Force 125 piston (updated)

[foxtrotboss]

I have a really good question I think and I haven't found the answer in the archieves.

I have a 1986 force 125, and can you believe this #3 piston ring and piston are broke. Is there a way to replace one single piston and rings w/o removing the powerhead? I do plan on doing a complete overhaul/reman on the motor this winter but for now its summertime I want to go boating

I have found many rebuilt power heads but my they are more than I want to spend right now. I just want to fish and pull the kids tubes.

I know the Force 125 has this problem with factory rings and pistons. I will be replacing with wiseco stuff. But I think this motor is not that bad it is simple and basic and parts are still out there. I would though like to be running on four cylinders though LOL.

For those who want to know more info #1 - 130 psi #2-120 psi #3- 75 psi #4-130 psi. #2 is scored definately but no broken stuff I can tell yet, so I think the previous owner did what I am thinking about. #3 you can see the ring coming to the top of the piston. If you are familar with force problems you know what I mean.

I have a manual on the way from Barnes and Nobles but not here yet. If I have to pull the power head chances are that it will be complete overhaul time since it is off. there went a week or two of boating

Thank you for your input

Scott

 

[foxtrotboss]

Re: Force 125 piston replacement

Re: Force 125 piston replacement

After three hours of searching the forum (did you know there is a search option I do now) I found where frank talks about and instructs people how to do what I asked.
What I also found out was on the 4 cylinders the access to the rods is verticle and more difficult than a 3 cylinder.
special care must be taken not to lose the roller bearings.

I am begining to wonder about a simple fix oppose to a full on overhaul.

Also I am begining to wonder about the price of the parts and why I would keep a Force motor. If anyone could share with me the value of rebuilding a force motor oppose of just moving on since the parts are more costly?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Force 125 piston (updated)

Most times, if you are going to do the work yourself, I advocate rebuilding and keeping the engine you have. Especially with Force engines, it is cost effective. Parts are still available and usually cheaper than parts for the Merc, OMC, Yammy, etc. Compared to buying an unknown used engine of another brand, after fixing yours, you know exactly what you have.

The only time I do not recommend rebuilding is if the degree of damage is so great that you would need to replace most of the major internal parts or if the block is cracked. Then, there are so many used and junked engines, that it becomes easier and cheaper to find a junker with the powerhead in good condition.

And look at the other forums: The other brands have just as many problems as Force, so changing brands is no guarantee that you will not have another bad experience. 'SMATTER of fact: My friend got a used Rude that he had nothing but electrical problems with. He got disgusted and bought a 150 Force and the first weekend, The 150 ran for longer than the Rude did for the couple of months he owned it.

 

[foxtrotboss]

Re: Force 125 piston (updated)

Thanks Frank for your input. After reading all these posts it seems like you are a boaters best friend

I actually have to agree with you.

I even am thinking about porting out my motor I know I'm forgetting the K.I.S.S. method will I ever recover? Ok no mods just make it reliable and fun. But a tell tale looks like it is worth the effort!

Thank you for input and I will post about my rebuild. It could be a rewarding thing for me.

Scott