Need some some input on this ? Force 120

[Gulf Boater]

I purchased a boat off EBay last month when I got the boat I was told by the PO the force 120 needed
Lower unit rebuilding and some motor work. The boat came with an job receipt and estimate from gary's boating center in lake wales FL $676 to repair lower unit (bearing set, seal kit,impeller,cover assembly and labor) which I think is acceptable

Now for the interesting part it also stated that they did a compression test and readings were as follows 150,30,80,25 So I just assumed a rebuild was in order. Well today I picked up a comp tester and to my surprise MY readings were130,129,130,130 I tested each cylinder 2 times and got pretty much same readings both times. My procedure was to remove ALL plugs and just go down the line with the tester let engine turn over about 5 times or until the needle stopped increasing. There is currently no lower unit on the motor would this effect the readings in any way ?

I then decided ok let's try and start it installed all the plugs pumped the bulb a couple time and she started rt up it ran for about 5 secs then I shut it off due to no way to hook up water.

I had called the marina where estimate was done a couple weeks ago to get more details about there findings and was told its not worth repairing as it could cost anywhere from $1500-$3500 to fix on top of the $676 for the lower. He then tried to sell me a new Yamaha motor for $9000 ?

Also on the estimate were part #s for the lower rebuild after looking into them I noticed that 2 parts listed were not for my motor.

So before I call them with MY findings did I do my test correctly and does this sound as fishy to you as it does to me ?
The PO sold the boat cause he couldn't afford a new motor or rebuild

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Need some some input on this ? Force 120

Sounds like Gary's trying their best to sell a motor.
Start looking for a lower unit also on e-bay or Craigslist.
If they gave an estimate for a rebuild on the lower and will stick to it.$676 isin't bad.
Have them do it.Just make sure the estimate is solid. No extras at the end.
I bet they change their mind or suddenly CAN"T find the parts or some other BS.
Oh yea go back to the seller and tell him what you found. He might want to contact the BBB.
Garys,might be a repeat offender???

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Need some some input on this ? Force 120

What parts were required for the lower unit rebuild?

You can get a used well functioning lower unit on ebay for less than your rebuild estimate. AND Reputable rebuilders can supply you with a like-new, guaranteed lower unit for about 1500.

Don't bother getting into a discussion or argument with Gary's. Talk to the hand, the ears are not listening. This repair shop does not want the work or is fudging the numbers to make more money doing unnecessary work. Find another. You may want to contact BBB just to see if this marina has complaints against them, however, I would certainly take my business elsewhere no matter what BBB says.

Unless you are good friends with the previous owner, do not stir the pot. It is not your responsibility to protect a person who was not willing to research repair costs. Just accept your good luck in buying a boat with a working engine for (hopefully) less money.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Need some some input on this ? Force 120

Based on those compression readings, I wouldn't trust anything that the repair shop said. I would suspect that there is nothing wrong with the lower end. Easy enough to check out. Drain the oil out of the lower unit and check for water. I probably would change the impeller just in case though.

 

[Gulf Boater]

Re: Need some some input on this ? Force 120

Parts required for lower rebuild were. Bearing set 31-35924T1 $79, Seal kit FK1203 $91, impeller $34, Cover assembly FK721706 $140 this part is not the same as the one on my motor. Gear lube $31 for a parts total of $376 plus $255 for 3 hrs labor = $626

The lower end was completely dismantled by Gary's and everything was handed back to the PO in a box thats how i got it. I believe some parts are missing shims and couple other pcs as well as the gear cover being broken in half. The main bearing was seized up so I beleive that the lower section did have a problem.

I have an older 125 that I picked up last week not sure what year it is as the numbers on the tilt trim come back as an 85 HP I am hoping that lower will work on 120

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Need some some input on this ? Force 120

Well I guess there's no question about whether or not the lower end is bad! LOL! I would say a used replacement lower may be your cheapest bet.

 

[bentle]

Re: Need some some input on this ? Force 120

What serial or model number do you have??
1989 was the last year for the 125 force outboard.
1990 is where the 120 force begins.
Do you still have your drive shaft with your 120 force motor, you will probably need it.
Your 120 crankshaft splines count is 13, and the older 125 crankshaft splines is 15.
The lower unit should be 13 splines and should work depending on the year.
The gear ratio will be different so watch your tach, you don't want to run higher than 5500 rpms.

 

[auchandler1]

Re: Need some some input on this ? Force 120

I bought a lower unit off ebay last summer because my old one had a leak or something that made salt water get into my gears and grind them up. Saying that and buying one off ebay I was very happy with what I got and shifts into gears good.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Need some some input on this ? Force 120

Stay the heck away from Gary's, from the info you posted, they can't be trusted.

Stay away from the previous owner. He may want his boat back.

Find a used lower and go boating.



$31 for gear lube? Really?