1989 Force 125 Lower Unit Problem

[lestat210]

Well, the saga continues.....<br />I ordered and and recieved a lower unit seal kit for a 1989 Force 125, Model "E". The kit is from QUICKSILVER and is numbered "FK1203-1". From the Force manual I have, it seems that there are two types of shift seals...a standard seal and a bellows. Mine has a bellows on it (torn badly; hence the severe leak). The kit I recieved didn't have a bellows in it. Three questions:<br />1. Do I have to order the bellows seperately or do I have the wrong kit?<br />2. Upon draining the gear oil, half of what came out was clear water, followed by oil. Bad seals, I know, but is the LU toast? It's been sitting for about a year or so??? No apparant evidence of rust inside, but still....?<br />3. If I fix the leaking problem, run it and LU freaks out, could it thrash the motor?<br /><br />Sorry for the length, and thanks in advance!!!!<br /><br />Michael

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 1989 Force 125 Lower Unit Problem

As long as there was not a lot of water in the lower unit and you see no rust there should not be a problem. When the motor ran the water mixes with the oil and creates a milky white substance. This is still mainly lower unit oil so when the motor ran it was still being lubricated. As for the seal kits without a model number it is hard to tell if you have the right kit. I have posted a link where you can get the part you need. parts <br />It is a good idea to replace your lower unit oil in the fall instead of the spring. If the water amount would have been greater and you live in a cold area the water could have expanded and cracked the lower unit. When you take the lower unit apart to reseal it inspect the forward gear and the clutch. If it has a lot of wear on it you may want to consider taking it to a machine shop and having the faces machined so they are like new.

 

[lestat210]

Re: 1989 Force 125 Lower Unit Problem

Thanks Eurolarva! I've done some additional research, and have found the bellows listed on the website you mentioned. However, I think that they have done away with the bellows itself. See, the bellows, and a new cover plate are the same part number/price. Does this sound right? I would really like to just replace just the bellows for a little money, instead of the the entire top plate with the bellows for a lot of money. Thanks again!<br /><br />Michael

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 1989 Force 125 Lower Unit Problem

Sorry I dont even know what a bellows plate is. can you post the link and give me the part number. Maybe someone here can help you with your question. I am mainly a chrysler guy but the principals of some force questions are similar

 

[lestat210]

Re: 1989 Force 125 Lower Unit Problem

Okay, here is the link:<br /><br /> http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show.../33.png&inbr=1310&bnbr=130&bdesc=GEAR+HOUSING <br /><br />It's part number 23, but part number 24, which is the entire top cover(??) is the same price. Did they just do away with the bellows altogether? Oh, by the way, the bellows looks like the rubber boot on an automobile manual gearshift. I thought this was just a dust cover, but in actuality, it's a true seal. Thanks!<br /><br />Michael

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 1989 Force 125 Lower Unit Problem

Both parts have the same part number. I found another dealer that shows the old part number but says is is superseeded and gives the same new part number. Looks like you have to buy the whole cover. Maybe the part was defective and they had to redesign it.