1989 force 85 hp outboard

[richard petterson]

I have to replace the pistons in my force 85 hp outboard I took all the bolts out and I can't get the halves apart. Are there bolts I can't see or is there something else going on. I looked at the breakdown of the engine on-line do I need to punch the dowel pins. I am in dire straits. I have wrenched for 15 years professionally on diesel engines and tractor trailers, this is the first outboard though.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1989 force 85 hp outboard

If the bolts on the inside are all out.Then take a screwey and pry it apart.They have silicone between the halfs.Making it hard to take apart.J

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1989 force 85 hp outboard

You must remove all the bearing bolts (9/16) plus the nut on the top stud. You must remove all the flange bolts 3/8 or 7/16) plus the two behind the starter mount that go in from the back. You must remove the two lower seal fillister head cap screws from the bottom of the block. You must pull the block and remove the match plate (four 9/16 nuts on studs under the plate). You must remove the stator carrier and top bearing seal plate (five allen head cap screws). Then you must drive out the locating dowels and pry the block halves apart using the two diagonally spaced pry points. You must use a very large screwdriver or a small prybar that fits into the recesses.

Just for additional info: These blocks are line bored--that is why there are locating dowels with a light interference fit. The blocks may all look alike, but there are subtle differences in measurments. Because the halves are a matched set, you can NOT swap block halves. You also can not dress or mill the flanges down since this will egg-shape the bearing saddles.