Re: 1999 Force 120 by Mercury
Some folks have great luck with Force brand and other's don't. I get the impression that Force 90/120 is easy to work on (compared to other brands that are tightly packet). And, iBoats.com and ebay sells lots of affordable Force brand parts as well.
IMO, if one does light / medium loads and medium speed cruising and does lots of proactive maintenance (re: clean fuel, gas filter changes, fix little problems before they grow larger, proper winterization, etc. ), the Force brand will last for many years. But if one does consistent stress loads and they push the engine hard, the Force will show early "old age". Clean fuel and "drive like one wants to keep the engine forever" is the hidden secret (so I've been told) behind the Force 120 design.
If wondering, I drive my boat's Force 120 engine like my wife's vehicle. re: Nice and steady (even on the straight / smooth runs) and talk nicely to it as well. This often forgotten secret helps as well. LOL!
Hope this helps…
