1988 "force" motor

[richpor_1]

Hi,

Back again, and still looking for a boat. It's the end of the season and I think I'm ready to buy. I am looking at an 88 bayliner with this motor on it. I am told that it's actually a Merc in Force clothing and that service and parts should be no problem, can anyone comment?

Thanks in advance...

 

[jnk111]

Re: 1988 "force" motor

The motor looks like mine, also an 88. That is made by chrysler. I maybe wrong and I am sure someone will chime in if I am. Pretty sure it is made by chrysler though.

 

[richpor_1]

Re: 1988 "force" motor

Hi, Thanks for the reply.

I was told by my marina that those motors are half chrysler and half Merc... Have you had any problems with yours, and do you have and problems sourcing parts for it?

Thanks,

 

[jnk111]

Re: 1988 "force" motor

I just purchased my boat within the last month and a half. If the motor is original and a 1988 it is all chrysler. Merc did not buy force until early to mid 90s.

I can not get mine to get past 4200rpms (it should be 4500-5500) I have been able to get fuel pump and carb kits locally without any trouble. My motor seems to run very well, at least it sounds like it. I have a thread here and on another site going. On the other site it is leaning towards a bad tach.

Hope this helps

 

[17force85]

Re: 1988 "force" motor

i baught a boat with a force motor on it the guy ran it for me and i got it for a good deal! i thought....just make sure you test drive it on the water and make sure its for a good 20 mins or so so the motor can get warmed up thats where im having problems after the motor gets warm if you read most of the force threads everybody has problems if you read merc threads not very many people have problems that are serious choose wisely i wish i didn't buy mine

 

[bowhuntrrl]

Re: 1988 "force" motor

Pure Chrysler/US Marine. Mercury didn't get involved until around '92-'93. Parts can sometimes be difficult to find, but there are lots of motors for parts around (I have one). Some love Force, others despise them. If you do your own maintenance, a Force is a nice simple motor, easy to work on. If you just want to run the crap out of it, buy something else !!!

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: 1988 "force" motor

If you just use this forum as a gauge, Force problems has ~9,500 posts, Johnson and Evinrude has 54,000, Mercury has 29,000, Yamaha and Suzuki has over 9,000. I'd say that Force/Chrysler is average or better in the troubles department. (I know, not a very scientific test, but it does tell something)

 

[newbie4life]

Re: 1988 "force" motor

If you just use this forum as a gauge, Force problems has ~9,500 posts, Johnson and Evinrude has 54,000, Mercury has 29,000, Yamaha and Suzuki has over 9,000. I'd say that Force/Chrysler is average or better in the troubles department. (I know, not a very scientific test, but it does tell something)

Yes... however, as a kid, we had an evinrude that was a 1950's model. And they're still making them. I don't know when they started... but if you just look at that, you'll see that Johnson/Evinrude has over 50 years (that I know of), and Force is just a hair less.

I know I'm a little negative in this area, but I think on an outboard, if you like the boat, if something goes SERIOUSLY wrong, then buy a different outboard. Parts are getting a little difficult to find.

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...4195/25.png&inbr=1254&bnbr=11&bdesc=POWERHEAD

If you clicky on the linky, it'll take you to an 88 85hp force diagram. Then, look at the list of parts that are not available. The list will just keep growing over time.

 

[17force85]

Re: 1988 "force" motor

you counted the amount of posts that each brand has! congradulations! what you didn't do was look at those posts and relize that most of those posts were for silly questions like what kind of oil do u recommend or what kind of spark plug should i use or how do i pimp out my boat motor cause it runs just freakin fine cause its not a force....i personally will never buy a force again

 

[Kajun37]

Re: 1988 "force" motor

its not a half merc..its all us marine...you can still get parts for them...mainly from ebay or finding a parts motor....mercury has some items but very few...you can get gaskets and carb kits and stuff like that...tilt and trims can be rebuilt..same as lower unit or you can buy them used on ebay......do a search for "force outboards" on ebay.

i loved my force before i blew it up,i'm currently putting another powerhead on it....its a great motor to learn to work on motors on...very simple.....if you don't plan on doing ALL your maintence or repairs on it..DO NOT BUY....mechanics will rape you....however if you getting the boat/motor for cheap and want to work on it..... go for it..

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: 1988 "force" motor

Force?...they have a few weak points for sure. Every o/b motor does. Mine so far, knock on wood, is running well.
If I had limit less budget for this pass time, which I don't, and if I needed a new motor, I would probably go out and buy Japanese....just like the cars bit. I'd probably start by looking into Honda, or Yamaha and go from there. There are probably the best.
So if you don't want to enter cherry picking debates on the ol' Merc/Evinrude/Johnson/Chrysler/Force/whatever yada, yada...then go buy Japanese and move on.
The local Merc mechanics said 'no problem' on doing maintenance and service on the Force. Fine...I'll take into them in the fall for a good winter storage/tune-up.
Do a quick search on Ebay under 'boat parts, Force'...you might be pleasantly surprised on the spare parts still out there. Get a few things if you think you might need them...and keep an eye out for a parts motor. Remember anything can be fixed...its usually the timing of the failure event that sucks rather the work required to avoid it or repair it.
Good luck!!

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: 1988 "force" motor

you counted the amount of posts that each brand has! congradulations! what you didn't do was look at those posts and relize that most of those posts were for silly questions like what kind of oil do u recommend or what kind of spark plug should i use or how do i pimp out my boat motor cause it runs just freakin fine cause its not a force....i personally will never buy a force again

And congratulations to you, 17, for re-stating the obvious. Counting had nothing to do with it. The numbers are there for all to see. I said it wasn't a scientific test. BUT the topic of all the forums is TROUBLES/REPAIR. Just gives the first order insight into numbers of issues, regardless of the issue itself. I'm truly glad that you have enough free time to properly categorize all the posts in all of the different forums.

I'm sorry you had problems with a Force. I'm going to guess you only owned one, but that is just a guess. You're opinion is valued, whether you feel the same way about other's or not.

Rich: As other's have said, and in my opinion, Force has relatively no more or no less problems than any other motors of the same vintage. Parts ARE available, but not necessarily from dealers in all cases. Because of this, if you are willing to do work on the engine yourself, you can do it all at a reasonable cost. If you depend on a shop to do the work for you, you may pay more due to their labor required to find parts (if they are willing to try at all).

And Newbie: I have a hell of a time getting parts for my '66 Austin Healey 3000 also... but that doesn't mean I'll stop trying to keep it running for as long as I can. Sure, I own a new vehicle as my daily driver. And, If I had the money, I'd own a much newer boat with a new Japanese O/B.

I'll be glad to provide my address for anyone willing to make donations to the Quadmaniac new boat/motor fund. Any takers?

 

[Scaaty]

Re: 1988 "force" motor

And congratulations to you, 17, for re-stating the obvious. Counting had nothing to do with it. The numbers are there for all to see. I said it wasn't a scientific test. BUT the topic of all the forums is TROUBLES/REPAIR. Just gives the first order insight into numbers of issues, regardless of the issue itself. I'm truly glad that you have enough free time to properly categorize all the posts in all of the different forums.

I'm sorry you had problems with a Force. I'm going to guess you only owned one, but that is just a guess. You're opinion is valued, whether you feel the same way about other's or not.

Rich: As other's have said, and in my opinion, Force has relatively no more or no less problems than any other motors of the same vintage. Parts ARE available, but not necessarily from dealers in all cases. Because of this, if you are willing to do work on the engine yourself, you can do it all at a reasonable cost. If you depend on a shop to do the work for you, you may pay more due to their labor required to find parts (if they are willing to try at all).

And Newbie: I have a hell of a time getting parts for my '66 Austin Healey 3000 also... but that doesn't mean I'll stop trying to keep it running for as long as I can. Sure, I own a new vehicle as my daily driver. And, If I had the money, I'd own a much newer boat with a new Japanese O/B.

I'll be glad to provide my address for anyone willing to make donations to the Quadmaniac new boat/motor fund. Any takers?

Known Stator..P-Pack probs, one piece driveshafts broke in two on the 25 inch motors..BUT..it depends MOST on WHO took care of it since birth...no easy answer..

 

[newbie4life]

Re: 1988 "force" motor

I'm guessing here, but I'd be willing to bet that a '66 Austin Healy is worth a little bit more than a Force O/B....

And the reason that you'd buy a new vehicle for a daily driver??? Let me guess... Dependability?

I'm not picking on you, certainly not. I understand. I have restored a couple of tractors -- more or less, a labor of love -- for fun. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it at all. I just know that when it's time to do any REAL work, I use the new, more reliable one.

I just made the point that Force hasn't been around for nearly as long as Johnson/Evinrude.... and while Johnson/Evinrude is still around, Force isn't so much.

I have to report that my disappointment in the Force products has been temporarily curbed, after my brother-in-law showed up and fixed whatever was wrong with the boat today. We drove it around for 1 1/2 hours and no problem at all. We'll see what tomorrow holds.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: 1988 "force" motor

My 50 horse Force has been good to me. I think it all comes down to maintenance or lack of. I was talking with my local marine store owner
(an older guy probably in his 70s) he said thay were an ok motor but you needed to keep up on things like leg oil, thermostats,water pump at least once an year. He also said that other motors all so had there problems but
force got the bad name. Keep in mind Force motors are a low end motor.
You get what you pay for.

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: 1988 "force" motor

And I didn't want to start a firestorm. I just wanted to point out that ALL brands of motors have problems. And you are absolutely right, MAINTENENCE is the key to long motor life, regardless of maker.

I don't swear by Force. It is the first O/B I've owned. Mine was very well maintained by the original owners (friends of mine) and so I am a lucky one. Only problems I've had so far are my own fault thru typical newbie issues. And so far, it's been a very good learning experience.

I'm still open to donations, though.

 

[newbie4life]

Re: 1988 "force" motor

I remember, as a kid, my dad and mom bought an old wood boat. It was a 1966 Badger boat. It was torn up bad. We worked on that thing for weekends on end to get the thing water ready. I remember going to the marina and picking up parts for the old Evinrude on it.

I remember seeing these new Bayliner boats. They had these new 'digital' motors -- only thing digital was the writing on the outside of the case, but I coulda sworn they were digital. I made the mistake of commenting on one as it went by the marina, said it was a nice boat or something. The owner just about killed me. He said they're 'nothing but a throw away boat. They're just junk.'

I think that's how I remember hearing about Force/Bayliner. They've always had a bad reputation -- right from the 'git go. Word of mouth can be a good, or horrid thing.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: 1988 "force" motor

I made the mistake of commenting on one as it went by the marina, said it was a nice boat or something. The owner just about killed me. He said they're 'nothing but a throw away boat. They're just junk.'

I think that's how I remember hearing about Force/Bayliner. They've always had a bad reputation -- right from the 'git go. Word of mouth can be a good, or horrid thing.

......Or worse, when people don't recognize improvement on a item or don't measure them fairly. Some people also do that people based a bad experience or two. Reminds me what I still hear about American cars still trying to live their reputation (mostly from the 70's/80's) as junk compared to the jap/German stuff. I know lots of Euro-centric thinkers that view GM/Ford as complete and laughable compromise based on the ol' lumbering, inefficient basis...still lingering in their comparison.
Things improved on both the Bayliner boats and the Force motors....you have to get past the opinions tho' and find them in good condition I think and then you're more likely to get in some successful boating.
Again Good Luck to ya' and hit that water.

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: 1988 "force" motor

......Or worse, when people don't recognize improvement on a item or don't measure them fairly. Some people also do that people based a bad experience or two. Reminds me what I still hear about American cars still trying to live their reputation (mostly from the 70's/80's) as junk compared to the jap/German stuff. I know lots of Euro-centric thinkers that view GM/Ford as complete and laughable compromise based on the ol' lumbering, inefficient basis...still lingering in their comparison.
Things improved on both the Bayliner boats and the Force motors....you have to get past the opinions tho' and find them in good condition I think and then you're more likely to get in some successful boating.
Again Good Luck to ya' and hit that water.

Gawd, Prarie... you made me think about the Mustang II again. Thanks a lot!

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: 1988 "force" motor

Gawd, Prarie... you made me think about the Mustang II again. Thanks a lot!

Mustang cool car Mustang II a peace of _ _ _ _ !