Buying a 1997 Force By Mercury

[Dutch_ca]

I'm thinking about buying a 1997 Astro Bass Boat with a 1997 Force By Mercury engine.<br /><br />What do I have to look at and are these a good motor with a good repair history. The guy who is selling has only had the boat a couple of months and has no history on the motor. I haven't water tested it yet, but want to know if it's worthwhile at all.<br /><br />Any comments are really appreciated.

 

[Navigator]

Re: Buying a 1997 Force By Mercury

What HP are you talking about. Most Force Engines are basic and simple by design. Reliability is directly related to the care and maintenance performed by the previous owner. <br /><br />What you'll want to check is the compression on all cylinders. They should be at least 120# each, but more important, all cylinders should be within 10% of each other. Dont be concerend if they all test out a little differently, as long as no single cylinder is way off. (this would indicate internal damage and you should walk away from the deal). <br /> <br />Next, check the fluid in the lower unit. It should be clear and not milky or cloudy. Cloudy fluid indicates water has entered the lower unit by a bad seal. Fixable, yes, but the gears may be worn and have to be replaced.<br /><br />Test the engine. It should start easily and idle down smoothly. If the starter sounds like its lugging, it could be a bad battery or a failing starter. Examine to make sure cooling water is exiting the engine. (If you run it on the muffs, dont rev it, as this not wise since there is no load on it)<br /><br />Lastly, have the owner take you for a test drive. Engines do not act the same on the muffs as they do in the water under load. If all looks good, then go for it.<br /><br />One thing you will want to do if you get it is to replace the water pump impeller. Its an easy thing to do, but that part has a life of a year or two and you dont want to risk your investment for a $20 part.<br /><br />Historically, Force engines get a bad rap because they were usually sold to first time boaters who didn't know (or care) about proper maintenance. They purchased the boat at a boat show, used it for the summer, then let it sit all winter as is. In the spring, when the carbs were gummed up and the battery was dead, they blamed the Engine for the problems. Anyone with an inkling of intelligence who can read a manual and doesn't mind spending the $40 or so bucks a year, can have the engine run trouble free for a very long time. <br /><br />Nav

 

[Booner]

Re: Buying a 1997 Force By Mercury

Dutch: Hit the RED SEARCH button and read through the many other posts. Your question has been asked many times about "Force with brand x boat what’s it worth?” Force is out of bisness and some say parts are getting hard to find and that many marine techs don’t want to work on them (Force). I, me personally would only consider the deal for the boat and trailer the black thing that is bolted to the transom is just a big weight. Do not even consider the Force, as part of the equation and you will come out ok. Don’t listen to the seller tell that its a good engine starts and runs great no problems and so on blab blab blab. Some Force lover my tell you that is a good deal and Force is ok and to go for it but they will not the one with the head ach later. Good luck!