1989 Force 125hp OB

particlepood

Recruit
Joined
Jun 28, 2008
Messages
1
I just picked up an '89 Bayliner Capri cuddy, Escort trailer with a 125 Force outboard. I haven't had an an opportunity to do much with it yet except overall inspection and currently charging the battery. I know nothing about Force engines.
My concern is I can turn the flywheel by hand with the plugs in place! GOOD NEWS the engine isn't locked up, BAD NEWS I suspect the head gasket may be blown! There are no grinding or unusual noises while turning the motor. There is compression it gets very tight when coming up on TDC. My previous engines Evinrude, Johnson and Mercury I can't ever remember being able to turn the flywheel by hand with the plugs in the head. I suspect if the compression were over 100 psi per cylinder I would need a strap wrench or a 1/2" drive ratchet to turn the flywheel. I'll know soon enough but do you think it should turn by hand?
Lot of words for a simple question.
Also is there an automatic choke on this engine? I thought I'd find the old Merc like electric choke on the control box or the push in the ignition key type. Thanks in advance for any help.
 

pnwboat

Rear Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2007
Messages
4,251
Re: 1989 Force 125hp OB

The symptoms you are describing when turning over by hand is pretty much normal for most 2 stroke outboards. The only way to determine compression is with a compression gauge.

The choke is manual. It's activated by pushing in on the ignition key.
 
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