125hp force compression

danny9696

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 4, 2009
Messages
111
I am looking to get an 87 force 125hp the guy said 90psi all cylenders, I would like to know if that is a good compression
 

Bigprairie1

Commander
Joined
Jun 13, 2007
Messages
2,568
Re: 125hp force compression

Danny
That isn't great compression. If it's dead even on all cylinders (at 90psi) the motor will run reasonably smooth however it will have minimal power.
The general rule of thumb is for all cylinders to have over 100psi and deviation to be within 10% of one another. ;)
That motor probably had something around 150psi new so you are down about 40%...so the power decrease should be clear.
I think I would look for a motor in a little better condition.
That said, if you get it for nothing...its worth something in parts for sure, particularly if it has a good lower unit, prop, tilt-trim etc.
My two bits,
BP:):cool:
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: 125hp force compression

Never, never, never judge and engine by psi alone if all cylinders are close.

There are too many variables: guage, situation, temp, residual lubrication, technique, battery strength, condition of starter wiring. . . all can affect readings.

If the guy is telling the truth about the readings the engine is mechanically sound. That, however, says nothing about the condition of the ignition and fuel systems or the drive train.
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: 125hp force compression

If all cylinders are reading 90, then the engine will most likely NOT need mechanical rebuilding and that's a plus. Electric components are easily replaced. However, electrical if bought new can be quite expensive and you don't know the condition of existing components unless the seller starts the engine. If you have parts that you can swap, then it becomes a moot point.

How much is the seller asking and what year is the engine? Also, what is the general over-all condition? These are also factors to consider.

I just bought three junkers of unknown condition for 350 total. I expect them to be non-functional and I intend to use them for salvage parts.
 

slasmith1

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Dec 2, 2008
Messages
1,028
Re: 125hp force compression

It's a force let it die in peace and do what all force o/b's do become a boat anchor your money is better spent on a reliable product from a reliable manufacturer (that is still in buisness). just my personal opinion though.
 

azlakes

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 8, 2007
Messages
720
Re: 125hp force compression

It's a force let it die in peace and do what all force o/b's do become a boat anchor your money is better spent on a reliable product from a reliable manufacturer (that is still in buisness). just my personal opinion though.


Danny - you have JB & Frank responding with helpful advice as always.

... then there's Mr. Smith. And as in the movie The Matrix or the tv show Lost in Space. Mr Smith was more of an annoyance, seldom helpful but always happy to hear himself speak.
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: 125hp force compression

Slasmith: If you don't like Force engines and don't own one, what are you doing on this forum besides making trouble? This is the third or fourth time you have remarked about Force engines being good only for an anchor.

I submit that most naysayers are usually talking with their head up their butt. If you specifically had a bad experience with a Force engine, and that has soured you, come out with it, then let it be. Don't keep raining on everyone else's parade. If you are by some chance jesting, please put LOL after so everyone knows it.

While I freely admit that Force, and Chrysler engines before them, do have some poor attributes, they also have some very positive engineering too.
 

slasmith1

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Dec 2, 2008
Messages
1,028
Re: 125hp force compression

Slasmith: If you don't like Force engines and don't own one, what are you doing on this forum besides making trouble? This is the third or fourth time you have remarked about Force engines being good only for an anchor.

I submit that most naysayers are usually talking with their head up their butt. If you specifically had a bad experience with a Force engine, and that has soured you, come out with it, then let it be. Don't keep raining on everyone else's parade. If you are by some chance jesting, please put LOL after so everyone knows it.

While I freely admit that Force, and Chrysler engines before them, do have some poor attributes, they also have some very positive engineering too.

Once again i am not bashing just giving my personal opinion based on experience. I have owned 1 force outboard and 1 was enough. I have owned many boats and motors and the force 90 I had was the worst motor I have ever owned bar none.

I was very politely and with somewhat tongue in cheek humor letting someone who hasn't made the mistake of buying a questionable product that he will no doubt spend more time working on than using in my experience know my opinion as a former force owner so he can make an informed decision based on more than one viewpoint. I am under the impression that these forums are for people to get more than one view to be able to make informed decisions. if I am wrong please correct me but your personal attacks are impolite and show everyone your true character.
 

slasmith1

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Dec 2, 2008
Messages
1,028
Re: 125hp force compression

... your wrong and after reading your rant frankly a little scary

So anyone who doesn't jump on your force band wagon is both wrong and scary? wow thats kind of simple minded.
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,071
Re: 125hp force compression

I've had a pair of force motors for 20 years and the only thing needed was to replace the impellers every few years..Keep them lubed and clean.
Compression: if it reads 90 across the board then the guage might be reading wrong.Good comp should be close to 150#
On any make of motor you can have a lemon.J
 

javsam

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 24, 2005
Messages
421
Re: 125hp force compression

slasmith1 you come here to bash the Force outboards which is pointless.This forums purpose is to help other owners maintain their outboards and help educate them.The Force and Chrysler motors are very simple to work on .I personally own a 1986 Force 15 hp that has been a great motor for me over the years and has been trouble free.It was the lightest 15 hp outboard ever made weighing in at only 58 Lbs.I also own some OMC products that are no longer made and hear the naysayer's talk to stay away,yet I have found them to be quite reliable.If an owner is willing to learn how to repair and maintain their equipment,then it really isn't that hard.Isn't it time for you just to move on.
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: 125hp force compression

It was not a personal attack---I just don't like you or your attitude! NOTE THE LOL.

It is difficult enough to read a person's mind face to face, let alone on line, so how are we to know you are writing something "tongue in cheek?" Anyway, your tag line indicates (to me) your true intentions, no matter what you wrote to explain.--I could be wrong though and if I am, I am truly, sincerely repentant and chastened. (if you believe that I have a bridge in Brooklyn for sale too)

Don't try to BS a BSer

Secondly, bashing a brand based on one engine and just describing it as the worst engine you ever owned is NOT helpful at all. Describing the problem or problems you experienced IS helpful to all concerned.

And yes, repeating the same line verbatim at least four times in the forum over time IS bashing, at least as far as I am concerned.

And that is the last thing I will write on this.
 

danny9696

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 4, 2009
Messages
111
Re: 125hp force compression

Hi all I personally have been on a few boats with force engines and they ran great and really was not as noisy as my 200hp merc. as for my opinion I agree that any one that is willing to learn and do the maintenance and keep an open mind every engine or boat can and will be what you make it out to be. I love the water, I am new to having my own boat, but I did get the bug from being on other boats any chance I got, so a lot of the knowledge about different boat engines is new to me and the people on this forum have been WONDERFULL TO LEARN FROM! Great advice and opinions, both have been very helpful.

The day I quit learning something new is the day I am six feet under!

Thank you all for your input:)
 

Bigprairie1

Commander
Joined
Jun 13, 2007
Messages
2,568
Re: 125hp force compression

Once again i am not bashing just giving my personal opinion based on experience. I have owned 1 force outboard and 1 was enough. I have owned many boats and motors and the force 90 I had was the worst motor I have ever owned bar none.

I was very politely and with somewhat tongue in cheek humor letting someone who hasn't made the mistake of buying a questionable product that he will no doubt spend more time working on than using in my experience know my opinion as a former force owner so he can make an informed decision based on more than one viewpoint. I am under the impression that these forums are for people to get more than one view to be able to make informed decisions. if I am wrong please correct me but your personal attacks are impolite and show everyone your true character.

...one, you owned one? and it didn't work out for you?....and that is the standpoint that is defining your opinion on all of those who ask about other Force motors? (you must have married your high school sweetheart after the first date;):D) LOL
Well, I guess I can cancel your opinion out. I too have had one Force engine...just one. It is a 90hp, like yours was and it has never failed to start or well on approximately 70+ outings...go figure.
It may have been that you didn't check out the motor properly before purchasing...this is part of motor shopping 101 and there are some great threads on this.
Anywhooo, the most important thing here for any engine is to make sure it has been properly maintained and cared for....not who necessarily built it.
All Good
BP;):)
 

timdan94

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 23, 2008
Messages
480
Re: 125hp force compression

I have had a 1985 85hp force for a year now I did have to machine the clutch dog because of the previous owner. other than that the engine has been one of the easiest starting best running outboard my dad or I have owned. he even made the remark it starts better than any of the mercs he has ever owned and he has owned a few. my engine was a little neglected by the previous owners but it has gotten me home every time. My dad always had to start the mercs we had when I was little at home to make sure they'd run before we went to the lake. this outboard we aren't even concerned about because all you have to do is prime it, choke it and in about 3-4 seconds it is running. I thought I made a mistake buying the force but it looks fairly simple to work on and I've had good luck with it.

thats my 2 cents
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: 125hp force compression

Enough bickering about member style of input.

This is Danny's thread and it is about evaluating compression.

If you have input about evaluating results of a compression test, please contribute. If not, please restrain yourself.
 

Jack Daniels

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 21, 2007
Messages
266
Re: 125hp force compression

I wouldnt be scared of the 90 psi, it really depends on a lot of variables. I had my compression 1983 85HP Chrysler FORCE checked at a shop and got 85 psi on all cylinders but she still ran 38 MPH with plenty of power and still does. Once i bought my own compression reader and tested it myself using the directions from this website i got 125 PSI on each cylinder. Follow Franks and JBs advice, they know what they are talking about.
 

slasmith1

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Dec 2, 2008
Messages
1,028
Re: 125hp force compression

slasmith1 you come here to bash the Force outboards which is pointless.This forums purpose is to help other owners maintain their outboards and help educate them.The Force and Chrysler motors are very simple to work on .I personally own a 1986 Force 15 hp that has been a great motor for me over the years and has been trouble free.It was the lightest 15 hp outboard ever made weighing in at only 58 Lbs.I also own some OMC products that are no longer made and hear the naysayer's talk to stay away,yet I have found them to be quite reliable.If an owner is willing to learn how to repair and maintain their equipment,then it really isn't that hard.Isn't it time for you just to move on.

If you read the post this isn't an owner but someone looking to buy I was just trying to give him both perspectives.
 
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