fix it or buy it

[maxgrider]

I have a 1985 85 Force on a 17' maxum been having problems with the moter for the last year tossed around the idea of rebuilding it found a 1989 80 Mercuryshould i buy it or fix it

 

[dmessy]

Re: fix it or buy it

Depends on whats wrong with your Force. Parts are going to be hard to come by now and in the future? The Merc in a 14 year old motor, might be jumping from the pan into the fire. Check out both motors and compare the costs to fix/buy both.

 

[maxgrider]

Re: fix it or buy it

I have a compression leak in #3 cylindernow in the summer i had ignition prblems [ fixed now] but it seems i dont go a season without two or more [dont get me wrong i baby this force it gets more attention than my fishing]

 

[NathanY]

Re: fix it or buy it

The merc is newer than the force, Merc is a better engine than the force, parts for the merc are more readily available, you will have more prop choices with the merc so it will out perform the force. I would buy the merc.

 

[steelespike]

Re: fix it or buy it

I feel the Merc. is a giant step up but check it carefully.It is no better than the care it has been given.The performance will be as good or better than the Force and it may even get better milage.

 

[dmessy]

Re: fix it or buy it

If it truly is just a compression LEAK, the head gasket is probably the cause. Replace it for around $30. If the compression on a cylinder is low(less than 10% when compared to the others), then remove the head and inspect the cylinder for scoring. A new piston and bore job on just that one cylinder is around $400 if you do the work yourself( other than the bore, use a machine shop). The merc. may not be in much better shape due to its age so it is your choice.

 

[TORX]

Re: fix it or buy it

the force is just a chrysler with a paint job if thr merc is a good runner it is 100 times beter then the farce or should i say force

 

[maxgrider]

Re: fix it or buy it

Thanx for the input after a day of toying with this I'm going to dig a little deeper in the force but haven't closed the idea of the merc<br />thanx again !!!