85hp force thru hub exhaust and dual exhaust

[Budman23]

Being that i own a 87 force 85hp Near as i can tell this was the last year of the single thru hub exhaust....When i goto Michigan Wheel to order a new proper size prop it only lists 88-89 dual exhaust models. Will these props fit or interchange? Also will the universal fit hub style props work on these motors? Any ideas on where the best place to get one is by best i mean cheapest....

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 85hp force thru hub exhaust and dual exhaust

Single exhaust was not a thru-hub type. It exhausted through a snout behind and above the prop.

These engines can use either the closed hub props or the open hub thru-hub exhaust props. on the other hand, dual exhaust lowers require an open hub prop.

There will be no difference in performance between prop styles.

They come up for sale used on ebay all the time. Cheap? Cheaper than new.

Universal hub types will fit, but you need to be careful. Some are listed for Force engines but you need to make simple mods to get them to fit. Example: Vortex. The anode on the lower unit behind the prop needs to be removed OR the webs in the prop itself need to be ground down about 1/2 inch. If you choose a high rake prop like a ballistic, it will hit the exhaust snout and a clearance notch needs to be ground into it (the snout)

 

[Budman23]

Re: 85hp force thru hub exhaust and dual exhaust

Thanks Frank thats just what i was looking for now i can order one I was just a little hessitant to order on so any 15 spline prop will fit or is it specific to the force?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 85hp force thru hub exhaust and dual exhaust

NO! Not any 15 spline. only any 15 spline said to fit Force. For example, Mercury made two size lower units and props for the small Merc unit will fit Force while props for the bigger diameter unit, while still 15 spline, will not fit the Force.

I forget the exact sizes, but, for example, Force would be 4 inch and some Merc 90s might be 4 inch While the larger Mercs would be 4 1/4.

Again, Vortex props have a plastic ring around the rear outer hub. This ring seals the exhaust on larger diameter gearcases. To use this prop on a Force, the plastic ring must be pried off.

So, you need to use a little care when selecting props.

 

[EricJRW]

Re: 85hp force thru hub exhaust and dual exhaust

Re: Prices.

I found the prices here at iboats to be very competitive. I might have been able to save a couple bucks elsewhere, but the prop I chose came with free shipping, so that tipped the balance in iboats favor. There was some other site* with great prices, but you had to join the club. The join fee would have been a wash with the price and the "new member" coupon(s), but I did not see myself buying enough stuff to make it worth while so I decided to support iboats as my way of saying thanks for (hosting) these great forums. I also buy local when the price delta is not too crazy (sometimes it's just sales tax vs. shipping).

Also, I did call support as I had a question, and found that to be a very informative experience as well.

*If you want me to look up the name, PM me.