1988 Force 85

[Chattanooga_Force]

So the family boat with an 85HP Force from when I was younger was last ran around 1996. Since then it has sat for 21 yrs in the dry in a barn. I am hoping to revive it and get it back on the water this season. Anyone have any tips as to what should be checked out/replaced to bring it back in working condition? Being stored at higher elevation means it never saw temps higher than 85 degrees, pretty sure some carb work might be in order as well as lower unit oil change along with some seals, spark plugs too I'd guess. Will be going later this month to get it taken apart and see what kind of shape it's in as well as get the exact model number etc. Thanks in advance.

 

[pita482]

Years ago I bought a old trihull with a 70hp Chrysler on it, sat in a barn in Illinois for 15yrs, rebuilt all the carbs, changed impeller and fluid, and fuel pump diaphragm (was dry rotted) then it ran like a champ, most definitely change ur fuel pump diaphragm.

 

[Ron Merriman]

Be sure to change the impeller in the water pump,

 

[Chattanooga_Force]

Ah yes the fuel pump diaphragm, forgot that one, remembered the water pump impeller but forgot to include in the post. Thanks!

 

[jerryjerry05]

The fuel your gonna use will probably have Ethanol.
The rubber hoses will probably needed to be upgraded?

Do a compression and spark test.

​Don't forget that unit has a kill switch.
The contacts can corrode.

Rebuild/ clean the starter.

 

[Chattanooga_Force]

The fuel your gonna use will probably have Ethanol.
The rubber hoses will probably needed to be upgraded?

Do a compression and spark test.

​Don't forget that unit has a kill switch.
The contacts can corrode.

Rebuild/ clean the starter.

Good points although I never put ethanol fuel in any of my mowers weed eaters or 4 wheelers, don't plan to on the boat either. Good call on the contacts and starter. Thanks!