FORCE 125 QUESTIONS

hunter

Cadet
Joined
Apr 19, 2001
Messages
8
Started up my "new" used '88 force 125 today. New plugs and gas. Started okay. Gas leaks from carb inlet on startup with choke on then runs okay. Is this normal? Engine steering cable not connected, engine hard to turn by hand, greased till grease squirts out of bottom, still tight. Any suggestions? Mounted with jack plates to transom that is vertical, no angle. Tilt piston stops lower end at too high an angle. Can it be disconnected? Thanks
 

12Footer

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
8,217
Re: FORCE 125 QUESTIONS

Yes, it is normal for the gas to leak a bit if the engine was choked a bit longer then needed (where the term "flodded" came from).<br />However, if the engine is not injesting the gas under normal choking/starting (two ior three complete revs), then I would run a compression test on this engine. If gas sprays out of the carb,then you may have a reed stuck open. This is not likely, as the engine would probly be so bad as to strand you.<br /><br />The hinge pin is rusting inside, causing the problem of hard steering. It is probably too late, but you can try to steer it into submission,and keep greasing it every trip.Work it back and forth often,like a drunken Popeye (but watch out for da man,he'll think you ARE drunken). As you walk past it in the yard, go over and steer it right/left as long as your arm holds out. And do it often. Other than that, it will have to be torn down and rebuilt...A yucky job!<br />Yes, the thing can be disconnected, but you'll miss it badly,i think. (I know i would,anyway). Just be carefull of reverse,and use it at idle speeds only in reverse,as the motor will kick-up otherwise.<br />It's sort of hard on the transom to allow it to kick up ,and you'll feel kinda silly after it does that (if anyone else sees it).
 

hunter

Cadet
Joined
Apr 19, 2001
Messages
8
Re: FORCE 125 QUESTIONS

Fixed hard steering problem.. Grease fitting half way up hinge pin. I don't think grease ever got to the top of the pin because easiest path for gease would be down because weight of engine pressing down would restrict flow upward. Oddly enough on this engine there is another depression in the housing but without a grease fitting. All I did was drill a 13/64th hole and screw in a grease fitting and grease her up. Steers smooth and easy. Was this a manufactureing error or an enginering error? Problem fixed. Now just one more question. If a small screw falls down the channel where the shift rod connects to the lower end would this be a problem?
 

12Footer

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
8,217
Re: FORCE 125 QUESTIONS

I think it was suposed to allready have the grease fitting there, so let's call it manufacturing oversight.<br />Don't be too concerned with the small screw. You might be able to grab it with a magnet, but it's not in an area where it can do anything detrimental,other than maybee plugging one of the many drain holes in the cowling. And if it does, no harm done.<br /><br />
12ftrtag665.jpg
 

hunter

Cadet
Joined
Apr 19, 2001
Messages
8
Re: FORCE 125 QUESTIONS

Thanks 12. I didn't relish the thought of turning her upside down and shaking. I should get my new steering cable tommorrow and then it's anchors away! :)
 

C17LoadSmasher

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Nov 24, 2001
Messages
152
Re: FORCE 125 QUESTIONS

I had an 87 Force 125 and the steering was a pain in the arse the one way and was far too easy the other. Wish I had thought of that easy fix. Mine also dripped plenty of fuel from the carbs, never had any real trouble with it. Had battery probs for a while, changed out rectifier and nary a problem since.. I traded it in in Nov though for a new boat.<br /><br />--Chris
 
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