Looking at a Bayliner with a 120 Force.............

[joetheis]

It's a Trophy, price is right, (I thinking cuz it's got a Force 120 HP hangin off the back). I like then walk @ center console, they look cool!!!
This is at a dealer. Boat has been for sale for a while......................
I know Force/Chrylser has a bad rep, I dunno why................ (I was a Service tech for Chrysler for a few decades, granted it was for 4 wheel land machines, I don't own a Chrylser, but hey! Still loyal)!!!
So, it may be my next boat!
I figured IF it's run THIS long, it's got to be a dependable? running motor.
I went and looked on line for reviews on the 120 Force.
"Under powered" "dog" kept popping up?????? Easy to work on, (hey that's good thing)!
I understand form my research that a lot of Merc. parts will fit it, (so if it's a bad motor, is Merc. a bad motor too??)??WTF??
I didn't pull the cover off the motor, but read if it has the BLACK stator, to change it to the newer (better?) red one....
What else should I look for,
I dunno compression, will either do it or ask about it.
Joe
Never one to listen to the crowd!

 

[pnwboat]

Definitely, a compression check is in order.

Around 1990 or so they started using the Mercury Thunderbolt ignition system that used a "Switch Box" ignition system. 1995 - 1996 they started using the Mercury Thunderbolt CDM ignition system and also started using the Mercury lower units. Somewhere in the 1990's, probably mid-1990's they switched to the square Mercury style fuel pump too. So a few of the Mercury parts will work.

It's not as sophisticated as some of the other brand 2-stroke motors of that time frame, so power output is not as great given the size as compared to some of the Merc's, however, it is easier to work on. Parts are still available on-line and are generally more reasonably priced than other brand outboards. If you're a DIY'er, and have some decent mechanical abilities, you should have no problems with the motor.

 

[joetheis]

Thanks!
The add says it's a 1988, but the motor?? I'm thinkin is 1988 also.
I'm a DiYer for sure, I got this thing about paying other people do do what I can right the first time, (no matter how many times I have to re-do it).
I've been kicking it @ about talking to a salesman about it, maybe I should!
Joe

 

[Frank Acampora]

Joe: the 1988 Force was a straight Chrysler engine with different color and graphics. A lot of people like to trash talk on them but the rep is really not deserved, They are not as complicated as OMC or Mercury engines and certainly do not put out the same power. You must remember that these engines along with Bayliner boats were made to fill a niche market, that of the beginning boater. AS such they were primarily built a bit less expensive. Trophy, though was a more expensive hull than Bayliner. Bayliner, Trophy, and Maxxum were all brands made by Brunswick which also made Mercury, Mariner, and Force.

However, with proper care they can last a very long time If anything does go wrong you must be willing to do repairs yourself because most marinas will not work on Force engines--besides, at over 100 bucks an hour labor, repairs can get pricey. Before you buy, have the compression ratio checked and also if at all possible have the engine started and run on muffs or in a test tank.

 

[joetheis]

Tanks!
I'll bring my "know good compression tester" up with me and ask if I can do it! If they balk, I walk! (looked at a boat with a "rude 90, asked to do one and the owner got all pissy, so I KNEW something was up, so I passed o it)!
I have a compression tester in the bottom of my box, that blowing in it causes a #150 reading, so I don't trust anyone elses!
I like the walk @ bayliner for fishing.
I'll look @ on line for parts for it and then see, maybe it's the end of the season, I can get it for a better deal?!
Thanks!
Joe

 

[GA_Boater]

I hope I misread your last post.

Do you really trust a compression tester that goes to 150 pounds by blowing on the hose? You must make a mess blowing out candles on a birthday cake .

 

[joetheis]

No, I meant to say that the tester is crap (now) and reads high.
I think it's gotta be from the mid 70's and has seem better days to be sure.
The old timer at the trade school I went to when I got out of the service in the early 70's taught us to
run a vacuum test while it was warming up, (steady 18-21 psi), as well as test the spark plug temp (each cylinder SHOULD be the same temp, as they SHOULD all be working at the same rate), then, run your compression test (WOT, the coil disconnected or s/plug grounded).
Dry first ,then oil in cyl to see if it reads height (oil seals rings for a moment), first few hits are condition of the valves), then a cylinder leak down test (bring it to T.D.C., put air in cyl, listen to see where it comes out, exhaust/carb- valves, oil filler or PVC- rings.
He also taught us to use the vacuum gauge to set timing and carb mixture!
I still do this today, but use my laser temp reader on the s/plugs.
I have a brand new one I bought JUST for boat motor inspections!
Sorry!
Joe

 

[jerryjerry05]

The 120 was made in 1990 and used 2 different ignition systems.
Prestolite and Mercury.
Pics or a serial # will show what you have?
Pics of the lower unit too.
The "dog" is B.S.
The Force /Chrysler higher hp motors was touted to have the best power to weight ratio of all the outboards.

You can do a comp test cold or hot.
Just jump the solenoid and don't worry about the throttle or key.
They say put the throttle all the way forward. Don't need to do that either.

They make a boat called a Trophy(brand name)
Bayliner came out with the Bayliner Trophy in the late 70's/ early eighties.
My boat is a 1988 Bayliner Trophy.
Started out as US Marine.Then Brunswick.
They also produce others like SeaRay and more.

The only Force I wouldn't buy is the 75 with the single carb.

 

[joetheis]

Cool Beans n Ham!
Thanks for the info.
I have "Boat U.S." and a 5 HP trolling motor I was going to mount, so really I have a back up..............
IMHO, I feel the older motors were many times over built, but the electrics were not to today's standards. Switch a few items and poof! you're good to go!!
I have to drag my boat (18' Grumman UH 184 SF with a 70 'Rude) home this weekend from Clayton N.Y.
Once I get her home, I'll take a motorcycle ride up and take a CLOSE look at the Trophy, see if'n they take mine in trade, etc.....
I see a lot of older Force motors hanging off boats @ here, but funny few @ the Thou Islands.......
Joe
so many"Orphan" boats that need a good home>>>>