1990 Force 90hp

[duhawk49]

i havent heard much about these engines. i was thinking about buying a 17' VIP vision 1760 runabout with this engine on it. the boat seems in very good shape along with the engine. my question is are these engines decent? also what can i expect performance wise? i know force isnt that great of a name brand but wanted to hear what others though about them before i decide to buy.. thanks

 

[JB]

Re: 1990 Force 90hp

They have a bad reputation, Duhawk.<br /><br />If you can locate a good parts source and the engine has gotten good care it will serve you well as long as you continue the good care.<br /><br />Chances are not good for either.<br /><br />I suggest that you find another boat or another powerplant.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: 1990 Force 90hp

Double Ditto on the powerplant.....

 

[roscoe]

Re: 1990 Force 90hp

Most outboards can only be used for one thing, moving your boat around.<br /><br />Force motors are much more versatile. <br /><br />You can make a mailbox out of them.<br /><br />Use them as a mooring for your swimming raft.<br /><br />Even fry eggs on the powerhead.

 

[backdraft]

Re: 1990 Force 90hp

DuHawk, find out if these advisors have owned one or have just heard of one that someone abused. Most motors are as good as the owner who takes care of it. nevjb

 

[DJ]

Re: 1990 Force 90hp

duhawk49,<br /><br />Force engines gained a bad reputation for several reasons.<br /><br />1. They somewhat deserved it.<br /><br />2. They are very old technology.<br /><br />3. They were sold as "price leader" engines and sold to many folks that were new to boating. Because of this, many were abused and not maintained properly.<br /><br />With that said, you can get decent service out of one if you are VERY particular with the maintenance you give them, particularly decarbing the engine.<br /><br />I would be more concerned with a good parts supply. If the boat is a good buy, go ahead. Just don't expect much out of the engine. If it does serve you well, you won.

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: 1990 Force 90hp

Weren't those FORCE motors made by Chrysler? They were always put together with Bayliner's as a package deal, like Djohns said, for people who were new to boating. I have 3 friends who made the mistake of buying FORCE motors, all new to boating and all buying against my warnings, and all ended up losing and buying real outboards. I agree with Djohns, if the boat is a good buy take it, and maybe run the FORCE till it dies, but save up for a better powerplant. Good Luck.

 

[backdraft]

Re: 1990 Force 90hp

Advisors, how many of you have actually owned a Force 90 or 125? [I'm glad they were not Ficht equipped.] No stretching the truth now. My only criteria is you must have owned it and run it. No BS. nevjb

 

[walleyehed]

Re: 1990 Force 90hp

OK, nevjb.....My dad owned 2 Chryslers in the mid 70's that were actually on boats we traded for (Glastron dealer since 1968) and all we ever got done on those 2 was work on them. <br />As our dealer-ship grew and we began working on other manufacturer's outboards (we sold Johnson) It became VERY apparent even after they became Force, that these engines were very obviously 10yrs. behind the modern day technology....they came out with thru-hub exhaust 20yrs. after all other manufacturers did.<br />I have had friends over the years with Force engines that quite frankly, I got Darn tired of working on these even after they had been worked on at "so-called" Force dealers.<br />They were flat-out, a crude piece of work, and are an attractive paper-weight at best......yes, a few somehow gave years of good service, but they were the exception, not the rule.<br />nevjb, no insults here, just my observation of working on them for 20 some years...

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: 1990 Force 90hp

nevjb....when I said I had 3 friends that owned these pieces of junk, I meant that I was the one who had to deal with the problems and fixes. If you have to actually own every engine that you give advice on, nobody would get anywhere on this site. I'm not sure why you wouldn't want the Ficht system behind you rather than a FORCE unless you don't like 40% better fuel efficiency, quieter and smoother running and much better performance as well as loengevity compared to a motor that will last 50hrs. before having a problem. Oh well I guess variety is the spice of life and to each his own, I know when I'm 35 miles out into the Atlantic, I'd rather get back home instead of call for help. Just my opinion.

 

[roscoe]

Re: 1990 Force 90hp

I owned a 9.9 briefly, and currently own a 70hp which is equipped with a Merc t/t unit, a merc lower unit, and a Merc/Mariner ignition system.<br /><br />These motors were originally built by The West Bend Corporation, which was bought out by Chrysler in the 60's, which was bought out by USMarine in the 80's, Which was bought out by Brunswich/Mercury in the 90's. Last year of production was 1999.<br /><br />Of all the Force engines, only a few have a real good track record. 93-95 70hp, and 40 50 120 made after 1996. Just my opinion.<br /><br />Parts are getting hard to find for any of the motors from pre-Mercury ownership. You can't get some parts for the newer ones either.

 

[backdraft]

Re: 1990 Force 90hp

Gentlemen, I just wanted to see your reasons for your opinions, and you are pretty well right on. I only question the advice given to see if it is backed up with fact. I myself feel that Evinrude / Johnson has built the best motors ever built bar none. Thanks for your insite.nevjb

 

[jd_smith]

Re: 1990 Force 90hp

Duhawk, <br /><br />I owned an 88 Force 125 for about 4 years. When I first purchased it the motor was fine, ran great. Over the years it deteriorated despite yearly maintenance. The problems stemmed from the electrical system, powerpacks, coils etc...<br />The design and construction of these motors is not the best to be certain. However, I did run mine in the salt almost exclusively and although rinsed and washed down after each use, this may have been too much for it. I would not purchase another Force motor, parts are difficult to find and are unbelieveably expensive. I also believe that although rated at 125hp, this motor did not come near that output. If the price of the package is right, maybe use the Force until it dies and look to replace with an OMC.

 

[DJ]

Re: 1990 Force 90hp

nevjb,<br /><br />I have not personally owned one. However, my brothers pontoon was originally equipped with a Force 75. It is the same basic engine as the 90.<br /><br />All the boats in our families lake home are somewhat communally owned. So, I have run one and had to deal with it since I'm the only mechanically minded one in the family. The service of all our watertoys is my responsibility.<br /><br />Anyway, the Force lasted six months. It spent more time in the shop than on the water. Finally, the dealer traded us out of it and installed a Merc. 75. No worries.

 

[duhawk49]

Re: 1990 Force 90hp

ok just wondering. if i do get the boat and the engine lasts a year. how much do you think a replacement 115 or 120 would run.. used of course. supposedly the engine has not had any serious problems and looks to be in great condition. if a replacement engine isnt too ungodly expensive it may not be a big deal to change out someday. ive heard the same about force, some good some bad. i had a friend who had one on his boat for a couple years with no problems at all. id rather get a boat with a different engine but this boat is in perfect condition so passing it up would be hard to do. as far as parts go, is it true you cant find parts for this engine? wheres the best place to find them for it in case its needed? thanks for all the input..

 

[walleyehed]

Re: 1990 Force 90hp

duhawk49, the guys on The "Force/Chrysler engine troubles/repair would be a good place to come back to, if you need more specific info on the Force.<br />Even though they run Force engines, there are a few "Good guys" there.....

 

[RatFish]

Re: 1990 Force 90hp

Here is a short story...<br /><br />I have a friend that has a 1987 Bayliner with a 1987 Force 120hp. Last summer I went out with him three times. All three times we broke down. I'm in no hurry to go out with him again. <br /><br />End of story.

 

[BR549]

Re: 1990 Force 90hp

I have a 1999 90 hp Force and have put a couple of hundred hours on it with no problems. If the motor checks out and the price is right I would not hesitate to get it ( well I would not worry about it any more than any other 13 year old motor). I bought mine new at a fantastic price because of the bad reputation - the dealer even threw in extra warranty to get rid of it.

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: 1990 Force 90hp

"I bought mine new at a fantastic price because of the bad reputation - the dealer even threw in extra warranty to get rid of it." <br /><br />That is the answer to the whole question as far as I concerned, especially the extra warranty "to get rid of it!!" Basically if the boat is in good condition and a good buy, go for it, like I and others have said previously, just don't expect too much and whenever you can re-power it, you'll be fine. Good Luck.

 

[roscoe]

Re: 1990 Force 90hp

There were also a lot of changes between 1990 and 1999.<br /><br />A repower could cost between $1000 and $7000, depending on how new you repower with.<br />Here is a 2000 Evinrude for under $3900.<br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/motorparts/part.cgi?pid=4214&flag=2 <br /><br />Basic maintenance parts like waterpumps can be found. Tilt and trim parts are almost non-existent.