except bent, broken, bits. I think all these parts are original. Any ideas besides drilling?
  15. sidenberg

    Gasket Sealer on Impeller Change

    1987 Force 125. Should gasket sealer be used on both sides of the gasket that goes under the metal plate and should sealer be used between the metal plate and the impeller housing? If so what type of sealer is best?
  16. sidenberg

    Force 125 exhaust relief attachment

    I am thinking about doing this (see photo) to help alleviate the exhaust fumes while at idle. The idea is to put the tubes about an inch below the surface of the water. Do you think this will work? Could it harm anything?
  17. sidenberg

    Steam from exhaust relief ports

    I have discussed this issue before regarding the steam that comes from the exhaust relief ports of my 1987 Force 125. It occurs during idle and lower speeds in the "no wake zone" only. I understand that most of the exhaust and cooling water flow from these ports at low speed due to back pressure...
  18. sidenberg

    Force 125 Timing Specs??

    I am not obsessing here, but this is way too fun and I just cant help it. I downloaded a Force manual that seems to be an original from US Marine. For a 1987 125 hp timing specs it says Static at 34 BTDC and Dynamic at 32 BTDC. I do not understand this. I thought that static or "cranking" should...
  19. sidenberg

    water cooling question

    The 2 holes at the back of the mid leg where the water exits the motor, is that just water and pressure from the impeller or is it mixed with exhaust? Force 1987 125 HP.
  20. sidenberg

    Steam from exhaust

    I am getting excessive steam or vapor coming from the 2 portholes out the back of the leg, during idle and continues up to about 3000 rpm or what is called the "no wake zone". It does not occur when using ears or in a bucket. In the ocean it starts happening as soon as the engine is first...
Top