Force 125 powerhead replacement

[mikema]

I have a blown powerhead so I ordered a new one which is now being shipped. I would appreciate any advice on removing and replacing the powerhead. Is there anything to it other than bolts, control cables and wires. Is there a manual or publication I should reference.

Thanks

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Force 125 powerhead replacement

I would definately get a repair manual. You can find them on the internet for a reasonable price. Retail price is about $35.00. You can get'em cheaper on the 'net. Before you fire up the new powerhead, you want to double the amount of oil in the gas until it's broken in. If you don't you run the risk of damaging rings, pistons, cylinders and other internal components. One other thing. The power head is not real heavy, but if you're doing it by yourself you will probably need to rig up some type of hoist. I used a motor hoist to do my swap. In my case the motor was still mounted on the back of the boat.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Force 125 powerhead replacement

Buy a Clymers, it's relatively complete.

For easiest removal and assembly, you need to remove everything from the block: Flywheel, head, Carbs, ignition, starter, etc. Below the carbs are six 9/16 heads 3/8 bolts on the match plate and in the back below the lower pan are six nuts on 3/8 studs. You must remove the rear shroud and the lower pan to easily access these bolts and nuts. You must also remove the shift rod nuts. Four internal 3/8 bolts hold the match plate to the block and these will be removed after the block is lifted off the head.

Now the easy part is done. You must now use the pry points to break the seal between the match plate and the midleg. And the studs will most likely have some corrosion on them making it difficult to raise the block. This will be the most difficult step of the whole process. You will need a new base gasket to mate the new block to the match plate

The block, crank, and pistons weigh about 80-100 pounds so you will need a hoist or a friend if you are not a strapping young fellow.

The exhaust down tube has a flange on it which will interfere with the upper water tube mount in the midleg, so for both removal and installation, you must "wiggle" and turn the block a bit.

Figure about 5 hours removal and a little less for assembly. So allow a whole weekend for the job. You will need a couple of screwdrivers, a pliers, hand and socket wrenches and a torque wrench. You will also need some sort of flywheel puller (steering wheel puller MAY do) and some tire irons or pry bars.

 

[mikema]

Re: Force 125 powerhead replacement

Thanks for the good information. As my new powerhead is coming complete with systems and accessories I'm wondering the purpose of disassembling of these parts before removing the block. Can I just remove the intact powerhead and replace with a fully assembled one? If not what is the minimum of these parts that need to come off prior to removal and/or reinstallation.


Thanks for any input.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Force 125 powerhead replacement

With Chrysler and older Force engines, the lower pan will not clear the carbs and starter, and it must be removed for easy access to the front six mounting bolts. Oh, yeah--- you can remove them without removing the lower pan, but it 'aint fun, gunna take a LOT more time, AND you will have trouble prying the block up, might even crack the lower pan.

So, you can mount the complete block and try to slip the lower pan over it, removing only the components necessary for clearance.

But really, you will save time in the end by just biting the bullet and removing everything.

 

[kandil]

Re: Force 125 powerhead replacement

I think it is easy to do I had a Friend help me to install my 120HP powerhead and I did not remove any thing last week and we had to left it to the boat on the step ladder and then wiggle it to get the exhaust tube in it is kind of heavy but doable if you don't want to get a left having said that I would use a lift next time Franck gave you a more detailed how to than the shop manual you can reinstall it with out removing any thing if you have a Small hand and very sensitive fingers to fit the front nuts that is the hardest in my opinion and watch for the link good luck
PS you should spray all your nuts and bolts with some rust oil to help lossen the bolts

 

[mikema]

Re: Force 125 powerhead replacement

OK, that is all done although it wasn't as fun and easy for me as it was for all of y'all. Now I have a tight running powerhead and newly serviced lower unit. To keep this in good condition I suppose I should run the carbs out of fuel when I am done with it like I do with all my little 2 stroke outboards. Can I do this by switching my fuel valve on the line to off without damageing the fuel pump on the motor or do I have to disconnect the line and allow the line to run dry.

Thanks for everybodys previous advice