1991 Force 150 outboard

[johnbottsr]

This is my main power for my Crestliner Phantom 216.
I have read so many bad things about these motors I have but one question:

How bad are they really?

Mine seems to run fine and my buddy who runs Yamaha 4 strokes on his Duckworth even commented on how quiet it is (YES IT WAS RUNNING).

BTW, I really like this forum. I have a forum myself and have belonged to quite a few and this one is really a great example of a well run board.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: 1991 Force 150 outboard

They're not as bad as people make them out to be. It's a basic 2-stoke design, doesn't have any fancy bells and whistles, not as powerful or fuel efficient as some of the later model fuel injected 2-stokes made by other manufacturers. As long as you maintain it on a regular basis, it'll last you for many years. I like them because of the basic design, easy to work on and low cost (relatively speaking) of parts. I have several friends that have late model 4 and 2 stroke outboards. When ever something goes wrong with them and they have to take it in to the shop, I just sit back and smile. There's not a lot of shops that are that willing to work on them around here any more.

I belong to several forums for various other hobbies. I agree with you, it's definitely one of the best forums that I frequent. A lot of good folks on here.

 

[johnbottsr]

Re: 1991 Force 150 outboard

I like that response.
Bells and whistles I can do without.
I am pretty much a pragmatist when it comes to machines and hate paying people to turn wrenches.

I see from your location we are neighbors.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: 1991 Force 150 outboard

I do most of my own repairs on my vehicles and boat. It really irritates me to see what it costs to have a shop do the repairs, plus I get a sense of satisfaction knowing the repairs are done exactly the way I want it done.......Well most of the time it gets done like I want it. There's been a few times where it took a couple of attempts but you get the picture...LOL! Hello neighbor...I'm just east of you in Liberty Lake.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1991 Force 150 outboard

They are BAD--They are REALLY BAD! I'll take it off your hands for 100 bucks!

NAW! They are not a bad engine and do seem to have a good bit more power than the 4 cylinder Force engines. BUT: Like the other Force engines of that age, they do have the semi-keystone top ring. These rings DO tend to break quite a bit more often than regular rings and this does ruin the piston. Look at the post "Down under rebuild" to see ring breakage and piston damage. I have also read (I think on this forum) that these 5 cylinder engines do break crankshafts when used for racing.

HOWEVER: I have a 150 on the stand which I did buy for 300. It is destined to be mounted on my 21 foot cuddy. It needed two pistons and rings because of those damned semi-keystone top ones. I did take the easy way out and installed two stock pistons that I had on hand. Should it happen again I will replace all of them with aftermarket pistons.

My friend has one on a 21 foot open bow and he is very happy with it. So far, it has given him 3 years of excellent service.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1991 Force 150 outboard

Good motors,Those who talk bad? Don't know what they are talking about.
I worked at a Bayliner dealership when it was introduced.
It was touted to have the highest HP-weight ratio of any outboard to date.
The early models had some trouble with the exhaust,not cooling the upper cylinder.
As long as you keep the gas fresh and the oil/gas mix right.
And the carbs set right.It will last as long as you take care of it.
Don't be afraid to de-carb. Running slow/trolling is the worst thing for ANY outboard.Especially the Force.
Change the impeller every year.Flush with fresh water EVERYTIME you use in salt water.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1991 Force 150 outboard

There is commonly some confusion when we caution people against certain obsolete powerplants that we are saying they are "bad". I don't personally think Chrysler/Force outboards, OMC stern drives or the like are bad. If you've got a boat with one on it, I would certainly run with it and maintain it. However, if a new boater asks about buying a boat with one of these powerplants on/in it, I am going to recommend against it simply due to the dwindling parts support.

 

[johnbottsr]

Re: 1991 Force 150 outboard

They are BAD--They are REALLY BAD! I'll take it off your hands for 100 bucks!

HAHA! As soon as I hit the send button I knew I was going to get a generous offer for my junk motor!
It is exactly what I would do. :wink:

As long as you keep the gas fresh and the oil/gas mix right.
And the carbs set right.It will last as long as you take care of it.
Don't be afraid to de-carb. Running slow/trolling is the worst thing for ANY outboard.Especially the Force.
Change the impeller every year.Flush with fresh water EVERYTIME you use in salt water.

I will confess to running some stabilized gas through mine that wasn't the freshest and probably have ten gallons in the fuel tank now from last year.
I don't use this motor to troll but will probably try and decarb here after I change the impeller next week.

However, if a new boater asks about buying a boat with one of these powerplants on/in it, I am going to recommend against it simply due to the dwindling parts support.

Makes perfect sense.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1991 Force 150 outboard

The parts are there.They are all over the place. The trouble is finding someone who can work on the lower units???