85 hp for 125 hp

[Ayellaone]

i have a 1989 Bayliner Capri 1750. It came with the 85 HP force outboard. While driving down the river last year, my motor lost half power and got me back to the dock. My lower unit had a crack from the drain hole toward bow side. Also, my tilt and trim did not work due to a crack in the cylinder wall. Well i had a mechanic look at my motor, he checked compression and said i was even on all of my cylinders. And that i had a switch box bad. I moved the bad one and good one but i still was down a cylinder.

So i was drifting around on craigslist and found a 125 HP for cheap. I bought it and put it on a home built stand. When I bought it,I asked him what was wrong with it. He told me that the guy that he had received it from had told him it had ran hot. The motor cranked but would not start. From what little research I have done, I feel I should start with the water impeller kit. My question is to anyone who knows, would I be better just changing out the tilt and trim, lower unit and the switch box or should I try to figure out what is wrong with the 125? I would prefer the 125 but it would be easier to switch pieces and boat. On the other hand, gaining the knowledge of figuring this out, making it run, and enjoying the power(not gas mileage) would be worth the work for me. So if you think I should fix the 125 where should I start. If I were you, what would you do? Thanks for the input.

 

[redstrat]

Re: 85 hp for 125 hp

Before you spend money on a new impeller, ground the plugs and do a compression test. Report back and you'll find lots of help here.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 85 hp for 125 hp

IF---If your 17 footer is rated for the 125 it is simply a no-brainer to swap engines. As in many things, sex included, bigger IS better! LOL. Seriously, while you will only gain about 5 MPH, hole shot will be way better--There is no replacement for displacement!

It will actually be easier to swap engines than swapping the TNT, CD boxes, and lower units. However, first follow redstrat's advice.

 

[Ayellaone]

Re: 85 hp for 125 hp

Okay, thanks for the information. I am waiting for weather to get a little better before I go out to the cold garage. Also, is there any common problems I should be aware of with these 125hp.

 

[SkiDad]

Re: 85 hp for 125 hp

Okay, thanks for the information. I am waiting for weather to get a little better before I go out to the cold garage. Also, is there any common problems I should be aware of with these 125hp.

they are the same engine basically - just one more cylinder and 1 less carb. I think pre 1987 models have different electrical connectors. But if you got one of the 1987-1989 125's i think most of your old parts will be able to be used as spares.

 

[Jiggz]

Re: 85 hp for 125 hp

As previously mentioned, I will do the following (in order): You just have to do your own troubleshooting and refurbishing and CANNOT RELY FROM THE PREVIOUS OWNER CLAIMS.
1. Compression test, if good continue on with next step. Otherwise, this is a show stopper that will require significant work.
2. Replace water impeller
3. Replace gear oil
4. Check fuel diaphragm, install fuel (clear type) filter between fuel pump and carb input.
5. Clean and check carbs bowls. Set air-fuel mix screw 1 turn out from slightly seated
6. Replace spark plugs

From here you can start test runs. (make sure you have cooling water on muffs connected)
1. If engine cranks but will not fire, check make sure there is fuel going through the carbs. you can easily detect this by smelling the exhaust, checking the clear fuel filter you installed make sure it is full (after priming the fuel pump) or visually looking into the carbs and you should see fuel wetting inside. Again, make sure you follow proper starting procedure, i.e, prime, choke and fast idle. Since the motor is off the boat, fast idle may not be available which mean you will need to manually hold the throttle (I used the tie bar between the two carbs) open a little bit.

2. If fuel is positive, then it is time to check for sparks. Best tool for this is a spark tester.

From here you can start narrowing the source of the problem. Repost your results.

 

[Ayellaone]

Re: 85 hp for 125 hp

Thanks for the input. The checklist type information is perfect for a new to outboards type person like me. When weather breaks, I will post progress. I have started buying parts and things I need. Thanks.

 

[Ayellaone]

I just wanted to update everyone. I have since bought an 89 sea ray 160br. I have put the 85 hp back on, after doing the floor, seats, tires, bearing buddies, and mostly new wiring in the boat. I am going to sell my bayliner as is, only thing that i know is wrong with it know is the lower unit upper seal is bad. Thanks for all of the advice but i decided the bayliner was not enough boat for me. Thankis again.