Force lower unit what year

[HarleyC]

I am new to Force motors and last year I bought a boat with 125 Force by Chrysler. Seller said both were 1986 year. I spent the year working on the hull and used the boat this fall it ran out okb but I reckoned the motor need some TLC. As it turns out the lower unit is a 120 hp Chrysler unit serial number 1209HG5629 also by Chrysler, but is an earlier year. The seller did later admit he had the lower unit rebuilt just before selling it to me. So yesterday I decided to pull the prop to check out the seals and reapply some anti-seize. First thing I noticed is the prop is slightly loose. Then I noticed the only thing holding the prop on is a stainless lock nut. One of those nylon insert type jobbies. Now an inch or so behind this is a hole with a lone cotter key through the shaft. It holds nothing. Also noticed rust comming from behind the nut. Turns out a stack of plain carbon steel washers where used to provide a spacer over the end of the spiled shaft and allow for tightening of the nut. Except the nut bore against the shoulder of the spline when tightened, hence the looseness. So it appears like I need the proper attaching hardware. I am familiar with Merc with thrust washer having interal splines and external locking tabs. using the spider type locking washer to hold the nut from working loose. I am assuming that Force has a similiar set up. So now I need to know what year lower unit it is and then locate the right parts. Thanks for any help Fishboy

 

[12Footer]

Re: Force lower unit what year

1984 thru 1989 85HP thru 125HP are all simular lower units. Many variations,but simular.It sounds like a real make-do job there. It has a splined flare washer behind the metal nut,and the nylon cone thingy is threaded and cotter pinned to the propshaft.<br />Behind the prop where all those washers are, is supposed to be a thrust washer.Definitely not right,fishboy. You will probably want to purchase a manual so you can put this l/u back to spec.

 

[HarleyC]

Re: Force lower unit what year

Hey 12 Footer, Thanks for the info. Just to be clear are you saying the l\u can't be from a pre 1984 model and bolt up to the 1986 upper. This is what I am hoping because I am not sure I can find new parts for it, and the older it is the more difficult it may be to find. Just looking for a place to start looking. Fishboy<br /><br /><br />

 

[12Footer]

Re: Force lower unit what year

My book only goes back to 84 (when Chrysler became Force). But the lower units are still identical, and the design wasn't changed at all untill Merc got ahold of Force,and Still, not all HP/models were changed.<br />It should be fine with a 1979 Chrysler L/U even.

 

[HarleyC]

Re: Force lower unit what year

Thanks 12Footer, thats what I wanted to hear, now its off to the Force dealer. I did find a picture of a 125 Force on the a Seloc manual it shows the l\u with the cone thing on the prop shaft. You are right my old l\u looks just like the newer one in the photo. In you opinion which manual covers the Force motors the best. Looking to get one, I had Clymer for Evenrude and Seloc for Merc, I think. Seloc says they have more photos than drawings. Fishboy

 

[12Footer]

Re: Force lower unit what year

I like the Clymer because of the drawings.Much better detail, but still lacking, I'm afraid. But still,Clymer is better (IMHO).

 

[HarleyC]

Re: Force lower unit what year

12Footer, how you doing? I went to the Force dealer today to get the prop hardware I needed. Turns out the prop is an after market one made to fit a Merc. Its a 13-1\2 X17. Thats OK they said, Just gotta use differnt hardware designed for through the prop exhaust flow. They came up with a new thrust washer, the one that fits on the shaft next to the gearbox. It was a little thicker that the original one and was needed to give proper clearance. They tried a couple different splined washer/spacers that fit on the end of the shaft next to the nut. The plastic one was to thin, but a brass one about 1/2 in. thick was just right. Now when I tighten the nut, it bears on the washer and not the shoulder of the shaft. So now its not loose, yea. Only thing is it don't allow for a locking washer. They said thats how it gonna be now, because Force don't make the original props anymore. So I will be happy to use the nylon insert lock nut that came with it, but will get a new one..Thanks a ton, Fishboy

 

[12Footer]

Re: Force lower unit what year

Glad to hear they got you back to spec. And it sounds like you found a good shop for your maintainance parts.