1989 Force 120HP

[jetteman]

I may buy a Maxim with a 120HP Force, the motor doesn't run when I looked at it he had the head off, put the head back on, checked compression from front to back 160/30/140/80 lbs, the two pistons with the lower pressue each had nicks in the pistons about the size of a piece of ring may have come up the cylinder wall. The owner said it was running about 3/4 normal the last time he had it out, the shut it down, and it wouldn't restart. When checking the compression cranked with no unusual noises. Any estimates on repairs? I didn't see any scoring on the cylinders but didn't look real close.

 

[brother chris]

Re: 1989 Force 120HP

Don't buy it. Do a search on it here and you will find Force is not a favourite as repairs are frequent. I also believe they are out of buisness. Parts are going to be hard to find.

 

[jetteman]

Re: 1989 Force 120HP

Yeah I'm leary about it, I've read some of the posts, and seems like they have quit a few problems. The boat trailer and (motor?) is only $1800. Any ideas what it would cost to get it to run like a typical Force?

 

[ewaltb]

Re: 1989 Force 120HP

Do not buy it.<br />I have a 93 120 Force, and although I love my engine, you will have nothing but problems with that one. 2 of those cylinders will cause you problems for a long time. (just my opinion)<br />To answer your question, I don't think it will ever run well. <br />You are probably looking at close to $600-800 in repairs, and that is doing most of the work yourself. Someone please correct me if I am wrong, but that is what I have seen.

 

[amtsst]

Re: 1989 Force 120HP

The boating season is already too short and that Force simply isn't worth it...especially if you have any travel time or big plans where you rely on the boat.<br /><br />I think you're well north of $1000 to get it going good.<br /><br />If you don't mind too much, let me toss in a few thoughts. First, if you buy that boat (even for a *steal*) and then have to put $1000 into the motor, you'll still own an old Force...which has a VERY low market value. <br /><br />I would do one of two things. <br />A) Buy the boat but let the seller keep the motor. If its no big deal as he indicates, he can easily make his money and you can pay even less for the boat. Then get yourself an older Yammy or OMC for about $1500.<br /><br />or B) Take the rig as-is. Part out the motor on eBay next season. You'll make an easy $1000 on the starter, coils, stator, lower unit, power trim, etc, etc. That will give you enough cash to get a different outboard.<br /><br />Bottom line: Do not pour money into that old Force. It will waste your money and **** you off and you'll still have a motor that nobody else will buy from you. Boats break down. No reason for you to start out in the hole.