May be replacing Force with a Mariner inline six

[bonapetit2]

Looking for feedback on these engines. The marina says it's a '90 or '91 90hp inline 6. I can't seem to find info for this engine for those years, maybe he has the year wrong??
Force 85hp went bad on me and I'm ready to dump it either way, mechanic will put the mariner on the boat for the same price as a rebuild on my force.
The engine will be pushing a 16' bayliner capri, max hp is 90.
Any thoughts would be appreciated
Thanks,
Philip

 

[emckelvy]

Re: May be replacing Force with a Mariner inline six

Phil, they're a little optomistic on the year, last year of the Inline Sixes was around '89.

If you get the serial # of the Mariner we can help decipher the year for you.

I'd say the Inline is a step up from the Force motor, it'll definitely be smoother and I think you'll like the power delivery.

Just make sure the Six is propped correctly as you don't want to lug this motor. It's got quite a different torque curve from your Force and later models will run very strong in the top end.

BTW, if this is an 80's model 90 HP, it'll be rated at the prop and roughly equivalent to an older 115 HP crankshaft-rated motor.

Take a look at the ign, if it's got 2 CDI boxes and 4 coils on the Stbd side it's a later prop-rated model.

If it's got a distributor on the Port Fwd side next to the carbs, it's older (circa '79 or so), and probably crankshaft-rated. The older 90's have a lot of low-end torque but don't run as hard on the top end, due to small intake and exhaust ports. Very thrifty though and likely more fuel-efficient than the old Dinosaur Force motor!

At any rate it'll make your 16' Bayliner get up and Scoot!

HTH & G'luck.........ed

 

[jimmbo]

Re: May be replacing Force with a Mariner inline six

I think 86 or 87 was the last year for the inline 6 90hp, the next year, 87 or 88 the 90hp was a loop charged 3 cylinder. The only was to find out what year it is is to have the serial number.

 

[bonapetit2]

Re: May be replacing Force with a Mariner inline six

I'll be able to get the serial # tomorrow when the mechanic is back in. I only saw the motor from across his garage, didn't get a chance to look under the cowling so I'm not sure of the #, or placement of the cdi boxes and coils.
He was unable to provide much history on the motor, but claimed it had good compression, and idled smoothly. I just don't want another headache like I had with the 85 force.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: May be replacing Force with a Mariner inline six

get them to do a pressure and vacumn test on the gearcase and replace the water pump impeller too.

 

[bonapetit2]

Re: May be replacing Force with a Mariner inline six

He said they would be changing the impeller, I'll mention the pressure test on the lower unit as well.
Thanks

 

[Texasmark]

Re: May be replacing Force with a Mariner inline six

Don't know how you can go wrong going from a West Bend-Chrysler-Force to a Merc. Walla. BTDT

Mark

 

[bonapetit2]

Re: May be replacing Force with a Mariner inline six

Just got back from the mechanics place...Engine is an '82, he had the title from the previous owner. The age of the motor makes me a little weary, although all the comp #'s are in order....126 #'s, +/- 1# on all six cylinders. The lower unit was already pressure tested when they took it in last fall, and passed. The motor is very clean inside and out, all factory paint still in tact on head bolts as well. The only thing I saw was that the insulation on the tilt/trim hoses beginning to come off, much of it already missing, but not leaking at all according to the mechanic.
He says I'll be around 2k installed, that's before a credit on my force if he takes it.
I do like the look of the motor, and it has a nice ss prop on it already.
Now I have to decide if I should try and part the motor out myself, or use it as a trade in???

Philip

 

[jimmbo]

Re: May be replacing Force with a Mariner inline six

That nice ss prop might not be worth anything to you if it isn't the proper pitch for your usage. I had a 1984 115, purchased new, used it hard for 14 years and it still had the factory spark plugs in it when I traded it. Good engine