1998 Force 90hp 2 stroke is it bad?

[Sir_LR]

Hi Im looking to buy a 1998 16' Bowrider just for fun with my family and I realized it had an engine called Force which I've never heard of so I went onto the internet and I've had mixed emotions about it some people say they are ok some people say they are junk and some people say they are amazing Can I have Some expert advice on long time owners??

 

[racerone]

It varies from person to person.------Many shops refuse to work on them.-----So are you prepared to do your own work.----They are not a bad motor if they have been run and properly maintained.

 

[Sir_LR]

It varies from person to person.------Many shops refuse to work on them.-----So are you prepared to do your own work.----They are not a bad motor if they have been run and properly maintained.

The Guy has owned it for 10 years with the maintenance done every year to it and I can do work myself pretty well.

 

[Nordin]

Force which basically is a Chrysler is in my opinion a good old school engineered OB.
Easy to work on compared to other brands from the same period.
US Marine bought Chrysler OB in 1984-85 and put the Force name at the hood. Later Brunswick (Mercury) bought Bayliner which was the Force brand owner. The basic construction was the same but the ignition system was improved during the years. In mid 1990 Force engines had more and more Mercury parts such as LU and ignition systems.
As racerone says if well maintain they are as good as Mercury, OMC or the japanese brands.
The difficult with Chrysler/Force is that spare parts is a bit harder to find compared to Mercury and OMC. Different size of props are harder to find and is a disadvantage compared to the other brands.
But wear parts such as impellers, ignition parts etc are still available. Ebay is a good source for parts.
If you can work with engines and do the maintenance your self they are a good choice.
Maybe a bit harder on fuel, but if you do not run WOT all the time the fuel consumption is acceptable.
But remember you are asking at the Chrysler/Force forum. If you ask the same question at the Merc or OMC forum you get a subjectively answer there too.
They are cheaper then Merc and OMC as used engines.

 

[The Force power]

The only advice I could add to it;
The price is important!!
That Force has the latest update('96) Flywheel / Ignition By Mercury
(if the price is right/decent shape, I buy it without hesitation)

 

[matt167]

Force is basically, the 1960's outboard, that you could buy brand new into the 90's. It's an old school 2 stroke. When Mercury got ahold of them, they put a lot of better parts into them like ignitions and such, but the engine itself remained the same basically. They are cross scavenged 2 strokes, which is technology that the other brands left behind in the 70's... They are 'good enough' to get you on the water, likely be reliable. Don't put cheap gas through it

 

[The Force power]

Don't put cheap gas through it

Define cheap gas. lol

 

[jerryjerry05]

Matt167 said: They are cross scavenged 2 strokes, which is technology that the other brands left behind in the 70's...
I thought all of the big brands are still using this outdated technology??

I've owned at least 5-6 Forces. from 50-125 hp.
They are a good running motor, somewhat harder on fuel than the newer 4stroke or fuel injected motors.
They're just as dependable as ANY outboard.
Like Nordin mentioned that some parts can be harder to source others easily found.
I bought a boat new in 1988 with twin 85hp.
If the same deal was offered?? I'd buy it again.

 

[matt167]

Matt167 said: They are cross scavenged 2 strokes, which is technology that the other brands left behind in the 70's...
I thought all of the big brands are still using this outdated technology??

I've owned at least 5-6 Forces. from 50-125 hp.
They are a good running motor, somewhat harder on fuel than the newer 4stroke or fuel injected motors.
They're just as dependable as ANY outboard.
Like Nordin mentioned that some parts can be harder to source others easily found.
I bought a boat new in 1988 with twin 85hp.
If the same deal was offered?? I'd buy it again.

I was referencing loopers and such. There are many ways that 2 strokes scavange/ run. The Force uses the oldest way. It's not the most efficient but they run good

 

[matt167]

Define cheap gas. lol

E10 pump 87

 

[Sir_LR]

The only advice I could add to it;
The price is important!!
That Force has the latest update('96) Flywheel / Ignition By Mercury
(if the price is right/decent shape, I buy it without hesitation)

The price is really good and the condition is stunning so maybe I'll go for it

 

[The Force power]

The price is really good and the condition is stunning so maybe I'll go for it

IF....you're able to check the compression & spark on all cylinders, this will tell you a lot

 

[matt167]

IF....you're able to check the compression & spark on all cylinders, this will tell you a lot

And really, the condition of the deck and transom of the boat.. Given the year and motor choice, it's a Bayliner or one of it's cousins

 

[The Force power]

And really, the condition of the deck and transom of the boat.. Given the year and motor choice, it's a Bayliner or one of it's cousins

True! I own one of those sponges myself

 

[Redbarron%%]

Tapping on the transom with a small hammer and all around listening for a dull thud instead of a sharp rap;

 

[matt167]

Tapping on the transom with a small hammer and all around listening for a dull thud instead of a sharp rap;

does nothing. A rotten deck, or transom can pass a 'tap test' very easy

 

[Sir_LR]

How would I check the

does nothing. A rotten deck, or transom can pass a 'tap test' very easy

How would I check the transom properly then

 

[matt167]

How would I check the

How would I check the transom properly then

careful inspection.. One tell tale is discoloration around the bilge drain.. Cracks in the transom, bows. Bolts that appear to be squishing in. An owner will never let you drill a 1/4" hole to check for dry shavings but that is the 100% test. A moisture meter might not even tell the tale

 

[The Force power]

IF.....its a Bayliner.......it has water on board
look on this site in the Bayliner Forum & you will learn

 

[jerryjerry05]

Transom.
Tilt the motor up, then try pushing it up and down and see if the transom moves.
Just you pushing up and down shouldn't move the motor.