Force vs Mercury

[cessna 205]

Is there a difference between Force and Mercury Marine? I though the Force was a chrysler outboard product. and was long gone.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Force vs Mercury

The basic block is essentially the same with only minor differences. In the mid 1980s, Force engines were just a rebadged Chrysler. When Merc bought them, they started making changes. While blocks and carbs were essentially the same, Merc changed the control cables, midleg, and lower unit.

West bend begat Chrysler, which begat Force by US Marine (Brunswick AMF), which begat Force by Mercury Marine, which discontinued the line.

 

[cessna 205]

Re: Force vs Mercury

The basic block is essentially the same with only minor differences. In the mid 1980s, Force engines were just a rebadged Chrysler. When Merc bought them, they started making changes. While blocks and carbs were essentially the same, Merc changed the control cables, midleg, and lower unit.

West bend begat Chrysler, which begat Force by US Marine (Brunswick AMF), which begat Force by Mercury Marine, which discontinued the line.

Thanks for the information, I was not knowledgeable enough to properly ask for what i wanted, and your answer was along the lines of what i was wanting to know, i just logged in first time yesterday, posted the question, then spent about 2+ hours reading other post that enforce your response. Having known that, I now ask a more intelligent question. I am looking at a early 90s Force 150 to replace my 1983 mercury 200 (2.4L) engine. I am in a dilemma, it that, the cost to repair my engine is so much that I don?t ad any value to my boat (91 Sprint) or the engine. I can get the Force engine much cheaper. But I don?t know if my tach, controls, etc will work. Plus I hve a very nice prop and was hoping that it would match up to the Force. Just prior to the demise of the powerhead on my 200, I had just redone the lower unit and a new starter, and a year before the new prop. all costly. My block has no core value, but my hope was that some parts would enter change between the Force and Mercury. I appreciate any additional advise.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Force vs Mercury

Cessna, what part of the world are you located?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Force vs Mercury

If the Force 150 is running, then the tach should also work with it; I believe that both Force and Mrecury used the same 20 pole tach. But, I am not sure about the control cables. If it is 91 or 92, then it most likely has the old Chrysler cables and ends (Teleflex, threaded). If that is so, the Merc cables and control box will not work.

If you are buying the Force just to put on the boat and sell it, then it will probably be better than repairing your Merc.

BUT: If you want to keep the boat, the Force will sorely disappoint you. It will not give anywhere near the performance of the 2.4 liter engine. If that is the case, you would be better "biting the bullet" and repairing the Merc,

I am not too familiar with the Force 5 cylinder engines but I think the gearcase is still smaller than your Merc lower unit. Therefore while the prop shaft and splines are the same, the cast prop hub will be too large to fit into the Force lower unit.

 

[cessna 205]

Re: Force vs Mercury

Cessna, what part of the world are you located?

Sorry i have not filled out my profile I Live in west Texas, 100s of miles to everywhere, Lakes, mountains, ocean, all a very long way away. (however,we have endless choices for building airports, chuckle , very flat here)

 

[cessna 205]

Re: Force vs Mercury

Frank A
thanks for the more detailed information. I am not sure tht i want to keep the boat. That said, if money was no obstacle, i would want a boat just like mine (even though a 91) but with a 175 or 200 Yamaha. As a friend said, a $600 saddle on a $20 horse.

After reading all the post, i was coming to the conclusion that the Force 150 would be lacking. I dont need or want to be the fasest on the lake, but my favorite lake is large (Amisted on the Rio Grande) and i often go 18 to 20 miles one way so speed is a good thing to have. The merc has often given problems for me and the previews owner (i bought it from my best friend's estate) and i am a little "gun shy" to put more money into it, but would like the use of the new things I hve put on it.

My though is finding a used but newer 175 or 200 "something" with 45 degree angle. Maybe hoping something will show up.

Thank you again for the info, I believe it to be sound.

 

[cannonford57]

Re: Force vs Mercury

the force 5 cyl engine being out of production is fast becomin g a conversation piece.parts are becoming harder and harder if not impossible to find.not a lot of shops will take them in any more.a good used 2.o or 2.4 will be the ticket for ya /