89 85hp Force The good, The bad

[Jer'sgarage]

I've heard bad things about Force motors. Nothing specific, just that they're undesirable. That just from folks up here in Yooper land. LOL. What are the pros and cons and the quirks of these motors. With proper maintenance what else specific to this motor should I look for or pay more attention to.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 89 85hp Force The good, The bad

I've had mine for 24 years.
Some outboards get a bad rap!
There is nothing wrong with this motor.
Just keep the gas fresh(any motor)keep the oil changed/checked in the lower.
The air screws set at 1 turn out and leave there.
If it doesn't start quickly?? Then somethings wrong.
Grease gun and don't be afraid to use it.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 89 85hp Force The good, The bad

LOOK! Force engines were an entry level, price point engine. They were (until discontinued) very old school design and were usually a tad slower than the competition. They did not have any bells and whistles such as oil injection.

On the whole, they ran rather well and if you did have a problem they were easy to fix. AND, while many parts are now obsolete and not available, if you search hard enough you still can find them.

Yes, because of the negative perceptions, Force outboard engines are a bit undesirable but on the other hand, this gives the buyer a little leverage to get them cheaper than the competition. AND, for most of us without deep pockets, getting on the water for less money is a good thing

 

[Jer'sgarage]

Re: 89 85hp Force The good, The bad

I took it out for the first time yesterday. Next to a bad prop and needing a hydro plate, ( not sure what the tech term is for that) . She ran out pretty good. I think there's a bad needle valve on #3. When I first primed it, gas came from #3 overflow. I gave it the old light tap with the but of a screw driver and it quit. I've got a single cyl miss fire some times at slower rpms. nothing that concerns me though.
Had 130# on all three before I ever started it. Not a big deal to go through the carbs.

 

[jasonbailey]

Re: 89 85hp Force The good, The bad

I had an 84 Chrysler, and it ran great and was simple to work on. I rebuilt the carbs once, changed a head gasket once, and it served me well for years. I repowered 3 years ago only to upgrade to something with more HP and power tilt and trim.

It never left me on the water, and I towed in 3 other boats with other brands of engines that were "better" than Chrysler/Force.

I liked doing the maintenance on it, becuase it was dirt simple to work on. I'm an accountant by trade and I successfully maintained the Chrysler. If you do the maintenance, and don't let the gas go bad it will serve you well.

 

[Jer'sgarage]

Re: 89 85hp Force The good, The bad

LOOK! Force engines were an entry level, price point engine. They were (until discontinued) very old school design and were usually a tad slower than the competition. They did not have any bells and whistles such as oil injection.

On the whole, they ran rather well and if you did have a problem they were easy to fix. AND, while many parts are now obsolete and not available, if you search hard enough you still can find them.

Yes, because of the negative perceptions, Force outboard engines are a bit undesirable but on the other hand, this gives the buyer a little leverage to get them cheaper than the competition. AND, for most of us without deep pockets, getting on the water for less money is a good thing

Not tryin to bash Force motors. I am definitely entry level. Until this All I had was a 14' aluminium and a 6hp Johnson. This is the biggest and fastest boat I've ever owned. I have worked on several outboards. I'm just not real familiar with force, old Chrysler's yes Force no.
I like its simple design. It seems very easy to work on. I took this boat on trade for my services and a few parts. about 900 on his bill. I'm literally $62 out of pocket purchasing this boat. I don't have $$$ to buy toys either. All my toys have come by the good old barter system.