Force 15 serial and model #

[cwm1972]

I just aquired a Force 15hp outboard, and am wondering where I can find the model #, serial #, and year of make, so if i need parts etc. what to reference to. I have looked all over the motor, and dont see anything. Please help

 

[cwm1972]

Re: Force 15 serial and model #

Also I have noticed oil seeping out of the bottom of 2 holes on lower unit on port side, just wondering if this is normal, it is not milky white or anything, just a slow leak, even after a week out of the water. I have seen some post reguarding something like this for some larger Force motors.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force 15 serial and model #

If the oil is black, it is just waste oil, draining out of the exhaust.<br />A good decarbing of the motor should flush most of that out, along with alot of carbon buildup. Click to learn about decarbing your engine. <br /><br />Numbers should be on a tag, located on or behind the transom mounting bracket. It may also be located on the top of the block, stamped into a round silver disk.<br /><br />Pre 1990, model numbers were used to identify the year.<br />They looked something like 159x8b ( the "8" indicating a 1988 model )<br /><br />Post 1990, some of the serial numbers were used to determine the year.<br />Looking something like OE123456<br /><br />I believe the 15hp was made from 1984 - 1998<br /><br />If you can't find any numbers at all, you are going to have to find a local shop to help you figure it out.<br /><br />There were 4 different types of ignitions used over the years.<br />And several different carburators. If you can find a part number on the carb, I will try to look it up for you. That should narrow it down a little.

 

[cwm1972]

Re: Force 15 serial and model #

OK did find something like RW617532 and under that is DIE#V-311 on the transom mount. I couldnt find any stamp on the block.<br /><br />So would RW617532 be the serial#?<br /><br />If so how would i find what year or model.<br /><br />If that is not the serial #, then there are 2 different set of numbers on the carb, it looks like.<br /><br />On the left side is 682061 and right side is H01b813 made by Tillotson.<br /><br />Thanks for the help roscoe.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force 15 serial and model #

Can't find a H01b carb, but found a H01c, which was used on most models for 1988-1990.<br /><br />Sorry, the rw617532 is not the serial number. <br />(must be eo, od, og.) I tried running it thru the Mercury parts order website, but it was rejected.<br /><br />The good news is that other than the carb, the ignition, and the sparkplug, not much else changed from 1988 - 1997.<br /><br />The 1998 model used a different lower unit.<br /><br />I thought I could look up the part numbers on my computer, but the parts catalog software won't work on my new Mac, its pc only I guess.<br /><br />Hopefully you can identify the ignition.<br /><br />A Magneto points system under the flywheel was used from 1984- 1989a<br /><br />A breakerless inductive module ( BIM I or BIM II) was used from 1989b - 1993.<br />The BIM I has blue and a brown wire going into the coils, and 2 brown wires connected to the engine stop button.<br /><br />The Bim II has a black and a grey wire going into the coils, and a black and a grey wire connected to the stop button.<br /><br />And a SEM-WALBRO CD unit was used from 1994 on. <br />It has a single Black/yellow wire going into the coil, and a black and a black/yellow wire going to the stop button.

 

[cwm1972]

Re: Force 15 serial and model #

I have a 2 sets of brown wires going to engine stop button, 2 buttons, one set on the right side which has a wire safety stop, and one set going up front to a push in type stop button. also the cowl is Black, with Blue Force, and Blue 15 on the rear of it. From what i can guess, that would but it in the 89b - 93 range.<br /><br />any suggestion on a repair or parts manual, and where I can get one?<br /><br />Also scince I have heard some bad things about Force after I bought it. Paid 175 for it. Have you heard of anything about the 15, like special or recommended annual maintenance.<br /><br />thanks again for your help.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force 15 serial and model #

A factory repair manual from a Merc dealer is your best bet.<br />Or a Clymers repair manual would be my second choice.<br />It covers all Force motors, but does a pretty good job.<br /><br /><br /> click- a new one <br /><br /><br /> click- a used one <br /><br />If it runs, you got it for a decent price. A similar Johnson would have cost you $600 or more.<br /><br />So atleast you won't have to be removing the flywheel and messing with points.<br /><br />Only real weak link in that motor, I think, is a brazed (not welded) joint in the lower unit. Its not a speed demon, but it should push a boat around ok.<br /><br />As with all used motors, assume that no maintenance has been done to it.<br /><br />I usually rebuild the fuel pump, clean or replace the fuel filter, replace the water pump, Change gear lube in ther lower unit. Put new gaskets and seals in the lower unit if I find any water mixed in the lube. Replace the entire fuel hose and bulb going to the gas tank. I only rebuild the carb if it won't run properly. New sparkplugs. Inspect wiring.<br /><br />You definitely will want to DECARB that motor.<br /><br /><br />Or, if it is running well, you can just fix things as they need it. But that coould leave you stranded on the water some day.

 

[cwm1972]

Re: Force 15 serial and model #

Thanks again for the Info and help. One last thing is my prop has 2 blades not 3, what is the difference if any? And I will definately decarb before spring. Pretty sure boat will be put away for the winter after this weekend. The 15 will be powering a 73 14' alumacraft rowboat, seems to get up on plane fairly quickly and is definately faster than my 82 merc 7.5 which after all is what I was looking for.<br /><br />Though Im not sure of the Max Hp rating of the boat, I think it will be just fine, I did beef up the transom 2 years ago with new wood, and 1/2" steel rod across the top. Didn't notice any twisting of the transom at test drive.<br /><br />Also do you know of any good websites for parts ordering or just general info on Force (don't know much about them)<br /><br />Thanks again roscoe

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force 15 serial and model #

Your motor is based on the old Chrysler design, circa 1970?<br />Older style lower units with older style props on them.<br />Newer motors use newer and better designed props.<br />I believe you are stuck with the old 2 blade prop.<br />If you find any spare props for your motor, better buy them.<br />If you have to buy a new one, they are expensive.<br /><br />I recon your boat is rated for somewhere between 15 and 25 hp.<br />My 12' is rated for 12hp.<br /><br />Some parts may be available here in the iboats mall.<br /><br /> http://www.mercruiserparts.com/selectModels2.asp?type_id=FORC <br />They are a Merc dealer and offer parts at approx 10% discount.<br />The link is for the Force page, scroll to the bottom to go to their homepage.<br /><br />www.mercurypartsexpress.com<br />Factory parts ordering, but you need a serial number or part number to make it work.<br /><br />www.MaxRules.com<br />Another dealer that seems to really be there to help the guy that owns an older outboard.<br /><br /> http://www.tenkillermarine.com/boatparts/tips.asphttp:// <br />!!! A nice and informative site. Parts and service tips here !!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br /><br />If you have a real tough mechanical question, go to:<br />www.themarinedoctor.com<br /><br />Force History: (compliments of iboats member ODDD1)<br />                    <br />short course on the history...location, Hartford wisconsin....the plant built farm implements around the turn of the century...Kissel car Co. into the late '20s..water witch outboard after that, in early '50s became West Bend Co. [outboards], They made motors for Elgin, Sears, and Montgomery Wards, among others. in [I think] 1963 sold to chrysler [chrysler outboards] which was bought by U.S. Marine in 1984, renamed the motors Force [the very first ones said 'Chrysler by Force'] they were built in Hartford until US Marine was bought by Brunswick and they consolidated the outboard manufacturing by shutting down the plant in hartford and moving outboards up to Fond du lac in 1992. Last year of production was 1999.<br /><br /><br />There are lots of members here from Wisconsin.<br />From Marshall, Milw, Waukesha, Fond du Lac, Janesville, Green Bay, Montello, Onalaska, Rice Lake, and Eagle River to name a few.<br />Check out the freshwater fishing forum, and the Dockside Chat forum sometime, you're sure to run into a few of us.<br />Not a lot of boating activity this time of year, so we go there to tell fish stories.<br /><br />Where do you fish? (assuming you do)

 

[cwm1972]

Re: Force 15 serial and model #

I fish Lake Como, Delavan Lake, Pleasant Lake the most because they are all within a few miles of my home, My father and I sometimes go up to Burnett County for a week or so and fish Big Sand Lake and Devils Lake. I once accidently caught a 9lb walleye out of Devils lake fishing for bass in 12 - 15 ft of water because the bite was slow in the shallows. We are planning a trip up to Canada in July 2005.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force 15 serial and model #

I usually hit the Wolf river in spring, then northern lakes and flowages the rest of the year, sometimes Green Bay in fall. I used to fish the Milwaukee area lakes when I lived down there, but never did much good.<br /><br />We hit Canada atleast once a year. The walleye fishing was screwed up this year. Friends spent 3 months up there this summer, and say the walleyes never followed the usual patterns.<br />But the northern fishing was great this year. <br />There are no bass, trout, or musky where we go.<br />We go 50 miles into the wilderness on a logging road, and when we get there, there is a nice semi modern fishing resort, with cabins, electricity, camping, etc. <br /><br />Do you know where are you headed in Canada?<br /><br />Or will you be going to the All Canada Show in Madison or Milwaukee to shop for a resort?

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force 15 serial and model #

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force 15 serial and model #

 

[cwm1972]

Re: Force 15 serial and model #

My dad got a recommendation from a friend to indian point camp located on a 26000 sq acre lake with islands. Guess you can rent an Island if u wish. Known for Fishing and Bear Hunting.<br /><br />www.indianpointcamp.com<br /><br />At present trying to make sure I will have enough $$ to do it after bills and such to go, but I told him, scince hes getting up there towards the golden years to book it anyway, Ill figure out a way to go.<br /><br />I fish Delavan for bluegill, and perch. Pleasant for bass, and just learning como (I live a block from the shore). And for Lake Como I guess there are some pretty big bass. A lot of nothern, and DNR just stocked with muskie this past year. Last winter I heard there was a 8 1/4lb bass, and 14lb nothern caught through the ice. So I guess they are in there. Extremely much weeds in summer.. So far best fishing for me was mid spring or early fall. <br /><br />Ill probably fish Como the most in upcoming years, but it gets real weedy in summer. Only 8 ft deep but about 3 miles long.