95' 120 Force .... was this a mistake?

[boss_helyun]

Hello! I just broke down and bought a '95 Bayliner 1700 Cap with a 120 Force engine which is in pretty damn good condition for $3000. I've always wanted one because I had a friend that had an '89 model and it ran like a champ forever, never gave him any problems.<br /><br />I just got finished driving this boat back from Colorado to Idaho today... and after reading some of the forum posts... I am wondering whether I made a mistake. The guy that sold it to me told me that it ran beautifully when he had it out last summer, but he moved and couldn't drag the boat and his car.<br /><br />I was going to get a manual tomorrow and start spot checking it, but a number of posts suggest that these later model Force engines have some serious issues.<br /><br />Is there anything specific to these later engines that I should be concerned with checking initially, or replacing outright? I would prefer to fix or replace parts proactively than have them damage the entire engine.<br /><br />Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks ....

 

[boss_helyun]

Re: 95' 120 Force .... was this a mistake?

Sorry for the double post.... didn't think it registered my first submission.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 95' 120 Force .... was this a mistake?

Crappy motors, ticking time bombs. You should unbolt it and give it to me. <br /><br /><br />Welcome to iboats and beware of the Back button when submitting or editing. <br /><br />Fine motors given a bad rep by certain earlier models<br />and because they were hung on Bayliners. <br /><br />Don't sweat about the brand of oil you use, just make sure to get it in the gas.<br />Avoid gas with alcohol if at all possible!<br />Keep the water pump healthy and do an annual decarboning and it can last for decades.

 

[roscoe]

Re: 95' 120 Force .... was this a mistake?

Welcome to iboats.<br /><br />Get rid of ALL the old fuel, including what is in the fuel line.<br /><br />Also, rebuild the fuel pump, and make sure the carbs are jetted for the altitude you are at.<br /><br />Main Jet sizes for different altitudes:<br /><br />0-1500' .094<br />1500-3000' .092<br />3000-4500' .090<br />4500-6000' .088<br />6000-10,000' .086<br /><br />Your a brave man Jbosco, buying a boat without a test drive.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: 95' 120 Force .... was this a mistake?

Earlier 125 Force's (and other HP) had ignition issues, 25 inch shaft's were one piece and corroded and snapped at the top, etc. After 89 they were redesigned, and I hear of little issues on the 90's and up. Merc has parts, plus others. Keep it, use it, and have fun. Any problem, post it here...<br /> I have a 88 125 20 foot BL, and after I put in a new Stator, coils, and driveshaft, I been running the bejeezzes out of it in saltwater, and it just a keeps on chugging. Good Luck.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: 95' 120 Force .... was this a mistake?

Originally posted by roscoe:<br /> make sure the carbs are jetted for the altitude you are at.

Going to agree with Roscoe here on the Jetting. Coming from CO it might be jetted a touch lean. And in ID you might then being running too lean. More air down here, and it needs more gas. Ya don't want a lean running OB, hole a piston too easy. Keep a eye on the plugs, closer too black the better than super light tan. You could also pull a float bowl off the top carb, a good light and mirror, and see if ya can read the jet size. What altitude was the motor being used at in CO?

 

[boss_helyun]

Re: 95' 120 Force .... was this a mistake?

Thanks guys.... <br /><br />I will be sure to look at the jetting and I really appreciate all the feedback. Looks like this year it wasn't winterized because the owner moved to North Dakota and left it at his friend's place... so I'll probably have a lot of work to do before getting it in the water. Definitely going to grab a Clymers or Seloc manual today and get to work <br /><br />Any preferences as to which manual is better for a first timer like myself?! LOL....<br /><br />Thanks again. Can hardly wait to get her on the river!!

 

[roscoe]

Re: 95' 120 Force .... was this a mistake?

Clymers is more user friendly, and more detailed for Force motors.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: 95' 120 Force .... was this a mistake?

What ever ya do, and I'm not sure on the later Forces, but on the lower unit, theres a screw that goes in the side of the gearbox.<br /> DO NOT REMOVE THAT SCREW! <br />It holds the shift yolk in place. The drain screw is way down and in front of the nose cone...tiny little bugger on mine, that takes an allen wrench to remove.

 

[ejs68]

Re: 95' 120 Force .... was this a mistake?

Hey JB,<br /> I have a 95 120 myself, other than the stator, switchbox, and rectifier going bad, I haven't really had a problem. This was caused by a lightning strike though, not the fault of the motor. Did have a rectifier start on fire a couple of years ago, not pretty. If you notice the tach acting funny, change the rectifier before it fries.

 

[pecheux]

Re: 95' 120 Force .... was this a mistake?

Had a 197x Chrysler 90hp (became Force) that also had a bad rep. Properly taken care off .. it gave us years and years of trouble free pleasure on the intercostal.

Enjoy,