88 125 Force

[scottbeef]

I am going to go look at an 88 125 force the owner is asking $450. I know nothing about force other than at one time they were perceived as boat anchors. The little I've seen looks like they have a good following. But I'm not sure when they improved? Does anyone have some input on the 88 125 good bad. I don't know if I can go wrong with it for that price.

Thanks

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 88 125 Force

Years ago the motors were designed poorly(cheap).
The oil we added to the gas was designed to burn wrong.It would form carbon deposits and the rings would sieze and the pistons would go.
New oils TCW-3 doesn't do that.You can still damage the pistons by not taking care of them but simple things like the proper setting of the air screws and keeping the water out of the gas and they will last a LONG time.
I had a pair of 88/85hp on my boat.The rings siezed(I caught it before any damage)and I replaced them twice on each engine(I used the motors a LOT!!!!)I never had to touch the lower units other than oil changes.
They are an inexpensive motor but will last as long as you take care of them.
Do a compression test.They should read 150#(depends on the guage)or all be real close within 5-10#s of each other.Good luck,J