1987 85 hp force any good

[dsujen]

I can get one for $500. They say it runs. I'm a johnson/evinrude guy that is tired of working on johnson/evinrude

 

[fhhuber]

Its a nearly 30 year old engine... you'll be working on it.

If you want one that won't be needing significant maintenance, you want something considerably newer.

 

[Frank Acampora]

No better nor worse than any other engine on the market. BUT-- understand that if you are replacing a V4 OMC engine the OMC will run rings around the Force.

If the force is actually in good condition and actually running it may run 'till you die. On the other hand, it may crap out the day after you put it on the boat. That's the crapshoot you take with almost any old engine.

INSIST on a compression test and hearing it run on muffs or in the water if that is possible. Remember: NO oil injection. 50-1 TWC-3 fuel/oil mix.

$500 with power trim is a real good deal. It is average to good without power trim and you MUST have controls included. You can not swap OMC controls onto the engine.

 

[tommarvin]

How much are new controls ? What's wrong with the Johnson/evinrude. Cant you rebuild an outboard for about $ 1,000.00 in parts ?, includes rebore/honing.pistons

If Frank says the V4 OMC is a lot better than Force, I wouldn't buy the force.

If the compression is bad, take the $ 500 you were going to spend on the Force, and another $500.00 and you have a new known quality engine.

You have plenty of time before boating season, to get er done.

 

[jerryjerry05]

The only thing I do to my twin 88/85's is change the oil and grease the spots that need lube.
​Every year I do a comp test and a de-carb(if I run it a lot).
Every 3 years or so I change the impellers(it's time) Some change every year or two.

Saltwater?? EVERYTIME flush it after use.
If you run in fresh water and never find the bottom you can forgo the flushing.
I used my boat in Michigan for a few years and didn't bother with flushing. We fished the deeper water and never hit bottom.

The 85/125 and 150hp was one of the ones that were touted to be the best HP to weight ratio for any outboard.

I've had the OMC 4cyl and 3 cyl and would buy any one that had good comp and spark and didn't have water in the oil.
This includes the Force.
Like Frank said the trim on a running motor is well worth the $$$$

IF??? one brand is BETER?? than the other??
Yes some were better engineered than others.
As far as running??? NOT!! in my opinion.
Unfortunately mine haven't ran in a while But I keep them started every month and ready to go if things open up(cool down) and we decide to go.

Any older 3/4 cyl can be rebuilt for as low as $200-300 depending on the parts $$$

If you use the old pistons and bearings the cost can be low.

I rebuilt a 4cyl 4 years ago and just replaced 1 piston and it's still running.