1998 force 90hp? pros/ cons

[CaptainD101]

hey there guys just looking for a few words of advice as I have been looking at a couple motor and this 1998 force 90hp has been an option. Its been sitting under a covered porch for years. I met the guy and went through the motor. its cosmetically looks bad from lots of scratchs and scuffs and fadded paint but no corrosion. under the hood though was extremely nice besides the cobwebs, powerhead looks to have never been touched mechically and with a little degrease would look like new, no pealed paint very clean. he said "its been sitting for about 2 years he thinks" so im thinking like 3-4.

PROS
120 psi on all 3 cylinder
trim works well
starter strong
lower-unit shift and turns with flywheel

CONS
busted up aluminum prop
shift engage lever on controls is busted
going to need fuel system rebuild, carbs
paint job

he is asking 750 for it, but I was thinking the value is with all the repairs is more like 550 but just wanted some input. I wanted to know what others hp and year force motors cross reference with this 1998. where can I get the fuel system kit.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1998 force 90hp? pros/ cons

Props are easy to find as this engine uses a Mercury designed lower unit and Mercury props. That may be the Merc 2000 or 3000 control box. Unless you find a cheap used one on ebay, the lever or a new control box will cost cubic money. Carbs probably will only need cleaning so unless there is something gross that you can see, there is not much money there.

For an engine that size with a good prop, controls, and mounted on his boat. I would ask a buyer 1500 bucks-- but I also take a test ride with the purchaser and informally tell him that if anything mechanical goes bad NOT DUE TO NEGLIGENCE in the first season, I will make it right.

So, you need to deduct for "as-is" condition, prop, controls, and mounting it yourself. So: If you think it is worth 550, make the offer and see where it goes. You may need to come up a bit--but not too much: Although the engine has good compression, unless you have actually run it, there is no guarantee that the electronics are fully functional.

Remember: While no seller ever lies, the polite translation of "screw you" is "trust me."

 

[CaptainD101]

Re: 1998 force 90hp? pros/ cons

whats a quick test of electrical I can do. Would that be just ground the plugs and check for a nice spark, or I also have a spark lead checker. What else would I check out. and if something electrical was to go on this motor what would be my weak points. well I guess I will know if its even getting spark then can analyze from there.

there a few local force motor for parts and got controls, are the 125hp force the same controls.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1998 force 90hp? pros/ cons

In the late 90s, Merc changed to Mercury controls and cables. Earlier Force controls will not work. Late Force engines used the same controls on all remote controlled engine sizes. So therefore, a late 90s 125 control box will be swappable.

Quick test for ignition is as you said: Ground the plugs and crank the engine. Ignition switch does not need to be wired as the engine is like a magneto ignition. As long as the flywheel is turning fast enough, even with no ignition switch connected, the engine will spark--if the kill switch is either not activated or not wired.

 

[CaptainD101]

Re: 1998 force 90hp? pros/ cons

well I contacted the guy with the 90 and got to talking with him and he is so tied up with work and this that and the other.. asked him if I come with cash how much cash would take it. so he said $500. Im thinking bring him 450 cash and trying to walk with it. if everything goes well ill be into the motor by this weekend.

 

[CaptainD101]

Re: 1998 force 90hp? pros/ cons

the way I look at it ill get my money even if I have to part it, actually ill make money easily by selling lowerunit and trim

 

[CaptainD101]

Re: 1998 force 90hp? pros/ cons

OK I got the motor last night. payed 500 and he have me the brand new mercury fuel line kit. I'm going to put some pics of the motor. very nice under the hood. it has 120 compression on all 3 and has strong blue spark on all 3. lower unit fluid was nice and dark and no sign of water. Im going to take apart all three carbs and spray them and blow them out, and follow the linc and sync forum. Also going to take apart the fuel pump and clean it out.

what should I use to clean under the hood, will degreaser or just some detergents work fine?