1988 Force 125 1988 Maxum boat

roscottjr

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Jun 10, 2006
Messages
330
We went out on a lake today and While going across the water the engine shut off. There were no sounds or smoke or anything unusual so I turned the key and it started right back up and we were back underway. I checked the water coming out the 2 small exhaust holes and noticed the water was hot. Not scalding hot but I wouldnt want to leave my hand there. I know that my overheat buzzer is not hooked up. My question is, we ran it for about 2 hours straight and didnt have any other issues. This lake is an IDLE only lake so we were at idle speed the entire time. Is the hot water normal and the engine just shut off because the fuel built up in the block? We ran the rest of the day after it shut down at just above idle it never shut off again. Also, just before it shut down, we had stopped and let the kids swim for about 45 minutes. When I went to start the engine it acted like it was flooded.

Thanks
Robert
 

maxum247

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Sep 18, 2007
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1,363
Re: 1988 Force 125 1988 Maxum boat

We went out on a lake today and While going across the water the engine shut off. There were no sounds or smoke or anything unusual so I turned the key and it started right back up and we were back underway. I checked the water coming out the 2 small exhaust holes and noticed the water was hot. Not scalding hot but I wouldnt want to leave my hand there. I know that my overheat buzzer is not hooked up. My question is, we ran it for about 2 hours straight and didnt have any other issues. This lake is an IDLE only lake so we were at idle speed the entire time. Is the hot water normal and the engine just shut off because the fuel built up in the block? We ran the rest of the day after it shut down at just above idle it never shut off again. Also, just before it shut down, we had stopped and let the kids swim for about 45 minutes. When I went to start the engine it acted like it was flooded.

Thanks
Robert

These outboard motors do not do well for long periods of time at idle, they need to be run above idle, the water temp is probably reflective of running at idle for so long providing your impeller is good.
The starting issue after stopping for a bit to swim could have been due to the fact that the fuel in the carbs can actually start to boil once the engine is shut down so it could be your hard start issue was due to lack of fuel in the carb bowls until the engine was cranked enough for the fuel pump to refill them. My 2 cents!

max!
 

roscottjr

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Jun 10, 2006
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330
Re: 1988 Force 125 1988 Maxum boat

You know, Ive heard of people who get mad at those who give their 2 cents. In this case I have to say Thanks. That makes me feel so much better knowing the issue we had today although minor was nothing but ordinary and expected. We dont plan on going to that lake much at all but wanted to go somewhere close for a final check before we went out on open water on a larger lake. We plan on going to Lake Weiss in Alabama in a week or so and look forward to the trip.

I have to admit, I have read all the horror stories on the Force engines and I am very well aware of the reputation they have. I guess you could say due to all that reading I am a little paranoid. But, the boat and engine were in such good shape that for the price I couldnt turn it down. I am beginning to like this engine even more than either of my Johnson's or my Evinrude. Well, that may be because it is twice as big as my others. Parts are a little harder to find but things come with a price and if this engine continues to perform as well as it has so far then I will be very happy with it.

Robert
 

john from md

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Apr 13, 2008
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2,184
Re: 1988 Force 125 1988 Maxum boat

These engines were made for and mated to ski boats. They were designed to operated in the upper third of the power band for most of their life. The plugs they use will foul easily a low speeds as they were designed for racing applications.

Probably the worse thing that you can do to a Force, outside of not decarbing it regularly, is to operate at low speeds too much.

And as to their reputation, among dedicated boaters that work on their own engines, the engines made before Merc took over are known for being reliable and long lasting.

Enjoy your new old engine.

John
 

roscottjr

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Jun 10, 2006
Messages
330
Re: 1988 Force 125 1988 Maxum boat

Excellent. Everyone is hitting on exactly what I was thinking while on the water yesterday. After getting this engine and takeing it out and find it hard to believe some of the bad things I have read. However, I can without a dought agree that what most people say about these engines failing due to lack of maitenance is true. Then again, I believe any engine whether it be boat, auto, plane, or train is destined to fail if proper maintenance is not performed.

I am currently doing maintenance on the engine today, checking plugs, compression, etc and so far everything is checking out just as it did before we went so it looks like there are no problems except for maybe 1. I noticed my gearcase oil is milky. Im going to do a pressure test on it in a bit and see if I can find the leak. Our next trip will be to a regular lake so we can have fun..

Oh, we did find out that the safety switch which prevents starting in gear was bypassed and the small bracket for the switch was out of adjustment. I have adjusted the bracket and the safety switch is hooked back up and working. This also fixed a throttle issue I had. The throttl seemed like it had too much resistance and would not go as far forward as I thought it should. After fixing the safety switch assembly the throttle now has less resistance and moves all the way forward as it should. I first looked at cable adjustments trying to figure out what was wrong and noticed the safety switch. I learned it is amazing how many different things can cause the same problem. According to everything I have read here on iboats I dont think I have seen anyone refer to the safety switch as a problem for abnormal throttle travel. I guess it is a rare and uncommon occurence.

The boat and engine now have no aparent issues other than the gearcase which I will find out about here shortly. Had to come in out of the heat for a few, lol

Thanks for everyones past and possibly future help.

Robert
 

john from md

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Re: 1988 Force 125 1988 Maxum boat

Milky oil is a sign of water entering the lower. I would be careful with a pressure check, you damage good seals if you are not careful.

If you don't know when the lower oil was changed last, I would drain it and replace the drain, vent and fill gaskets. Refill the lower and run it. Check for water a day or two after each outing. If it turns milky again, then you can start more drastic measures.

Sometimes the little things get overlooked.

John
 

roscottjr

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Jun 10, 2006
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330
Re: 1988 Force 125 1988 Maxum boat

Well, pressure test is ok. No bubbles coming from lower anywhere. Hmm, makes me wander how the water got in. Oh, did the pressure test at 4psi.

John:

I just got the boat so that was the first thing I did was change the lower unit oil. There were a few drops in it when I drained it but I assumed this was from condesation, and I guess it could be this time as well, I mean, it does only take a few drops of water to make the oil appear milky.

We were on an idle only lake and ran the engine for about 6 hours total out of the day. The oil is only slightly milky from the drain hole, it looks normal when I check it from the fill and vent holes. Im thinking I may not have too much too worry about at this time but it would be a good idea to keep an eye on it just in case.

I wont hesitate to replace all the seals and water pump but at the same time Id hate to do it if it doesnt need it.

Robert
 

john from md

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Apr 13, 2008
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Re: 1988 Force 125 1988 Maxum boat

I agree, keep an eye on it and save for a winter project if possible.

John
 

jriegle04

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 1, 2009
Messages
179
Re: 1988 Force 125 1988 Maxum boat

the oil is probably getting in through a drain plug seal. i would replace both the upper and lower before i went out again. if the problem returns i would investigate further.
 

roscottjr

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 10, 2006
Messages
330
Re: 1988 Force 125 1988 Maxum boat

Compression test complete. Here are the numbers from top cylinder down:

140, 137, 135, 135

From what I understand those numbers are good. Whats everyone else thoughts on that?

Robert
 

john from md

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Apr 13, 2008
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2,184
Re: 1988 Force 125 1988 Maxum boat

Numbers are ok. I would do a decarb, they may even up somemore, in any case it will clean the gunk off your rings, pistons and head.

John
 
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