Buy used Force 120???

[Quick3201]

I have a chance to buy a mid 90's used Force 120 hp from a boat repair shop, they took as trade in from a customer who purchased a later model, higher hp 6 cyl. has 90 day warranty. Will need a new prop, What is a decent price i should expect to pay?? Any help or comments appreciated.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Buy used Force 120???

Force engines are not desireable and command a lower price that same year Asian or OMC/Merc engines. Prices range all over the place depending upon condition and of course, you can expect the shop to be higher end. Best I can offer is to look on the auctions or Craigslist for comparables.

As a private seller, I would expect to to try to sell one of my 125s for around 1500, however, I did take 1000 for a 120 and also a 90, each was in very good condition..
Mind you, this is with controls and prop. (I have a lot of Force and Chrysler engines)

Again, if it is a Force built by Mercury with Mercury ignition, it would be worth a little more than an early 90s engine built by US Marine.

In the end, what you end up paying really depends upon how badly you want to buy the engine and how badly they want to sell it.

Don't forget: A new prop will cost over 100 bucks, double that for stainless, and good condition used props are all over the place in price--but factor in at least 100 for a prop. Even though you can do well on the auctions, also factor in 100 for controls and cables (used) if the engine does not come with them.

Now, there may be those naysayers that will jump in and tell you that the Force is only good for an anchor. In real world, you may or may not have a problem, and the engines do not equal the performance of (for example) a 120 Merc.

HOWEVER: these engines are easy to work on and parts are still available even though the line was discontinued in 1999. Keep 50-1 TCW3 oil in it and do minor maintenance and the engine may just outlast your boat.

Also: Since the engine has no history with you, change the lower unit oil and water pump impeller in addition to the fuel pump diaphragm, or have the shop do it as part of the purchase agreement. Also have them run a compression check in front of you. All cylinders should be equal and over 120--145 is about optimal.

 

[Quick3201]

Re: Buy used Force 120???

Frank, thanks for the help. I have since found out it's a 1988, 125 hp, comes with controls and a prop. (rough prop) dealer said it had 115-118 psi on all four holes. His first offer was $650.00, I may offer $500.00 if I can convince myself it's worth the work to switch over from my 1977 120 hp Chrysler. Is the Force that unreliable??

 

[steelespike]

Re: Buy used Force 120???

My main beef is The dwindling parts supply.
if you look up parts and props for instance here at iboats compare whats available for the Force and similar
year say Evinrude/Johnson. The 88 doesn't share Merc parts as far as I know.
The NAPA marine catalog has 12 pages of Chrysler/Force parts.E/J has 76 pages
dating all the way back to the early 1950s.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Buy used Force 120???

It is no less reliable than any other brand outboard. I believe your 77 Chrysler is distributor Motorola ignition with a two piece lower unit. The Force will have a much nicer one piece lower which is by itself about 3 MPH faster than the two piece lower unit. It also has the more precise Prestolite ignition. Much greater selection of props is available for the 88 Force. All in all, without seeing it 500 should be a decent price and even 600 should not be hurting you.

Mounting is exactly the same as your Chrysler and you need not change controls unless you want to do so. The only change in wiring will be at the ignition switch. So, It would really only take about an hour to swap if you have a way to lift the engines. In fact, almost everything from your Chrysler except the lower unit is swappable to the new engine, including power tilt/trim.


Compression seems a tad low but that may be because the engine has not been run or it could be the gauge itself.

You will probably be pleased with the engine.

 

[emoney]

Re: Buy used Force 120???

If you need the motor, $500.00 sounds like a very fair price. I wouldn't be surprised if the dealer didn't hold strong to his $650 starting point if he just got it. It's hard to find much in that HP range under $1000, so you won't be the only person interested once word gets out.

Having said all that, is your Chrysler in need of some serious repair, or are you considering buying this "just because it's newer" etc.?

 

[Quick3201]

Re: Buy used Force 120???

My current engine has a crack in the lower leg that most folks say is a ***** to change. Has low hours on a new power head my father had installed years ago prior to his death. Probably only 25 hours since then. Starts and runs good except for the crack. Ran across the other engine looking for a part for current engine.

Thanks to all for the advice. Still thinking.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Buy used Force 120???

If you continue boating, you'll probably regret missing this opportunity if you don't take it.

 

[Quick3201]

Re: Buy used Force 120???

Thanks to all!!