Quality of Force engines?

[bassman57]

I currently have an opportunity to buy a 1998 pontoon that has a 120 Force engine on it. I am not sure what year the motor is, but I suspect that it is probably the same as the boat. Is there any valid reason why I should not purchase this boat with the Force engine? I do not know anything about these engines, but from reading the forums, it sounds as if they are better than everyone makes them out to be. I currently own a pontoon that has a 75 Yamaha on it and, I am very pleased with this motor. Is there any comparison between the two motors?<br /><br />Thanks a lot,<br /><br />><> bassman57 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>

 

[kev_79]

Re: Quality of Force engines?

Force engines are the equivilant to a dodge in the vehicle world...They...just kidding, I won't go there. They are however at a disadvantage because of few reasons. Number one, they don't make them anymore. Formerly made by US Marine (and I think they were made by Chrysler) Mercury Marine has taken them over and now supplies the replacement parts for them. You can still get parts though but how long that will be easy, I don't know. Also, the HP rating on a force is taken at the flywheel and not at the prop shaft, so you Yamaha equivalant may possibly be as few hp as a 90, but probably more like a 100 hp yami. As for reliability, I've blown 2 (one totally my fault) but the first was a leaning out problem I think caused by a horribly huge fuel filter screen that came on it stock. I think most of all, they suffer from sub-standard parts (for the time). That's my two cents. On the lighter side, there are many people out there that have Force engines and are perfectly happy with them. The huge dissappointment, I think is the power thing, but I promise, the ones that are running (like any other engine) have owners that take care of them. If you do get it, I would recommend firstly an additional in line fuel filter, new water pump ('cause a force doesn't usually have a pee hole, it comes out the exhaust relief so it makes it hard to tell if it's pumping water) and and while the foot is off, check for wear on the shift lever boot. The stock one's have been known to fail, but the quicksiver replacement, I think, is supposed to fix it.<br />Good luck, and let us know what you decide<br /><br />Kevin

 

[steelespike]

Re: Quality of Force engines?

As you have seen Forces have a reputation for poor performance and reliability. I feel at least partly deserved.This is only my opinion based an very small direct expierence with 2 force motors<br /> one new and one a couple of years old.<br /> Generic parts will be available for some time as is the case for many motors.<br />Mercury may be supplying parts but no new parts are being made only those already in the system.<br />The official announcement was worded something <br />like "No longer doing parts support".<br />The NAPA marine products catalog lists 87 pages of E/J parts back to the early 50s.Chrysler/Force<br />has 12 pages. <br /> I have a 50 year old Johnson that is easier to get parts for.<br /> Its your call.

 

[12Footer]

Re: Quality of Force engines?

This subject has been put thru the wringer here. Here are a couple links..Grab a cuppa joe, and read away <br /> FORCE ENGINES<br /><br /> Durabilty of 120Force engines<br /><br /> More on the 120HP Force (1998 model).<br /><br />There are, of course, more threads regarding this subject, or even problems specific to the model, wehich can be found using iboats' search feature.<br />Finally, I'll shut up by saying I owned one for a short time and had no problems, and now own 2 50HP Forces, and have only had routine problems (like impellers, seals and such rot).

 

[metalmessiah]

Re: Quality of Force engines?

I'll tell ya what I know to be true.1997 Astro 1700 bass boat with 120 Force gets 57 mph gps speed....with 25 gallons of gas, 350 lbs of passenger, & both livewells full.not seeing a performance flaw there.dont know where that whole rated at the flywheel thing came from but several friends of mine in the tech world disagree....maybe someone could officially clear that one up for us.mine starts easy every time & runs like a champ.does seem to smoke a little more than other brands & not quite as fuel effecient but barely noticeable really.......much simpler design & easier to work on than other brands.

 

[DJ]

Re: Quality of Force engines?

bassman,<br /><br />If that engine is truly a '98' it has just as many Merc. parts on it as it does unique Force parts. The lower unit and the electronics are Merc.<br /><br />With that said, the powerhead is an old design. It's not as efficient as some of the other brands. They tend to run a little dirty. If well maintained (decarb.) many have had excellent service out of them.<br /><br />Where you will get hurt is in resale value.

 

[chads15]

Re: Quality of Force engines?

If I may Add.. The late model Force engines were rated at the prop shaft. So thats what I have been told. I had a 92 Force 150 and it didnt give me one problem. It accually ran better than my 2002 mercruser 4.3. now in the shop. Its little problems can be seen here... <br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=001605

 

[BR549]

Re: Quality of Force engines?

Check it out as you would any used motor - if all checks out and the price is right then buy it. I have a 99 90 hp Force and have had no problems - one good point brought up is the resale. It will not retain value as well as some of the name brands. Since it's state of the art 60's technology on the powerhead they like the gas. Do a search on Force and you will find a great deal of information.

 

[diggerdan17]

Re: Quality of Force engines?

what year did they start rating the force horsepower at the shaft?...i have a 95 9.9.

 

[Link]

Re: Quality of Force engines?

First: I ran across this just yesterday and can not believe how GOOD the advice and information is here! I have a "little" insite about Force OB's<br />I worked for a Bayliner dealership in the late 80's and early 90's.. and if memory serves me right ALL OUTBOARDS around 89 or 90 had to start measureing horse power at the prop hinze the Force "OLD" 90HP became the new 120 HP with adjustments made for the new year when they came out! (Which also explains why force 90hp class was kicking butt in the racing field in the late 80's) As a sales person I would call a Force a Price Point Motor, IE: No power trim and or tilt, (standard) oil injection etc.. keeps the cost down. Yes you get what you pay for! But on the UP side in those days a owner could buy a manual from Force and repair the thing him or her self! Simple and straight forward. But like everything I've read here is true. About when Merc took over and also resale! <br />Keep up the good work<br />Link

 

[DJ]

Re: Quality of Force engines?

Propshaft horsepower ratings became the norm about 1983.

 

[zipper]

Re: Quality of Force engines?

My father bought a new 120 in 1984 for around $2500 as I recall. The motor ran with the ususal maintenance issues for 14 years and never left him stranded. When I bought the boat and motor in 1998 - on my maiden voyage it blew a piston but still got me to the dock running on 3. I would say it paid for itself many times over. Have it checked out for compression - if that checks out go for it! good luck. zip<br /><br />as I think back on it, it may have been a 125 not a 120. i know it was black!

 

[icatcher]

Re: Quality of Force engines?

I just recently traded in my 1999 Bayliner Capri 1800 c/w a 120 1999 Force 120 outboard. Over the 4 summers I ran the motor, I had no problems at all. So long as the motor you are buying was maintained well and operated with the correct oil mixture, I expect you will experience few problems as well. <br /><br />If you are concerned about fuel economy or choking on smoke when idling around, then consider something different, but don't let the Force 'bashers' make your decision for you. In four years, my 120 never left me stranded!

 

[rajuncajun91]

Re: Quality of Force engines?

No problems with my 91 force 120 bought it used 2 years ago been out on the lakes 25-30 times in 2 years not one problem. Again it was well maintained before and is still maintained well. Its on a 17 foot bassboat and I have done 50mph with it thats fast enough on the water for most,well mabie not all of us.Just check it out or have a marine mech. look at it for ya.Sure you have to mix the gas and oil. It doesn't have all the bells and wistles,but i'm not makin big payments on it either. Good luck.

 

[what200]

Re: Quality of Force engines?

I don't know a whole lot about the particulars of maintaining a force, but I can safely say that a 10 year old Force or younger should sell at about half the price of an equivalent Merc, OMC, or Yamadog. Don't expect a 120 force to have the power of a 120 Yamaha or OMC looper. Force stayed a crossflow design to the end.<br /><br />Unless you enjoy collecting and making junk parts run I wouldn't get one over 10 years old that cost more than $100. There are better deals out there is you want to be cheap.

 

[DJP]

Re: Quality of Force engines?

I hate Chryslers !!!!!!!