1992 Force 120

[NBE]

I searched and seems that the general consensus is that Force outboards are not very good overall. Troublesome, with many problems with ingition systems, fuel pumps, water pump impellors, and in general, very maintenance intensive as for as the routine stuff. Also heard a lot about lack of or hard to find parts.<br /><br />I'm looking at a boat that has a 1992 Force 120 and am having doubts about getting a boat with a Force on it due to what I have read here at Iboats. I do plan on checking it out with a compression test, etc., but that won't say much for the reliability and such for the future. I really do like the boat, just hestitant because of the Force motor.<br /><br />Just wondering, is the 1992 Force 120 a Chrysler or a Mercury made one?<br /><br />Is it oil injected or mix? If oil injected, what is the reliability of the system?<br /><br />Are there any inherent problems with this year and model motor that are different than other brands?<br /><br />Any other comments from those that know and have experience with this motor?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[roscoe]

Re: 1992 Force 120

Chrysler made them thru 1983.<br />USMarine made them from 1984-1989?<br />Mercury made them till 1999.<br /><br />The 1992 120hp should have Mercury's Thunderbolt ignition, and is a more reliable system. Components are black. <br /><br />Previous models had the Prestolite ignition, it had blue colored cd powerpacks, and blue colored ignitiopn coils. These are prone to failure and hard to diagnose the cause. I would pass on the boat if the motor has the blue ignition system, or negotiate the price down so that the motor is free.<br /><br />As for fuel pumps, you might have the older round pump, or the newer square pum. Either one can be rebuilt in 30 minutes with $12 worth of parts.<br /><br />Waterpump/impellers, need to be replaced every few years on ANY motor.<br /><br />A compression test is a good thing, but you really need to get the boat on the water for a thorough water test BEFORE you buy it. This is a deal breaker, no test drive, no purchase. Also need to check out the ignition and charging system.<br /><br />You should be able to negotiate a low price, because of the FORCE motor reputation.<br /><br />If the motor checks out and you buy it, plan on doing the impeller and the fuel pump. Then you will know they are in good working order.