50 hp force top end issues

[rickn1]

I have a 1990 50 hp Force that's giving me a big problem. One time last season I thought I had a spun prop, lots of revs but no top end speed, with a fairly loaded boat. ( 2 adults 2 kids) . I took the prop off and marked it no sign of slippage.
Next time out, ( end of season), it worked perfect, (2 adults pulling a tube with 2 kids) . This weekend I took it out again, put the thing into gear on Friday, "nothing" no forward or reverse. I checked the cables and levers and everything seems to going into place. Prop was very hard to turn in F & R but I could tell there was resistance there. Saturday morning I put it into gear, all worked fine, F & R, I got about 50 yds. from the dock and was getting no top speed, "again" then all of a sudden something went " bang " and it just died. Seems like something seized or piled up. The slippage thing has me really boggled. Any ideas as to what happened ? How much of a job to open this thing up? Any ideas as to what I'm looking for in the gearcase? I am a mechanic by trade so I have most tools I need, but no experience with outboards. Thanks group!!! Rick

 

[rickn1]

Re: 50 hp force top end issues

btt

 

[rickn1]

Re: 50 hp force top end issues

btt

 

[StinkinShip]

Re: 50 hp force top end issues

I hope nobody tries to shoot me for saying this!!!
I owned a 1991 50 hp force for 2 yrs. I found it to be easy to work on and parts are easy to find. That being said it was the biggest under-powered P.O.S. I have ever owned. Now I am not a rich guy. Most of the time I don't have enough money to do anything I enjoy. But I tell you this much, if I were you I would save my pennies for a while. Give that force away for what ever you can get for it. Do not spend another dime on that machine. Then buy a good used outboard excluding force. I did it and found an 85 hp yamaha for $600. It was the best decision I ever made. Had you said it was a chrysler 50 hp I would have encouraged you to fix it. But it is a Force, no longer a chrysler(one of mercury's biggest mistakes) Dig it a shallow grave and put it to rest.

Anyways good luck with your motor trouble. Hope you find a solution. T.J.

 

[rickn1]

Re: 50 hp force top end issues

Well , I took it apart, "not too hard a job", and most of the bearings had piled up, gear set was OK thou, Lower gear housing had a hairline crack and I got water in there, plus the prop had spun, last seasons markings had defiantly shifted, so that was the cause of my top end slippage. Now all I have to do is find a lower gearcase somewhere. Can anyone tell me if this is Merc / Chrysler , and what will interchange ? Thanks. ...Rick...

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 50 hp force top end issues

89 through 94 should fit.
The older 80-88 should fit too.

A 50hp is a 50 hp.
If your was under powered then you needed a bigger motor.
Lots of difference between a 50 and an 85.
A 50 ain't meant to be a race motor.
Don't expect too much.
The only difference in a Chrysler and a Force is the name.
U S Marine,Bayliner took over Chrysler and changed the name.
Then in 93/4 Mercury bought out Force and didn't change anything on the Force 50 until 95
The parts and lower units are EVERYWHERE.
Just get pics of the units so you can match.

 

[rickn1]

Re: 50 hp force top end issues

Thanks JJ 05 Don't get me wrong. I don't need a racer. I was very happy with the power in years past. I did not find it underpowered, it's just that when I was having top speed issues, I meant ISSUES like 15 mph tops. I think the prop slip was the original problem.

 

[StinkinShip]

Re: 50 hp force top end issues

A 50 hp isn't a race motor unless put on a seaflea LOL. But in saying that there is a huge difference between a 2 cyl 50 hp and a 3 cyl 50 hp. I know this for a fact. When I initially sold the force I was without power for a few months. My dads 76 merc 50 was used until I purchased the yammi. The speed difference and overall handling was noticed. Prop pitch was very close. Just saying!

Rick
Just in-case you go looking to repair your motor I found out during ownership of my force that the 35 hp as well as the 40 hp versions have many compatible parts, Lower unit is one of them. This info may help you in your search. Try to keep the years close. Good luck and happy boating.