1988 Force 125 with Magnapower?

[Justinde]

Hey Jerry & co

Here are some pics of my Force 125 Model 1258f8c s/n 1122. I don't know why anyone would go to the effort to change the Prestolite to the Magnapower- seems like a massive effort for little or no result, but let me know your thoughts! In addition- the exhaust manifold has some corrosion on it- that I will fix with a plate and gasket, but, other than that, it's great!

Cheers Jerry, Frank and the team at iboats.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1988 Force 125 with Magnapower?

Someone's changed the new to the old.They probably had an older motor setting around and the newer lost a pack or something went and couldn't afford the replacement costs.
In the old days the packs were about 300$ each.
Your right a LOT of work.
That corrosion is normal.Be CAREFUL when you start removing the screw as they are weak at best and twist off real easily.
Enjoy it.Flush it everytime you use it and catch lots of fish.Jerry

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1988 Force 125 with Magnapower?

Like Jerry said.

However, if you have the components, it does not take long to install the old Motorola ignition at all. I have done it for the same reason Jerry gave. I had a new style engine with no ignition and had a Motorola ignition sitting around. ---being parsimonius (that's tighter than a crab's a**) I used it.

Installation is simple. Tap the two holes in the distributor mount 3/8. Mount the conversion stator carrier offered by Chrysler to retrofit Magna-Power II engines to Motorola. OR---Drill and tap to 3/8 four holes in the top of the block. Mount the old style stator carrier. Either turn down the internal flange which is twice as high as the 5 screw newer style or add in a spacer. Mount the rest of the components.

Believe it or not, some people PREFER the distributor ignition and consider it superior to the Prestolite ignition.

BTW: Your engine has the elecronic distributor. (electric eye and shutter)-- it is a bit more precise than points signaled distributor. HOWEVER: IMPORTANT -- Do NOT get the distributor drive belt too tight. That will cause shifting problems. The belt must deflect about 1/8 to 3/16 inch when pressed in the center with a .010 steel feeler gauge. Push the guage in like your index finger pressing a button until the gauge bends.

 

[Justinde]

Re: 1988 Force 125 with Magnapower?

Thanks Guys!

I think that if it aint broke- don't fix it, so the distributor is 100% fine with me!

What did you all think of the overheating issue? Alarm went off after about 2 minutes of WOT, looked for foreign object's, nothing. Lifted the cowl, and could touch everything no problems- powerhead, etc. Is the sensor something that can be a problem? Also, can I install, in its place, a temp gauge?

 

[Justinde]

Re: 1988 Force 125 with Magnapower?

BY the way- thank you both. You are a wealth of information! Here are some extra pics of the boat. She is a beauty I think you'll agree, and yes, a Force Bowrider Custom is on the ID plate. I didn't know Force tried thier hand at building boats in 1988, but here are the pics.





PS- that isn't a rip in the seat, its a leaf! Its all new upholstery/carpet and f/glass.

 

[Justinde]

Re: 1988 Force 125 with Magnapower?

Hey Jerry & Frank ( and all)

I looked more closely at the reciept for the work that was done to the engine prior to me owning it. The mechanic installed a distributor system in place of the old one. A couple of things: Obviously WHY?? He charged $440.00 just for the parts ( plus installation). I would have thought fixing the old one would have been more economical to fix?

Also, if he took the old one off, would I need to do as Frank mentioned- drilling & tapping etc, or would it all be there, ready to go?

Again- if it aint broke, I am NOT fixing it, however, if it ever becomes a problem...........

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1988 Force 125 with Magnapower?

The replacement part are all over e-bay.
I didn't know Force made boats either.Considering they made outboards only.
I'd guess US Marine might have made or had something to do with that boat.It looks like all their parts and pieces are all over it.
I think there's a company in Hawaii that makes Force boats.I can't seem to find out much on them.Maybe not in business anymore.Jerry

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1988 Force 125 with Magnapower?

The drilling and tapping I mentioned is to retro-fit to older Motorola systems. If you wish to convert back to original equipment, there is NO machine work needed, just install the parts.

BTW: $440 is NOT excessive for parts. A used distributor, especially an electronic one, can go for more than 200 bucks. Throw in a CD box and alternator stator and an adapter mount at 80 bucks and there you have it. You might consider selling them on ebay if you decide to convert back to original equipment.