Force outboard maintenance

[kalebsheridan]

I recently got my first force outboard running and on the water. Runs pretty good so far but it will need some adjustments. My question is, how do I go about taking care of one of these motors? I am new boating in general, and from what I've read so far, these motors can be fairly particular. How do you guys keep yours running good for years to come?

P.S. my motor is a 1988 50hp

 

[topgun3690]

I would start by getting a factory service manual.....check on ebay. Read the stickies at the top of this forum, lots of good info there. Use the search function of this forum. Since you just got the motor would be a good idea to replace the impeller......then replace every few years as routine maintenance. Drain the LU lube and see if any water got in, then refill. Take the prop off and check for fishing line (can damage the seals) then grease the splines before putting prop back on. I would do these items soon, to start with.
The factory manual will have a section on maintenance with pics....good info to guide you....

 

[kalebsheridan]

I would start by getting a factory service manual.....check on ebay. Read the stickies at the top of this forum, lots of good info there. Use the search function of this forum. Since you just got the motor would be a good idea to replace the impeller......then replace every few years as routine maintenance. Drain the LU lube and see if any water got in, then refill. Take the prop off and check for fishing line (can damage the seals) then grease the splines before putting prop back on. I would do these items soon, to start with.

The factory manual will have a section on maintenance with pics....good info to guide you....

Okay awesome thanks for the info! So far Ive replaced the impeller, checked the prop, and replaced the seals in the carb. I'll pick up one of those manuals for sure. Should I mess with the fuel pump at all? I see those being mentioned.

 

[topgun3690]

Should I mess with the fuel pump at all? I see those being mentioned.

If it's running good is probably ok......they do get stiff and can get holes/tears in the diaphragm......if in doubt, replace it.

 

[Nordin]

Agree with topgun3690.
Some other things to have in mind.
Use good quality TC W3 two stroke oil with 50:1 mix and remember the engine is old, do not run the hell out of it.
Do not run at full throttle for a long time.
3/4 throttle is much better and the fuel consumption will be accepetable.
Take care of it and it will last for a long time.

 

[jerryjerry05]

88/50 That's a good motor and can last a long time.
The others have covered just about all on the regular list.
Gonna add 1 thing.
The Force/Chrysler can develop a problem.
I call it the starting fluid test.
Start the motor and spray starting fluid around the intake side of the engine.
That includes the coils and the pack and under the carb at the base. If the spray makes the motor run different?? then it's sucking air and needs repair.

 

[kalebsheridan]

88/50 That's a good motor and can last a long time.
The others have covered just about all on the regular list.
Gonna add 1 thing.
The Force/Chrysler can develop a problem.
I call it the starting fluid test.
Start the motor and spray starting fluid around the intake side of the engine.
That includes the coils and the pack and under the carb at the base. If the spray makes the motor run different?? then it's sucking air and needs repair.

Okay sweet thanks for all the tips guys! How about fuel? 87 or 89 octane? Ethenol free I'm sure? How long can I let gas sit around? And what do I do to the motor if I'm not going to use it for 2 weeks plus?

 

[topgun3690]

I use 89 octane but either will be fine. Ethanol free (E0) is great if you can find it, is more expensive. E10 is readily available and if you use a good fuel stabilizer will be fine. I use Sta-Bil 360 Marine with every fill up....that way it is always treated in case it sits for a while.....the bottle says it will keep fuel fresh for up to a year.

​

 

[racerone]

Whenever the boat sits for a week or more you should run fuel out of the carburetor.---An empty carburetor stays clean.

 

[kalebsheridan]

Awesome thanks Topgun and racerone, this is good stuff. Topgun, I remember reading that force motors don't take older gas very well due to the style of motor they are. Is there any truth to this? I will certainly get some of that product. Especially with the price if gas these days. Racerone, do you just unscrew the fuel bowl?

 

[racerone]

disconnect gas line.----Run motor till it stops.

 

[topgun3690]

Topgun, I remember reading that force motors don't take older gas very well due to the style of motor they are. Is there any truth to this?

Have heard the same, is probably true......these motors are the old crossflow design and have pistons with big ridges on them. That makes them more susceptible to detonation to begin with, and bad/stale fuel can make it even worse. But if you stay on top of your fuel quality you should be ok. A lot of the engines made back in that era were crossflow designs and had similar problems, not just Chrysler and Force.......

 

[kalebsheridan]

Have heard the same, is probably true......these motors are the old crossflow design and have pistons with big ridges on them. That makes them more susceptible to detonation to begin with, and bad/stale fuel can make it even worse. But if you stay on top of your fuel quality you should be ok. A lot of the engines made back in that era were crossflow designs and had similar problems, not just Chrysler and Force.......

Okay cool, this leads to another question I have for you. Say I have some ethanol free gas already mixed with 2-stroke oil. How long can that sit before I should chuck it? I don't want to hurt the motor but gas is also super expensive here in the PNW.

 

[topgun3690]

How many gallons and how old is it? If in doubt you could use a little bit of it at a time when refueling, to get rid of it. But if you know it is stale I wouldn't use it at all....

 

[kalebsheridan]

How many gallons and how old is it? If in doubt you could use a little bit of it at a time when refueling, to get rid of it. But if you know it is stale I wouldn't use it at all....

I do have a 6 gallon tank, about 2 months old. Ethanol free and already mixed. Would that be considered stale? I have another 6 gallon tank, I thought about diluting the old stuff with new stuff.

 

[topgun3690]

I do have a 6 gallon tank, about 2 months old. Ethanol free and already mixed. Would that be considered stale? I have another 6 gallon tank, I thought about diluting the old stuff with new stuff.

Am not a scientist or a chemist.....but if it smells like regular gas and only 2 months old (non ethanol) then it is probably ok to dilute.....bad gas has a varnish smell to it....

 

[kalebsheridan]

Am not a scientist or a chemist.....but if it smells like regular gas and only 2 months old (non ethanol) then it is probably ok to dilute.....bad gas has a varnish smell to it....

Okay awesome thanks Topgun. I'll give it a wiff before I attempt to use it.

 

[The Force power]

Okay awesome thanks Topgun. I'll give it a wiff before I attempt to use it.

I think....... Fuel stored in a sealed container/tank last longer than exposed to air.
I ran the last fill up with fuel stabilizer / I tape-up the tank-vent on the boat when I park it for the winter October to June is how many months?
Prime the fuel system & she fires up within 20 seconds

 

[kalebsheridan]

Anyone know how many pulses per revolution for these motors? Trying to use a tachometer