1996 force 120hp lower compatability

jerryjerry05 said:

Jasper Engine, or Salvage Yards Facebook Marketplace.
Google. Any and all outboard repair forums.
Good luck.
As far as needing a 3 or 6 ?? I think both might fit.

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gutterman65 said:

First and foremost thanks for reading and any help ypu can provide. Hello, I'm new to the forum, I have a 1996 force 120 2 stroke outboard i need assistance in sourcing the proper lower for replacement. After purchasing under the pretense of needing a simple cable adjustment I've since realized the lower is toast. There are no discernable gears after removing the unit and manually turning the shifter rod. I'm looking to just replace the lower completely insteadof rebuilding because parts look hard to source and expensive where you can find them. I've found reputable vendors selling them and am ready to purchase. My issue is that the internet research I've done says that the 1996 120 should have the 3 dog reverse clutch for that year model but when I disassembled it my current unit installed is a 6 dog reverse clutch, so I'm thinking the previous owner replaced the lower with a unit off a newer year force outboard. So my question is should a 6 dog reverse clutch lower from a 1999 force 120 work on my 1996 force 120 or is the wrong year model lower the reason the current one gave out, I've found a replacement that seems reasonably priced and the only thing that's kept me from purchasing is I'd like 100% certainty it will work. Again, thanks for any help and advice, stay safe out there on the water, I can't wait to fix this thing and join y'all!

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blackd said:

Both do bolt up, BUT 3 or 6 are not interchangeable without modifying linkage. Modification requires removing power head. If the motor is/has been used in salt water, removal can be an issue.

Accordingly, I would recommend replacing with the 3 jaw, unless the REQUIRED modification has been done. Indeed, the installed 6 jaw may be trashed because the mod was not done.

If the mod has been done, then any early model MERCURY 6 jaw which bolt up will work.

If you find the 3 jaw is needed, remember to shift with some force. Babying them into to reverse with the jaws clacking will slowly cause damage. It's one of the reasons they upgraded to the 6 jaw. Remember this is a MERCURY bottom, and there are many more options than just
Force. Match age and HP to determine possible mercury bottoms. IIRC 90 HP is the break point where they are the same.

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gutterman65 said:

Thanks for the information, how would I go about confirming whether or not the shift linkage modification has been done? I know my current rod has a spline count of 6 of that helps.

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blackd said:

I believe the spline count is the same for both lower units. This is is the 6 jaw part https://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury/products/79932a20-shift-lever-kit. Perhaps you can compare your with this or call Crowley Marine for added info.

Item 22 on this part is the Force 3 jaw part https://www.marineengine.com/parts/...1997/0e203000-thru-0e287999-usa/exhaust-plate Maybe you can determine the difference.

No one can answer your question(s) without looking at the motor.

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blackd said:

I believe the spline count is the same for both lower units. This is is the 6 jaw part https://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury/products/79932a20-shift-lever-kit. Perhaps you can compare your with this or call Crowley Marine for added info.

Item 22 on this part is the Force 3 jaw part https://www.marineengine.com/parts/...1997/0e203000-thru-0e287999-usa/exhaust-plate Maybe you can determine the difference.

No one can answer your question(s) without looking at the motor.

Click to expand...