replace outboard or powerhead?

[abbotm5]

I have a 91 bayliner with a 90hp outboard. A rod broke and put a fist sized hole in the engine case. I want to get the boat running again and was looking at either replacing the powerhead in it or purchasing another outboard for it. If I replace the entire outboard, I dont want another force, so I will most likely have a bit of work putting new mounts on the boat. Any thoughts about which plan may be better?

 

[JB]

Re: replace outboard or powerhead?

Howdy, abbotm5.

Welcome to iboats.

It would be a bit more work but I think your plan is good.

Go with a mainstream outboard. How much you would need to change depends on what you replace the Force with.

Just a guess, but you might find a Mercury easier to adapt to the previously Force installation.

 

[roscoe]

Re: replace outboard or powerhead?

What JB said.

The mounting holes in the transom should line up on any modern outboard.
The steering cable should also work.
The only concern would be the wiring harness and controls.

Your most economical choice is to look for a decent used engine.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: replace outboard or powerhead?

Check your shaft lenght first. Don't know of your boat, but a lot of Bayliners (Mine too..88/125) have deep V's, and run a 25 inch longshaft..something to consider if looking for a new motor

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: replace outboard or powerhead?

Let the Chrysler / Force enthusiast chime in here!

If all the electronics are good, and the crank is good, you are looking at a couple of or three hundred for a used block, three hundred for pistons, and a couple of hundred for boring. Then odds and ends.

So, you are looking at around 1,000 to replace the block if you reassemble it yourself and if the used block needs pistons. Commercial rebuilt block usually runs 1500-1800-- and possibly more when purchased through a dealer. with installation it can go as high as 2500.

Now, figure out what it will cost to buy a good used engine of that vintage and decide if it is worth it to you to spend the 1000.

If your Force has not soured you--and it sounds like it has-- on all Forces, and if you don't mind the mechanical work, and if saving 500 to 1000 bucks is attractive to you, then repair it. If not, buy another brand engine.

Just take into account the fact that for very few bucks more, you can put a 4 cylinder 125 block on that leg--if your Bayliner is rated for it.

Me---I would rebuild it. But I am a special case. I am willing to hunt around until I find what I need at a good price. You apparently don't have the luxury of a long time frame. SO: Ultimately, the decision is yours to make. Just do the homework before deciding.

BTW: In what part of the country are you located?

 

[abbotm5]

Re: replace outboard or powerhead?

Thanks for the comments. With regard to replacing the powerhead, the boat is rated for the 125. What is involved in switching it over from the 90 to the 125? I have been keeping an eye out for a used powerhead without any luck. I am located in Albany, NY.

As for replacing the engine, I have a buddy who works for Honda and says he can get a pretty good discount on new outboards. He has not given me a price list yet, but I am leaning more towards purchasing a new motor if the discount is good enough. Any thoughts on how that would mount?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: replace outboard or powerhead?

Within reason, an outboard is an outboard is an outboard. They all mount relatively the same: they hang on and are bolted to the transom. You will undoubtably need to fill and seal the original holes and drill new mounting bolt holes for another brand engine. But, Steering should use the same helm and cable, and the new outboard will come with controls needed for it. Probably a couple of hours installation time with an extra set of hands.

As far as the Force, a 125 powerhead fits right on the existing leg with the existing lower pan. You only need to get a new hood to clear the extra cylinder height. You need a "long Block" with carbs, triggers, control tower, and wiring as these are different (longer) in the 4 cylinder but the flywheel stator, starter and controls are the same.

Ammendment to electronics statement: You can use the existing 3 coils and 2 CD boxes, but obviously you need to get another coil and a 4 cylinder mounting plate

 

[abbotm5]

Re: replace outboard or powerhead?

I am liking the idea of replacing the powerhead with a larger one. I have been looking at sites and it seems for '91 the other outboard they used was a 120hp. Should I try to stay with the same year, or can I vary a few years up and down?

 

[abbotm5]

Re: replace outboard or powerhead?

This is a motor I found, but it is in Missouri, which is very far from. However, if it would fit it seems like it would be a good motor. Motor is a 1998 120 horse force for $795. Looks like shipping would be about a grand.

The ad is: "Used Force 120EXLPT "25. Powerhead runs great, foward gear runs great, reverse gear works fine at lower power setting but lurches/slips when you add more power. Engine comes with cables, controls, tach, speedometer, harness, and stainless steel 3 blade prop. No steering cable and motor needs new tilt tube. Clean motor! It is crated, ready to go!"

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: replace outboard or powerhead?

I recently (this week) saw a ready to go, freshly rebuilt 3 cylinder force powerhead on ebay for less than a $1000 ($900?...can't recall).
It appears to be ready to go...less carbs and miscellaneous.
Regardless it might be worth a quick browse on ebay under 'force'.
That said, there is no shortage of used outboards out there for sale. Whether a newly rebuilt force compares to a used alternate is always up for debate and depends on who you ask.
I would tend to side with Frank's advice on this. I think Force are better than the rap they tend to get and I think it comes down more to the motors maintenance history than the specific type.
Good luck and let us know what you are thinking of going with.
BP

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: replace outboard or powerhead?

CAREFUL! At some point after 1990 (I don't know the exact year--but if the powerhead came off a Merc midleg, the splines are incorrect for your engine.) Merc changed the splines on the crankshaft so your lower unit driveshaft will not mate to it. Shame, because everything else is the same.

Before you buy a later Force, count the splines on your driveshaft and ask the seller to do the same. I forget, and I don't want to run to the garage but I think the Chrysler/Force were 15 splines and the Merc units were 13.

 

[abbotm5]

Re: replace outboard or powerhead?

Thanks for the tips. I am going to try to find a suitable 120hp force engine or powerhead before doing anything. This seems like the most reasonable solution. The 90 worked for wakeboarding, but a 120 would be great. This was I will be able to spend less money and get a larger engine.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: replace outboard or powerhead?

My family used to have a Country plave about 1/2 hour south of Albany. While as I remember, It wasn't a really big boating area, there are marinas around. Also, Lake George and Lake Champlain are within striking distance so why pay heavy freight for an engine so far away. Keep looking you will be able to find something within pick-up distance.

Look at my private message to you.