buying a 1995 120 hp force what to check

[rwrcrappie]

im buying a 1995 120 hp force what should i check.what should the compression be .im also worry about buying parts .is it hard to get parts ,.and do boat shops still work on them.any advise would help.dont know if i should buy it.is it a good motor,,thanks rob

 

[roscoe]

Re: buying a 1995 120 hp force what to check

Merc dealers should still work on them.
All common parts are still available. The others are available used.

Compression, over 110, preferably over 130.


Make sure it runs. Take a test drive if possible.
compression,
spark on all 4 plugs
Gear case lube for water or metal shavings.
tilt and trim for function.

Check over wiring for broken wires or poor repairs.
Look at the voltage regulator for a burned look on either the face, or where the wires plug into the next connector.

Check the serial number to verify the year.

Any serial number HIGHER than OE065372 is good.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: buying a 1995 120 hp force what to check

Comp will vary with the guage???
The results should be all about the same.Within 5-10 pounds of each other.
A good guage, it can read as much as 160#
My 3cyl is 150 all 3

 

[johnbottsr]

Re: buying a 1995 120 hp force what to check

Comp will vary with the guage???
The results should be all about the same.Within 5-10 pounds of each other.
A good guage, it can read as much as 160#
My 3cyl is 150 all 3

Not to highjack, but what would constitute a "good" gauge?
Screw in type by well-known manf. (i.e. Snap-On)?
Is it worth the extra money for one of these high end gauges or is knowing all the cylinders are close on compression enough?

 

[roscoe]

Re: buying a 1995 120 hp force what to check

Screw in gauge for sure.

I have not found much difference between gauges. 5# maybe.
But then maybe I haven't tried a cheap enough gauge.
My Matco gauge reads about 3# higher than the Craftsmen gauge I keep in the truck. Which is correct?

A cheap gauge will show you if one cylinder is lower than the others.
That said, I'm not using a $19 kit that was made in Ethiopia.