outboard motor replace or repair?

[shabren]

I have a 1998 90hp force on my 18ft c hawkwith what I think is a blown head. Should I have it rebuilt or look for a different rebuilt motor. New is out of the question so who is good in the hampton roads area to have do the work or look for a replacement. thanks

[Mike Avery]

I used to have a force motor. It was a POS. They don't make them anymore and I think you would be throwing good money after bad by trying to rebuild that POS as parts are probably hard to come by.

[ccx2]

I was going to say what Mike said but ive never owned a Force motor so didn't. I didn't want to be the one to bust your bubble, especially if funds are scarce.
BUT, I know a guy that had a smaller one years ago and when it was fairly new said good thing (1) about it was it was simple and easy to work on, he was a kinda simple guy that I don't think could fix or work on a kitchen fork and I don't think he had the motor all that long before replacing it.
But again, if the motor is in GOOD shape otherwise maybe you could price a remanufactured powerhead (about 1,900$ a year ago for my 96 115 yamaha) and do it yourself if your handy, I'm not, and a guy charged me 500$ labor and that was considered cheap and then after he put it all back together he never did get it running right and I had to take it to another guy that got the job done, I haven't seen my first "buddy" since.
The reason I tell you this is " this could happen to you" and cost you more in the long run.
The reason your powerhead failed has to be figured out or the new one will fail for the same reason, be it a carburator running wrong ,ect.
Go online and price a reman powerhead and go from their , I-boats and most other all get theirs shipped direct from the same company in Alabama and one will match or beat the others price .
Good luck

[shabren]

Sounds like if I replace the power head I will still have a poor quality motor. Does anyone know of any place to find a uase motor?

[captdavdavis01]

Budget boats would be a good starting point. You might get lucky on craigslist, might end up in the same situation plus the money spent though...

[hogbelly]

Daves Marine in South Norfolk 675-8509

[ccx2]

Sounds like if I replace the power head I will still have a poor quality motor. Does anyone know of any place to find a uase motor?

Poor Quality doesn't nessasarily mean you couldn't get some more use out of it at for a little lass than another motor...

[ccx2]

i just did a quick check and I-Boats has them for 1,875 $, then you would need to go thru the carbs for another 400$ approx if you pay someone to do them plus the labor to change out the powerhead lets say another 500$ so figure about 3,000$ cheapest you will probably get it done for ....so if you think your motor is in good shape otherwise, and thats a crap shoot maybe with the general quality of the brand, who knows you may get another ten years out of it.

[Kevin Smith]

You can find used motors on Craigs List, newspapers, ebay, etc. Just becareful to have it check out before paying for it.

Let us know what happens.

Kevin
Weekend Mistress

PS Dandy Haven is one of the best authorized Mercury shop around and they are very honest. Ask them about your engine.

[Fishboy OV8]

May the "Force" be with you