85 hp force outboard not pumping water

stephen25

Seaman
Joined
Dec 3, 2012
Messages
61
Just bought a boat that has a 85 hp force, it runs great but only has no water spitting out of the ports? while on ear muffs atleast. Im new to Force motors but im guessing its the impeller. I have heard that force motors do not have a noticable amount of water that comesout though? please help
 

coolbri70

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Oct 6, 2011
Messages
1,554
Re: 85 hp force outboard not pumping water

since it is new to you, I would change the impeller any way. I bought a motor from a guy who told me he had just changed it, and I trusted him and overheated the motor, the impeller was old and dryrotted
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: 85 hp force outboard not pumping water

Some are difficult to prime on muffs. You need to clamp the muffs on tightly and use a lot of water pressure. The acid test is in the water. When first starting the engine in the water, it should prime and start issuing water out the back almost immediately.

Since you just bought the boat, go ahead and change the water pump impeller, the fuel pump diaphragm and gasket, and drain and refill the lower unit. If there is not one there already, put a cheap fuel filter between the fuel pump and carbs.
 

stephen25

Seaman
Joined
Dec 3, 2012
Messages
61
Re: 85 hp force outboard not pumping water

Thank you guys for the help, I know the impeller is located in the lower unit but how do I go about removing the lower unit? and or remove/replacing the impeller? and how do you prime a motor?
 

foodfisher

Captain
Joined
Feb 18, 2009
Messages
3,756
Re: 85 hp force outboard not pumping water

Hi Stephen, this is Steven. Looks like you're a DIYer. A manual is diffenitely a must.
 

MickLovin

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 18, 2013
Messages
822
Re: 85 hp force outboard not pumping water

Refer to the front part of the forum, there is a sticky there realating to taking your lower unit off and replacing your impeller.
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: 85 hp force outboard not pumping water

You don't specifically "prime" the engine. What I meant was: when first starting the engine in the driveway on muffs, the water pump is dry. It will not have enough suction to pull water up from the intakes. It is well above the water pick-up so it takes a lot of pressure to get water up into the pump. Allowing a good water plow and decent pressure will fill the pump with water and thus prime it so it is capable of continued pumping.
 

stephen25

Seaman
Joined
Dec 3, 2012
Messages
61
Re: 85 hp force outboard not pumping water

Ok I'll be getting into it this weekend. where can I find my model and serial number for this motor? I know it's a 80s model but dont want to get the wrong parts. :/
 

smorse1

Cadet
Joined
Mar 13, 2014
Messages
8
Re: 85 hp force outboard not pumping water

Ok I'll be getting into it this weekend. where can I find my model and serial number for this motor? I know it's a 80s model but dont want to get the wrong parts. :/

I just got this same motor-there's a plate down near the transom on the left side. I just took a picture of it with my phone and took it to the parts house.
I also just replaced the impeller - it was easier than I expected.

If anyone has any advice on how to get the 2 screws out of the lower for replacing the fluid in the lower unit, I'd appreciate-they are pretty stuck and buggered up by the previous owner - I really don't want to have to drill and tap them, but that might be the only option.
 

HotTommy

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Mar 15, 2013
Messages
1,025
Re: 85 hp force outboard not pumping water

Stephen25,
My later model Force outboard wouldn't spit water even after a new water pump kit. Turned out an insect had filled the rubber tube that runs from the output port to the outside of the engine cowl with clay. You likely need a new kit anyhow, but check that tube carefully for obstructions. I couldn't see the one in mine at first.
 
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