1997 FORCE OUTBOARD

pmurray

Recruit
Joined
Jul 13, 2003
Messages
1
i HAVE RECENTLY PURCHASED A 1997, FORCE 120 H.P OUTBOARD,,AND WAS WONDERING WHAT TO EXPECT FROM IT.<br /><br />IT HAS LOW HOURS, BUT HAVE READ ALOT OF BAD THINGS, AND WAS HOPING SOMEONE COULD LET IN IN, ON WHAT I AM TO EXPECT, AND POSSIBLE REMEDIES !<br /><br />tHANKS
 

cloumar

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 12, 2002
Messages
305
Re: 1997 FORCE OUTBOARD

Hi,<br /><br />Murray, I own a 1998 - 75 HP since last year, mine also doesn't have much hours on it, but so far I have nothing to complain - starts good - runs and pulls great, I heard and have read the same as you about those motors and I am not scare to keep and run it for years. Of course they are not made with the latest top gun technology but it's doing the job I am asking for. <br />If it could help you :) <br /><br />Smoky
 

BR549

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 18, 2002
Messages
87
Re: 1997 FORCE OUTBOARD

I have a 1999 90hp Force and no problems at all for me. Any Force after 1993 or so is mostly Mercury parts aside from the powerhead. It would be a good idea to change the water impeller if you don't know when it was last changed. As for expectations - my observations are that you will run a little slower at WOT than the big brand names of similar hp( 2-3 mph), you are more prone to carbon buildup if you idle alot, it will be a little louder and idle a little rough, and you will never be bothered by mosquitoes while the motor is running due to the smokescreen you will be throwing out. The powerhead is based on state of the art 1960 technology and contribute to the above - overall in 250 hours of running mine I have been pleased - especially when I think about how little I paid for it. Follow the maintenience schedule and you will be fine.
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,787
Re: 1997 FORCE OUTBOARD

Hi pmurray,<br />You've got a decent engine, not great, but pretty darn good. <br /><br />Basic maintenance is the key to keeping it running.<br /><br />Change the impeller every year.<br />Do a thorough decarb on the engine at least once a year.<br />Change your lower unit oil and use new seals on the fill/drain screws.<br />Have your carbs cleaned and adjusted every few years, keep an eye on your spark plugs for signs of a lean running cylinder.<br />Install a water pressure guage on your boat, and watch for any lower than normal pressures.<br />At the first sign of problems, stop running the engine and get it checked out.<br /><br />If you need info on the decarb, do a search for "decarb process".
 
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