how do you ID an engine???????

Sonny7thb

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Jun 12, 2011
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I have a 85 HP Force engine sitting on a 1989 VIP 16' runabout. Trying to figure out how to ID it???? I cant even find a set of numbers that I think would be a serial number, there seem to be numbers stamped everywhere on it... Any ideas?????/

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foodfisher

Captain
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Feb 18, 2009
Messages
3,756
Re: how do you ID an engine???????

Look for a tag on the lower cowling/pan where the fuel and throttle cables enter.
 

Sonny7thb

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Re: how do you ID an engine???????

1988-1989

So would this be a Mercury or a Chrylser, or does it matter when I order parts? I need a head gasket and wasnt sure how to look for the correct parts.............
 

Sonny7thb

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Re: how do you ID an engine???????

Look for a tag on the lower cowling/pan where the fuel and throttle cables enter.
Thanks, I will look there............once I find the number, how can I ID it from there????????/
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,842
Re: how do you ID an engine???????

Chrysler went bankrupt in 1983-4, was sold to US Marine.
Brunswick (Mercury's parent company) bought them in late 1989 and started producing their versions of them in 1990.
So you have a US Marine Force engine.

Mercury is handling all parts.

Contact any Merc dealer for parts.
A good online dealer is Crowley Marine, or Dougrussell.com

Most consumable maintenance parts are available here on iboats.

http://www.iboats.com/Force-Outboar...8538372--**********.411713533--view_id.271680


If you find a model number, it will look like

857F9C

In this case, 85 is the hp

9 means 1989

C means production version C


If you talk to someone about parts without a model number, they will give you a blank stare.

You have BLUE CD module ignition.
You have the old style 2 stage fuel pump.


Hope this helps.
 

Sonny7thb

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Re: how do you ID an engine???????

thanks for the great information........

but I still cant find a dadgum serial number anywhere..........
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,842
Re: how do you ID an engine???????

Only 2 places to look.

Under the carb on the inside of the cowl.

Or on the side of the transom mount.

Sticker/plate is probably long gone.

It is not stamped or written anywhere else. sorry.
 

NYBo

Admiral
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Oct 23, 2008
Messages
7,107
Re: how do you ID an engine???????

If it still exists, it will be on the port side of the transom bracket.
 

Sonny7thb

Cadet
Joined
Jun 12, 2011
Messages
10
Re: how do you ID an engine???????

I found a white, faded sticker that has this set of numbers 858P8F

If thats the serial number, does that indicate that it was made in 88' and its version "F" ?????
 
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