Force 125: replacing LU - need advice

[khoonie]

Hello,
I have a 1988 Force 125 that needs the whole lower unit replaced. My Model and serial numbers are: Model: 1254X8C; Serial :2476. I realize these can still be found used in various online shopping sites. My question is: What questions should I ask the seller to verify that what I am buying will absolutely fit my engine? Most times the person selling the part is not very informed about differences and I want to make sure I ask the right questions to confirm it will fit before I buy it. For instance a recent seller of a LU for a 1988 125 said the unit came from an 85 Force model, but that "it will fit 1988-94 Force motors 85-125 hp, and possibly others." If anyone can give me some good advice on this sort of thing, it would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[SkiDad]

the main thing is to get the same shaft length - most are 20" but could be 25" - a 20" measures about 23.5" from the bottom of the water pump to the top of the shaft. Most likely your 88 is a 20" with single exhaust (water pickups are on the side of the bullet) that water pickup denotes the types of props you can use - if you get the one with the water pickups above the bullet it will require a thru hub prop. Try craigslist - I've gotten a few from there. I have one in my shed I keep as a spare. If the unit is marked with a 4 or 4A it's a 1.73 ratio that was designed for 4 cylinder. If it was marked with a 3 it will be from an 3 cyl 85 hp model - they are identical except gear ratios. I have a 85 hp lower on my 125

see this link
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engin...nits-one-piece

 

[khoonie]

Thanks, SkiDad! My unit is the 20 inch one and I have found a replacement LU which measures 21.5" from the TOP of the water pump to the end of the shaft, so it must be the correct one. My old LU does have the intakes on the side of the bullet. I believe this should put me back on the water. I appreciate your help.