1998 Force 120 ( My Options?)

[Straquan]

98' Force 120

Bought the engine last April after having the compression checked. My mechanic said it was all good. He did a light tune-up, (changed plugs, cleaned carbs, got it fired up and adjusted idle) and I threw it on my 19 1/2 foot Kencraft CC. Motor needed LOTS of gas to fire up the first time out, then some days would fire right up, some days would not start at all, unless I sprayed starter fluid in the carbs. When she fired up it runs like a dream at speed and idling.

I would like to put a Yamaha 150 4-stroke on the boat but I want to wait at least until next winter until I can find one. Seems like I can't find one for a reasonable sum at the moment.

My question is....I don't mind spending money on the engine so what do you all suggest I have my mechanic do this winter? Rebuild Carbs, new impeller, plugs, what else can I have done?

Please advise...Thanks!


-Sean

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1998 Force 120 ( My Options?)

That engine does not have a choke. Instead it has the more modern and better fuel enrichment valve. Check to be certain that the solenoid is functioning properly and there are no clogs in the small enrichment hoses or the valve itself. Also, be certain the mechanic understands that the carbs can be set to give a beautiful idle but too lean for running. If they are still Tillotson carbs, proper idle mixture setting is about 1 turn out from lightly seated.

AND although the Yammy has 25 ponies more, the extra weight of the engine itself may offset the extra HP. You MAY be disappointed in the performance. So: unless you are buying the 4 stroke for environmental reasons or perhaps better fuel economy, think twice before doing it.

 

[Straquan]

Re: 1998 Force 120 ( My Options?)

Frank,

I noticed you live in Pennsylvania. Do you work on Force motors? I live on Cape Cod and I am looking to have this engine totally solid for the upcoming season(s). Do you know anyone I could have work on her, If I traveled could you work on her for me? Just a shot in the dark.

My mechanic went to some Mercury training school but he has no knowledge comparable to yours I am sure. He commercial fishes and is a great kid but I have a feeling that I want this thing serviced more professionally. The Mercury guys I talked to in Orleans, Mass. want nothing to do with the Force.

I would love to do this myself but I have never worked on engines of any kind.

-Sean

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1998 Force 120 ( My Options?)

I live about 30 miles outside of Philadelphia.

I do not solicit work or rebuild for a living. I rebuild any outboard for a hobby and only do about 2 a year. BUT, I like earlier Force and Chrysler engines--I do them almost blindfolded. Almost everything I do is by word of mouth and everyone is happy with my work. I do not have the electrical diagnostic equipment and therefore can only do simple ignition system tests. Thus: I specialize in mechanical service.

Last long distance job I did was for a fellow in upstate New York who I met on this forum. Got his 1989 Force 125 to go 47 MPH on a 19 foot Bayliner bass boat.

If you wanted to make the trip--but that's a haul--, I would be willing to work on the engine. In that case, send me your email in a private message and we could make arrangements. But quite frankly, that's a long distance to come for just a tune-up or minor repairs.

If you are at all mechanically inclined, engine work is not that difficult and you could do it yourself with the help you get here on the forum. So: You decide.

It's really a shame: A lot of dealers refuse to work on Force anymore. But the engine is a decent one and for the money you spend to buy a used one, you get a great value. While your block and the name on the cowl is Force, the midleg and lower unit are Mercury.

 

[wild n crazy]

Re: 1998 Force 120 ( My Options?)

I am sorry, I am happen to read into your's posts. And I do have a same year model and size of the engine, I would like to ask Frank where exactly is the small enrichment hose or the valve?? Thanks in advance

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1998 Force 120 ( My Options?)

Believe it or not, I have only seen ones that were off the engine and have not worked on that late a model Force. But, you will see a tee in the fuel line after the fuel pump with a smaller fuel line going to the enrichment valve. The valve and solenoid is about the size of a "C" battery with one wire attached. It would usually be located somewhere between the carbs with a small fuel line running to a nipple either on the mounting flange of each carb or a nipple as a part of the carb bowl nuts. I have seen both type carbs from various model engines.

 

[kandil]

Re: 1998 Force 120 ( My Options?)

Hi Frank how are you this is a photo of the solenoid/ choke from my 94 force 120HP that you helped me swap the powerhead I think it is the same as the 98? to activate push the ignition key in and you should hear a click again thanks for your help

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1998 Force 120 ( My Options?)

Yep, that's the enrichment solenoid and valve. You can see the fuel lines coming from it. Most likely the 98 is the same. Hmmmm! I see that it takes its fuel supply from the top carb, not the fuel line. So, there's no pressure against the valve and fuel is admitted solely through manifold vacuum when the solenoid is activated. Interesting!

BTW Straquan: Since you undoubtably use your engine in salt water, it is necessary to remove the "spool" at a minimum of once a season to avoid the possibility of corrosion splitting the gearcase.

First remove the prop and thrust washer. Also remove the anode if there is one present. Drain the oil.

Behind the prop is a threaded ring screwed into the gearcase and retained by a stainless ring with bent tabs. You must unscrew the ring and pull out the "spool" It is named that because it looks somewhat like a thread spool. Since this spool seals the gearcase and supports the prop shaft, you must first drain the lower unit oil.

Once you remove the spool, clean any corrosion from it and the inside mating surfaces. replace the O ring seals and coat everything with anti-seize before reassembling. Not a difficult job unless corrosion has already jammed the spool tight.

 

[wild n crazy]

Re: 1998 Force 120 ( My Options?)

Thanks Frank and Kandil...You all are great help up here..and save lots of money to everyone ...especially in these economy hard time...thanks once again.

 

[roscoe]

Re: 1998 Force 120 ( My Options?)

Open fuel tank vent

Check the kill switch, place in "run" position

Squeeze fuel primer bulb till firm.

Advance the throttle 3/4 way, without putting it in gear. -- This is done by either pushing a button in the center of the controls, or pulling the shift handle toward the driver, or raising the fast idle lever, all depending on what control unit you have.

Activate the choke (fuel enrichment valve) by pushing in on the key. The valve is only open while the key is being pushed in.

Turn the key to start while continuing to hold the key in.

Release the key and choke when it starts.

3-5 seconds of "choke", is usually enough.

Be ready to pull the throttle back toward the idle/neutral position, when the engine starts and the revs increase.

Continue to pull the throttle back as the engine warms up.

You should not have to use the choke much, if at all, once the engine has warmed up.

Engine should start within 10 seconds of turning the key.

 

[kandil]

Re: 1998 Force 120 ( My Options?)

hi Straquan you said (some days would not start at all, unless I sprayed starter fluid in the carbs.)
You should never use this starter fluid with any 2 strokes engine you can spray some premix if you want.

 

[Straquan]

Re: 1998 Force 120 ( My Options?)

Roger That...No more starting fluid.

Frank thanks for the offer. I am going to try to do this work as soon as possible. I will keep this tab going to ask for help time and again I am sure.

-Sean

 

[kandil]

Re: 1998 Force 120 ( My Options?)

Hi Straquan can you tell me what size and pitch is your prop thanks