Your thought on a Force 15 HP

[trucker28]

I just bought a Force 15 Hp I think it is a 1990 Model number 152X90D my question is how many of you had one and how did you like it is there any like and dislike about it Thanks for ant info.
Mike

 

[slasmith1]

Re: Your thought on a Force 15 HP

They work as a great anchor for a 24'-26' boat (with about 25' of chain on your rode)

 

[trucker28]

Re: Your thought on a Force 15 HP

They work as a great anchor for a 24'-26' boat (with about 25' of chain on your rode)

wow that bad huh

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Your thought on a Force 15 HP

Trucker: Pay no attention to slasmith--He never has anything good to say about any Force engine. Never anything constuctive. always a smart-*** wise-guy answer about Force. You will see more naysayers and negative people like him if you stay on the forum long enough. Sometimes I suspect that I would enjoy using him as an anchor on my cuddy cabin. I know, I know, that was uncharitable of me, but I haven't had much sleep and am a bit testy tonight.

Anyway--as far as your Force 15: Force was an entry level engine with a price point so it may not have some of the "niceties" of other brands. The time to ask about it would have been before you bought the engine and then make an informed decision. Basically, Force engines are no better or no worse than any other brand. remember: They made a LOT of engines and many people were satisfied.

So: If you run the engine and it gets you where you are going and back, and if you are happy with it, then you made a good buy.

 

[trucker28]

Re: Your thought on a Force 15 HP

Trucker: Pay no attention to slasmith--He never has anything good to say about any Force engine. Never anything constuctive. You will see a lot of naysayers like him if you stay on the forum long enough. Sometimes I suspect that I would enjoy using him as an anchor on my cuddy cabin. I know, I know, that was uncharitable of me, but I haven't had much sleep and am a bit testy tonight.

Anyway--as far as your Force 15: Force was an entry level engine with a price point so it may not have some of the "niceties" of other brands. The time to ask about it would have been before you bought the engine and then make an informed decision. Basically, Force engines are no better or no worse than any other brand. remember: Tey made a LOT of engines and many people were satisfied.

So: If you run the engine and it gets you where you are going and back, and if you are happy with it, then you made a good buy.

Hey thanks for your info I bought it without looking into it cause I think I got a really good deal on it and could not let it pass me by I got it for 300 buck and this motor is in mint cond.motor is very clean and very few scratches on it so I now it has very little use and beside I was trying to get the good deal on it up here in maine in the middle of winter when I thought would cheap to by but man every time I went to go look at one they sold before I got there but I want to thank you for your info
Mike

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Your thought on a Force 15 HP

Since you won't be boating for a while, NOW is the time to think about replacing the rubber water pump impeller and changing the lower unit oil--costs about 30 bucks and you will know for sure that the engine will not overheat on you. If the old impeller looks good, save it for emergency use.

You can buy a new impeller at almost any Mercury Dealer or right here at iboats for (usually) a couple bucks cheaper

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Your thought on a Force 15 HP

$300 for a 15HP outboard that runs well, I say you got a good deal, Force or not. I have a 7.5HP Gamefisher (same engine, just detuned and different stickers on the cowl) that's been a great outboard for the past 3 years. Very powerful 7.5HP and "pretty" reliable. I did have a BIM coil pack go out and they are no longer available, NLA. It was an expensive repair for the ignition upgrade, $175, but other than that it's been a great outboard. I've probably put 150 hours on it and not disappointed.

I have done a few things to mine, replace the fuel pump diaphragm, spark plugs, fuel fitting and hose, impeller twice, lower unit lube each year,,, and the ignition upgrade. I'm probably $500-600 into it so far and that's not too bad for 3 years of use.

I always run the carb dry after use so the fuel does not slosh out of the carb and wash grease out of the swivel bracket. I left the carb full once and it made a nasty mess on the trip home.

 

[slasmith1]

Re: Your thought on a Force 15 HP

wow that bad huh

I can only speak of my personal experience. I have owned one boat with a force motor I purchased it brand new, followed all maintenance requirements without any exceptions. The motor I had went through 3 power-heads under warranty in less than a year. I personally think there is a good reason that the company has been out of business for over 10 years. As stated in another post there are some parts that you can no longer find because the company is gone and there is no support for them any longer.

BTW: I sold mine before the third power-head had a single hour of run time on it maybe the second owner had better luck with it.

 

[trucker28]

Re: Your thought on a Force 15 HP

Since you won't be boating for a while, NOW is the time to think about replacing the rubber water pump impeller and changing the lower unit oil--costs about 30 bucks and you will know for sure that the engine will not overheat on you. If the old impeller looks good, save it for emergency use.

You can buy a new impeller at almost any Mercury Dealer or right here at iboats for (usually) a couple bucks cheaper

When I bought the motor the guy said he put in a new water pump two years ago should I still change it and the lower unit was checked and was full should that be change like what every year


as far as this company who made these motors they have been out of business for over 10 years I had no idea I might of thought twice before I bought it this must be a bad thing for parts then I would assum

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Your thought on a Force 15 HP

as far as this company who made these motors they have been out of business for over 10 years I had no idea I might of thought twice before I bought it this must be a bad thing for parts then I would assum

Yes, THAT'S the main issue with Forces. Also, many mechanics won't service them because they aren't interested in dealing with trying to source the parts. I wouldn't say they are substantially less reliable. Unfortunately I don't think you got a great deal, however I'd certainly run it and enjoy it.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Your thought on a Force 15 HP

The parts issue for Force engines is in my opinion not an issue at all! Hell, I can still get parts for my 67 Chrysler which was the precursor (almost identical in most parts) to Force. If you can't get parts at your local Merc dealer, or here at iboats, then just go to the Chrysler Crew--or antique outboard. You sometimes just need to be a little creative, and sometimes need to settle for used components. But they are out there.

So: Don't let that worry you. Keep 50-1 fuel to oil, change the impeller regularly, change the lower unit oil every season, coat all bolts removed with anti-seize before putting back, and the engine may just run forever; those little ones just don't get the same abuse as the big ones.

Recoil starters take a beating and more than likely during your ownership you will need to replace the rope and maybe the pinion, but those were the same for almost every year made.

 

[javsam]

Re: Your thought on a Force 15 HP

Alot of bad remarks to your question are from clowns who are talking out of their ***. None of them have actually owned a 15 HP Force.I for one still own one,Its a 1986 Force 15 HP outboard and can tell you that it is a good outboard and still is the lightest 15 Hp outboard ever produced, weighing in at only 58 LBS.For $300 dollars you got an excellent buy!!!.I normally see these outboards going for twice that in my area.Parts are not really that hard to find. Mercury still gives some support for Force outboards from Mercruiserpartsdotcom.Another source for electrical parts is standardmagnetodotcom.And there are plenty of secondary markets such as Ebay or marine recyclers. So those are my thoughts to your question from someone that actually owns one.

 

[trucker28]

Re: Your thought on a Force 15 HP

Alot of bad remarks to your question are from clowns who are talking out of their ***. None of them have actually owned a 15 HP Force.I for one still own one,Its a 1986 Force 15 HP outboard and can tell you that it is a good outboard and still is the lightest 15 Hp outboard ever produced, weighing in at only 58 LBS.For $300 dollars you got an excellent buy!!!.I normally see these outboards going for twice that in my area.Parts are not really that hard to find. Mercury still gives some support for Force outboards from Mercruiserpartsdotcom.Another source for electrical parts is standardmagnetodotcom.And there are plenty of secondary markets such as Ebay or marine recyclers. So those are my thoughts to your question from someone that actually owns one.

Thanks for your reply I figured when I posted this thread I would get some who like them hate them and the ones who have never owed one thanks for your input on how much you like your motor that is good to know.

and as for Frank Acampora what do you mean by maybe replacing the pinion were would that be
Thanks again guys for you input and opinion

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Your thought on a Force 15 HP

Alot of bad remarks to your question are from clowns who are talking out of their ***.

I can only assume that since clowns is plural, that I am included in your rant. Nice.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Your thought on a Force 15 HP

There is a small white plastic gear (pinion) that engages the flywheel rim teeth when you pull start the engine. Although there is USUALLY an interlock to prevent pull starting while the engine is running or in gear, these gears get a lot of abuse and sometimes harden and break with age. 12 bucks for a new one if it does get munged or broken. You will see it, it will either have the teeth chopped and worn out or will be cracked in half. That's the only time it needs replacing.

ezmobee--I doubt you were included. Instead of just bad-mouthing the engine you gave several reasons why you would object to owning one. And yes, at least your reason about mechanics not wanting to work on them seems to be valid. Around me, there are several marinas that refer Chrysler and Force owners to me for repairs. They don't want the bother or business.

 

[javsam]

Re: Your thought on a Force 15 HP

Not really,but assume what you wish.

 

[slasmith1]

Re: Your thought on a Force 15 HP

I always wanted to be a clown. Excuse me I just farted.

Back to the real issue I spoke from my personal experience with obsolete force junk. If you love these motors so much jav & frank do us a favor and buy all of them then we will no longer need to listen to any rants or complaints as you will be the only one who needs to repair them.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Your thought on a Force 15 HP

I'm not going to get into a war of wits with an unarmed person! Nuff Said.

 

[chitownborn]

Re: Your thought on a Force 15 HP

unarmed is right this guy should find another forum and FART somewhere else BETTER CHECK YOURSELF DUDE