1989 Force 85 hp questions

shawn.54

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Jun 21, 2012
Messages
104
My son is looking at a 18’ spectrum boat with a 89 force 85 hp motor. I’ve owned Mercury Johnson evinrude but never a Force I need some schooling before he buys. Any weaknesses I should know or things to check. Or even let me know to run away.
shawn
 

Nordin

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Jun 12, 2010
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2,436
Chrysler/Force are old school designed engines and very easy to work on.

They were designed in the 60.s and 70.s, the only big thing which was up dated was the ignition systems and the piston design .

Before buying check compression and spark at all 3 cylinders.
Does not matter of brand, always check compression and spark.
If it is possible, run the boat in water and check how it perform and the cooling system,

Remember Chrysler/Force do not have a telltail as OMC and Mercury.
They have idle relief holes at the back of the midleg.

The weak thing on Force 3-4 cylinders are the piston rings, the top ring has very little land to the piston top.
They tend to break and score the cylinder walls.

The 3 cylinders has three carbs, one feed each cylinder.
If a carb get clogged or running lean the cylinder will score after a while.
 
Last edited:

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
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May 7, 2008
Messages
17,926
Good running motors.
I had a pair on a 21 center console.
They were in salt water most of their lives, the mid section/transom mount gave out after 20+years.
No real problems after the introduction of the newer TCW-3 oil.

If you keep it out of the mud and sand(shallow water) it should last a long time.

The over heat buzzer/system is weak. I added a motorcycle horn so I could hear it if it got hot,
under normal operation, I never heard the horn.

Regular maint. and this motor can last a lot longer.

Like Nordin said, compression test. Run it.
 

shawn.54

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Jun 21, 2012
Messages
104
What is acceptable compression. I’m going to make a trip to check out the boat.
shawn
 

Nordin

Commander
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Jun 12, 2010
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Factory spec. from new says 135-155PSI, but down to 120PSI is acceptable.

Most important is that they are about equal, not more then 10% in difference.
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
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May 7, 2008
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The 89 85 should have 145-150
But the gauge you use can make a HUGE difference.
Cheapo gauges= cheapo results.
Harbor Freight gauge is crap.

The results need to be within 5# of each other.
But as long as all 3 are even then it should be OK
 

shawn.54

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 21, 2012
Messages
104
Ok thanks for the information going to check it out today going to set up a water test also.
shawn
 
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