Force engines

[deppong]

Are Force engines good enough to buy 1988 force 125HP. I know the mercury engine is a better quality however am I looking for trouble purchasing one.

 

[corm]

Re: Force engines

Hi Deppong,<br />Do a compression cheak and cheak LU oil for<br />metal. Then take it out and drive it.See how it runs.Is there any loud clatter when running with the hood off. Is the starter armature bent? Is the price rite for you.<br />...corm...<br /><br />------------------<br />cubic inches = power<br />power = speed<br />speed = FUN

 

[jimdi@localnet.com]

Re: Force engines

I have that engine - it has always been solid - however after 10 years it did blow a ring. My mechanic said that is normal. The replacement pistons had a better ring design. The simple design of the force leaves less to go wrong.

 

[Bry21317]

Re: Force engines

I have this same motor 88 Force 125, and I love it. It is so simple to work on and has never given me a problem in 5 yrs of owning it. It will push my 20 Foot bayliner up to 40 or just over, so it is ok. <br /><br />Thanks,<br />Bryan Cox

 

[deppong]

Re: Force engines

How often do you Change the impeller - I have had my 120HP - 1994 for 2 years and each year it seems to require a new one. Last week I was in Michigan and it cooked in the middle of the lake - changed the impeller and it was OK - is that just the way Force engines are?

 

[Bry21317]

Re: Force engines

I always change the impeller every year to be on the safe side. I think this is what your supposed to do for any engine though, because the rubber will deteriorate. Since this is the main part of the cooling of the engine, like you said if it goes your gonna overheat.<br /><br />Hope this helps.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Bryan Cox

 

[steelespike]

Re: Force engines

Other than price I dont see any reason to go out and buy a Force.They are now complete orphans.<br />Mercury recently announced they will no lomger support parts for the Force/Chrysler motors.<br /> Sure parts will be around for awhile And generic parts will be available a little longer.<br /> NAPA.Marine parts catalog lists 12 pages of Chrysler/Force parts and 87 pgs. of E/J,71pgs. of Merc./Mariner.Even 30pgs. of Yamaha.

 

[JORODO]

Re: Force engines

Deppong,<br />Regarding the impeller and Mercury support of Force:<br />I have had a 1992 Force 120 for 10 years now, with gobs of hours on it. I change the water pump impeller about every 1.5 years. It is just the way it is. I always carry an extra on long vacation excursions.<br />FYI: on the trim tilt unit - you can get the seals from any shop that sells o-rings (I brought in the old ones, matched them, and paid about $3 for all the o-ring seals). If you do your own labor you will save about $600 on this task, just as changing out the waterpump impeller yourself saves tons of dough.<br />- Enjoy the Force 120 and run the heck out of it. It is still quieter than the Merc 100 - 135 models, and get better gas mileage.

 

[moose211]

Re: Force engines

i have a 95 70hp for two yrs and i alway had a omc. one the price was good to the motor been gr to me i like it better its eseay to fix and work on but the part are more

 

[jimdi@localnet.com]

Re: Force engines

Boy - Do people who spend more on Mercs/OMC's feel better about their purchase by putting down Forces?<br /><br />I love my Force - I hated my Johnson (the motor).<br />The Johnson cost me a fortune in parts to keep running.<br /><br />As far as it being an Orphan - let me tell you this - As long as their is demand - someone will be making parts. I was told (when working on my OMC) that ANY manufacturer only produces replacement parts for 10 years. After that you rely on 3rd party - and surplus stock.<br /><br />There just has been no evidence (other than emission claims) on why FORCE is considered inferior. If someone can point to a specific part of the engine and tell my it was built wrong I would listen - <br /><br />But the proof is in the performance - Mine still works great - and hasn't cost me an arm and leg like my OMC did.<br /><br />jim

 

[deppong]

Re: Force engines

It looks to me that each make of outboard has its quirks - otherwise all you would see is people talking about Force outboards and there mechanical problems, however I still see a lot of mechanical problems with OMC and Merc outboards in this forum. It is a very simple construction and if maintained properly can give you just as good a service as a Merc or OMC.<br /><br />To get back to my impeller problem - the only question I have is why some impellers run for years and other dont. They are rubber and will eventually wear out. You dont know when they wear out so you are better off just changing them every year. Things can make them prematurely wear out like weeds and sand however the conclusion I came up with was just to replace it every year. Let me know if you have a better conclusion?

 

[Mike Yeatts]

Re: Force engines

Mercury mechanic told me that due to the thick rubber design of the impellar on my 1996 Force 120 that it should be good for about 5 year intervals.

 

[Bry21317]

Re: Force engines

Shadytree,<br />I would be suspicious to try or believe that. IF that goes, then you run a much higher risk of damage to the engine. I would change it at least every 1.5 Yrs. That is just me though. Its about a $20 job and takes about 1.5 hrs, so why not make sure your engine stays running for a long long time with that kind of investment.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Bryan Cox

 

[mercpro]

Re: Force engines

Nothing wrong with the Force Outboards. As mentioned, as long as demand is there, theOEM will continue to have the parts available, Even Mercury. Typically, aftermarket parts don't have the same design specs because they try to copy the OEM parts. If that's all you can get then that's it but otherwise, it's OEM for me. Most engine builders warranty their replacement parts and consequential damages as well. Not all aftermarket parts suppliers do. Same with printed publications.<br /> Lots of Force engines still around as well as used parts for them. Don't be discouraged and may the FORCE be with you. Right? Oh, and keep your stick on the ice.

 

[Jango]

Re: Force engines

In addition to my 85HP Force which I havn't owned very long, I have a 20HP Merc bought new in 1975. This motor is only used in Canadian Lakes where the water is relatively clean. Granted the 20 probably only has a total of 600 - 800 Hours on it, I have ONLY changed the Impeller ONCE, and I can't rememember for sure when that was. <br />I think this points out Impeller Life is more dependant on how clean the Water is than anything else.

 

[Joey1805]

Re: Force engines

I love my Force 120 too but I had to take it to the shop this morning. Overheated and now it runs rough, im scared....We'll find out..

 

[diggerdan17]

Re: Force engines

had my 95 force 9.9 in mint condition out for the first time since i bought it today! i,m impressed. it scared me a little when i was in the boat (12 foot aluminum) by myself, but then i put my 2 kids in the boat and it really helped keep the front end down.i am going to love this engine for a long long time.... force rules!

 

[BR549]

Re: Force engines

I got a 1999 90 HP Force at a great deal 2 years ago and have had zero problems. Not a thing wrong with the brand - just old technology that could not meet the new EPA regs. I think your biggest concern is not the sticker on the side but the condition of the motor - the previous owner's maintinence will be the deciding factor in the reliablity of a motor. As for the impeller - every 2 years is a good general guideline. Mine looked in good shape when it was replaced but I would rather replace a good one at the house than find a bad one on the water.

 

[cmarko458]

Re: Force engines

Don't let the force be with you.