Force Reed Block Interchangeable?

[FBG]

I have a 1995 Force 120 HP that has two blocks with broken reeds. Does anybody know if the blocks from a 1994 Force will interchange? The 1994 block part number 818108A has five petals with rounded ends. The 1995 block number 11645 has four petals with square ends. The 94 blocks will physically fit fine in the 1995 motor. The parts book shows that the 94 block 818108A is no longer available and calls for the 11645 as a replacement. The nice thing about the 94 and earlier block is that you can still buy replacement reeds for about $10 bucks each. Unfortunately, Mercury does not sell a replcement reed for the 1995 and later blocks. Instead they make you buy the entire block for about $80 bucks a crack. So if a 1995 block fits a 1994 engine, does that also mean the 1994 block will fit a 1995 engine? Are there any mixture/lean/rich issues?

 

[Stachi]

Re: Force Reed Block Interchangeable?

I don't think you could hurt your engine trying it...let us know how it works out....sure would save some dineros...

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Force Reed Block Interchangeable?

Later blocks were relieved to accept the protruding screws from either reed blocks--so, yes, you can use them. However, the five petal round tip reeds are a bit less responsive than the four petal square ones. Again, however, the round tip reeds break less often.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Force Reed Block Interchangeable?

Also check into availability and pricing of after-market replacement reeds

 

[FBG]

Re: Force Reed Block Interchangeable?

Thanks for the replies. I bought five blocks out of a 1994 125 HP force for $35. They were in great shape. Looked brand new. Nothing coming through when held up to the light. The reeds are slightly longer and are about 1/3 again thicker than the 1995 and later blocks. I installed them and the motor seems to run fine. Didn't want to be the guinea pig on this. Has anybody done this before?