Force worth

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Hey guys! I have a line on an early Force-- say 1984-5 --140 with extra long leg (25 inch) and trim/tilt. This engine looks to be in prime condition. The skeg shows almost no wear and there is almost no paint worn off the lower unit. Only problem is that it is missing the flywheel. But I have a wheel for it. Now, this guy is probably going to hold out for premium money but I'm thinking 700 bucks max, because I can't turn over the engine to rough check compression.
What do you think? I really want this engine. Should I go more? I didn't think Force ever made a 140, much less extra long shaft in these early years, so its probably a left-over Chrysler that was re-badged.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Force worth

check parts availablity. if there weren't many made may be not parts. never heard of a 140 force either.
 

CATransplant

Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
6,319
Re: Force worth

My suggestion is that you simply pass on this. For about the same money, you should be able to find a Johnnyrude of similar hp of the same vintage. The difference will be that parts will be readily available for the Johnnyrude, but not for the Force.

Unless you're planning to have a disposable outboard, in which case, go for it.
 

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Messages
14,398
Re: Force worth

Too much money in my opinion for such uncertainty. Similar money will get you a much more "user friendly" motor.
 

hitace

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 4, 2007
Messages
390
Re: Force worth

yea to much money for something thats going to fall apart
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,097
Re: Force worth

Frank..... if you want to invest in more power for "less money" start shopping for an older inline 6 mercury or mariner. I have seen them going cheap on ebay. They have a decent parts availability and like to run.
 

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,896
Re: Force worth

Pessimistic answer (on my part)................owner took it off so that you couldn't rotate engine and discover it had severe problems....Make sense?

Mark
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: Force worth

Maybe I didn't make myself clear: I am not looking for more power. I own about 15 Chrysler and Force engines in various sizes, plus parts for several more. I want to add this to my collection. Don't have a use for it right now but later? Who knows? I actually would prefer it to not be running condition so I could get a better price and then I'd have the fun of rebuilding it. If it were a Chrysler 140 with a regular long shaft, I know what I would offer for it. But since it seems to be an oddball from the transition of Chrysler to force and since it has a 25 inch shaft I thought someone might have a price idea.
 

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,896
Re: Force worth

OK. When I am negotiating, and I love to do that, I let the seller set a price; I don't let him talk me into telling him what I'd give for it.....that usually costs you money. Sometimes I have been really surprised to think what something will cost to get and the words that come out of the seller's mouth when he opens it and speaks.

When I get the price I usually downgrade it as a lot of folks just fish for the highest price. If it's really a lowball, like mentioned above, I just pay it, get the stuff, and go. Everybody sells differently. Sometimes they are firm; sometimes they take your offer; sometimes you have to haggle (love that too) and wind up with a price between both your desired price.

You probably have a gut feel for what it's worth to you and that should be your price since there is nothing about that gets you by the doo-dads and entices you to pay more than you think it's worth.

Mark
 

CATransplant

Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
6,319
Re: Force worth

Ah...you didn't tell us you were a collector. That's a different story. If it's something you've gotta have, then there it is.
 
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