Will the controller for a 1986 force work on a 1997 force outboard

[Dave 27]

Hi I'm a newbie here and I have a couple questions if thats ok.I have a 1986 Bayliner 1800 Cobra and the origonal 1986 Force 125 is shot so I am replacing it with a 1997 Force 120. I'm kind of new to the outboard motor thing and I was wondering if the throttle steering etc is all interchangable and will it bolt right up from the 86 to the 97. Everything on both motors desighn wise seems to be the same. I wont have the new motor until sunday if I buy it so I cant compare side by side just yet. Also whats everyones opinion the 1997 Force has been completely rebuilt but was never run by its current owner because the one on his boat has never failed him. It came with his boat as a spare and was bought online.So the motor I'm interested in for my ski boat is all rebuilt but has been sitting in his garage for about 7 years from what I gather.The price is right,I can probly rig it for a compression test,and it looks brand new inside and out. Anything to watch out for,any advice,what would you do if you were buying it.Could the cylinders be coroded from sitting (cant see those)or do you think their ok.Would yo insist on hearing it run befor spending the money.The motor does look brand new inside and out.Thankyou in advance for your help......Dave

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Will the controller for a 1986 force work on a 1997 force outboard

1997 is Mercury design and uses Mercury control cables and ignition wiring. You must use the Mercury control box and cables. If you want a bolt-on installation with no fuss you also need the Mercury/Force wiring.

On the plus side, the 120 is a better engine in some respects than your 125 and you will have a better choice of props (for one, the 120 has a bigger water pump and for another, better transom mounting clamps). You should not see any less performance than with the 125 and probably a little better because of the thru-hub exhaust.

If it was rebuilt and never run, the owner needed to lubricate it to assemble it. This lube could have very well protected it all those years and it may be in good condition internally. If it did have rust inside it would be light but even a fine coating will jam the pistons so if it turns easily and smoothly by hand it is probably good.

 

[Dave 27]

Re: Will the controller for a 1986 force work on a 1997 force outboard

1997 is Mercury design and uses Mercury control cables and ignition wiring. You must use the Mercury control box and cables. If you want a bolt-on installation with no fuss you also need the Mercury/Force wiring.

On the plus side, the 120 is a better engine in some respects than your 125 and you will have a better choice of props (for one, the 120 has a bigger water pump and for another, better transom mounting clamps). You should not see any less performance than with the 125 and probably a little better because of the thru-hub exhaust.

If it was rebuilt and never run, the owner needed to lubricate it to assemble it. This lube could have very well protected it all those years and it may be in good condition internally. If it did have rust inside it would be light but even a fine coating will jam the pistons so if it turns easily and smoothly by hand it is probably good.

That helps allot. So about the controls is there a way to modify them so they will work nicely"slot or drill a couple holes,adaptor,etc" same with the wiring or should I leave that up to an outboard motor guy to adapt the wiring.I'm very good mechanically and good at wiring,I can read a volt meter,soldier etc..Thankyou....Dave

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Will the controller for a 1986 force work on a 1997 force outboard

Mercury control cables use a plastic slug that plugs into a cast-in boss in the engine lower cowl. I don't think it is possible to adapt the Force cables. As far as the control box--yeah, maybe it is possible but I have never wanted to invest the time necessary. Mercury uses a plug-in adapter at the engine end of the wiring. Wiring is basically the same but different colors. The question becomes: Why ruin a perfectly good wiring harness to adapt the Force?

Much simpler and neater to find the wiring and control box than to adapt. Probably the same cost if you factor in mechanic's time. Besides most of the jobs I have seen were "Hack" jobs--crap, not up to reasonable standards.