Mercury Lower Unit crossovers for 1997 120

[blackd]

Has anyone tried replacing the Force 3 jaw reverse lower unit with a mercury equivalent? Which one?

I am planning to replace my my original 9011A85 with a Mercury 9011A26. The only difference I can see is that the mercury has a trim tab anode, while the newer force has the side anodes.

Anyone have any experience in cross overs?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Assuming you are asking about a 3 and 4 cylinder Force lower unit reverse gear: Most Mercury lower units are larger diameter and I suspect the gears are larger too. The ONLY gear that MIGHT fit is the Mercury Small gearcase 90. Yes, they did make a 90 with a 4 inch gearcase. However, by the time you find one of these, and I don't know if the gear will fit in the reverse bearing, you may as well buy a trashed Force lower unit and salvage the reverse gear.

I have several extra reverse gears and I you need one, send me a private message.

 

[blackd]

Frank, I will keep your reference. It looks like rebuilding the Force lower unit will be a Winter project. Can't tell until I get into it, but I am hoping the only problem is worn reverse jaws and not the reverse gear.

 

[blackd]

I've installed the older Mercury 9011A26 lower unit. Bolts up fine. I replaced the original water pump with the new one I had just installed on the Force LU. I need to get a trim tab anode. Put the prop on. Still need to put oil in it, and then reinstall with the shift lever aligned. These things can be a pain to align correctly.

So far it looks like everything will be fine. If I had it to do over and could find an newer 3 jaw LU I would have bought it, but from my experience so far I would not be worried about putting one of the 3 jaw LUs on a Late model Mercury/Force.


Update: Success!!!! It shifts. Both directions, even. Now to get the anode and put it in the water, but that won't happen until I get the kicker motor back together.

 

[blackd]

I put it in the water, but did not untie from the dock to check shifting. Shifts great. Just a little grind going into forward. Brought it home and adjusted the shift and throttle linkage. I think it will be over a week before I actually get it in the water for real.