Force 3

[puddlesplasher]

Hi all,

I have a Force 3hp outboard with an integral plastic fuel tank. The threads on the plastic tank are half removed on one side leaving only the tank and some threads intact.

I have searched for any Force 3 replacement tank to no avail.

Mariner and Mercury are supposed to be the same outboards manufactured under a different name and if so then a replacement should be straightforward? Nope, its not, unless I am being ripped off.

The outboard is still in absolutely mint condition with only the decals worn a little. (Scottish trout fisheries prefer us not to have them) Total running time per year is hmmm 1hr. Its United Kingdom bought in and around 1990 and yet I still cannot find a replacement.

Force appear to start around 2 hp or 4 hp, but this is most certainly a 3hp.

If nothing fits, then at the least I don't need the gravity **** on the fuel cap. After all, air gets in at the side that doesn't have threads.

help me please with a replacement fuel tank or an alternative that doesn't involve oars

 

[john from md]

Re: Force 3

Many years ago, I had the same problem with a Sears Gamefisher. I was not able to find a tank either. I knew that if I repaired the old one, the plastic has to compatible with gasoline. It took me a while to do it but I made an aluminum form in the neck and used melted hot plastic on top of it. I also wallowed out the crack and filled it in also.

I experimented on a plastic gallon container that oil comes in. After I felt I had it down, I did it to the tank.

I used a propane torch to melt the plastic and it got pretty smoky as well as the plastic is still burning as it is falling on the tank. You have to blow it out but not too soon as it has to bond together.

It all worked out and my jury rigged tank lasted for a long time. I think the plastic I melted came from a food container or something. I tested several plastics with gasoline before settling on what I used.

BTW, I never used the cap anymore because I was afraid of ripping out my repair. I just made a cap out of plastic and duct tape and it stayed on pretty well.

Hope this helps,

John

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: Force 3

Can it be repaired with that moldable putty that gets hard? There is also plastic fuel tank repair putty sold at automotive stores that adheres well and gets hard as a rock. I'm not sure what your problem is but maybe you could repair the tank with the putty and before it fully hardens use a tap to make new threads.

 

[puddlesplasher]

Re: Force 3

It took me a while to do it but I made an aluminum form in the neck and used melted hot plastic on top of it. I also wallowed out the crack and filled it in also.

I experimented on a plastic gallon container that oil comes in. After I felt I had it down, I did it to the tank.

I used a propane torch to melt the plastic and it got pretty smoky as well as the plastic is still burning as it is falling on the tank. You have to blow it out but not too soon as it has to bond together.

It all worked out and my jury rigged tank lasted for a long time. I think the plastic I melted came from a food container or something. I tested several plastics with gasoline before settling on what I used.

BTW,
John[/QUOTE]

 

[puddlesplasher]

Re: Force 3

BTW,

John, no offence meant.

We must "usually" always listen and "believe" what others tell us?

In this instance, I may be better off asking "Val Singleton" for a "Blue Peter badge.

;-0 YEAH ALL DON'T KNOW ME

But I trust you all.

Please a nooby do not pre-judge?

ian

 

[puddlesplasher]

Re: Force 3

Sincerest apologies *I'm blushing*

My last comment was not intended to be derogatory and yet that is the way that it sounds as I read it.

Far from it guys. I am amazed by the ingenuity of different ways and means that you all achieve the impossible.

Without your help, I would never know what to do.

Plastic Putty sound like the way forward.

I had contemplated using a plastic cap, thread and neck from a 25 litre plastic foam drum. Very similar to what was suggested.

Would a 2 pack glue work ie Araldite, which forms a solid bond?

Once again my apology for rudeness.

Puddle.

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: Force 3

Do you mean a 2 part epoxy? If so that won't work.

I don't know what you have available in the U.K. but you have to have an auto parts store. Go there and ask if they carry plastic gas tank putty. If they do the stuff works.

The other putty i'm talking about is putty that is being advertised on infomercials by a guy named Billy Maze. He pushes all kinds of junk but that putty he is trying to sell has been around for years and looks like it would work for what you need but something designed specifically for plastic would be better.

You can edit your previous post if you want. I've tried melting plastic like the other poster mentioned and never had any luck with that method but if you know what your doing I guess it could be done.

 

[backyardangler]

Re: Force 3

West Marine now has some good options for repairing plastic that did not exist on the general market a few years ago. Might give their tech folks a call.

 

[puddlesplasher]

Re: Force 3

The plastic putty has been pressed into place for a week.

I only hope that my re-grooving takes all the filings down and outward

If not then my outboard that works, *GULP will not.

Oh well, a result anyway.

My local baillif has instructed me to let him service my AUX outboard, 6 Hp Johnson, for a few ?????

Ahhh, I smell an excellent whisky coming his way. Perhaps a very limited edition bottle for him.

He knows who he is. Any preferences? < ?1.00

 

[puddlesplasher]

Re: Force 3

I'm in tears,

Plastic putty didn't work.

BUT!!!!! what a job it would do if it was joined as in a circle.

This stuff formed a perfectly smooth copy of the inner threads.

I recommend it!!!!

Alas, for the threads it did not work. Now I only have a fuel lid that takes an 1/8 turn to stay in place.

Ahhhhh but!!!! My Force 3 is almost 18 year old, does fewer than 3 miles per year. rainbow trout fishing and Scottish water conservation, bahhhh


Good news, My auxiliary outboard is being serviced by the bailiff that cannot allow the outboard on his water. (only his O/Bs allowed).

Amazing what a good fisherman can do with his bailiff *cough* malt can do.