1991 Force 120 no spark?? Also Questions..

[CodyGrizz]

I am going to look at a 1991 Maxum 21' runabout with a 120hp Force. Guy I am getting from says the engine has good compression but no spark. I am going to be testing the compression tomorow to see what it is, what numbers do I want?

Also..what COULD be the problem? I have been looking and looking and havent found much on the L-drive..be it pics or anything..and am wondering what the deal is. I mean I assume it will push the boat ok or they wouldnt have made it with that engine, but who knows. My 19' Bayliner has a OMC Cobra 120hp and I wish it was more..this is a bigger boat, when I redo it next winter do I have engine options??

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 1991 Force 120 no spark?? Also Questions..

Do yourself a favor and run from that deal. You do not want a Force L drive. Lack of spark can be any of about 500 dollars parts. Compression numbers should be equal on each cylinder and over 120. Hard to tell on a cold motor. Compression specs are based on a warm engine with throttle on full. I have read a bunch of threads here in the last three years and L drive by force is a big mistake. From what I have read boats are made special with this motor and substitution motors wont work.

 

[gussbuster]

Re: 1991 Force 120 no spark?? Also Questions..

I agree with eurolarva.....stay far, far, far away from the L drive. Interesting design, just not a good one

 

[CodyGrizz]

Re: 1991 Force 120 no spark?? Also Questions..

Heres the deal. I am actually going to trade my 1989 Bayliner Capri Euro 120hp OMC Cobra for a 1991 Maxum 21' runabout with the 120hp L-Drive. I LOVE the look of the boat, but read lots about the engine sucks. Its a project boat..not like I am "paying" for it as my Bayliner is paid for. Any way to put a i/o in the boat? I have to redo the interior on the Maxum and could always make more room for a bigger engine and am in Florida where engines arent the hardest to find. Maybe its worth it to put a different powerplant in it? All help is much appriciated!!

 

[roscoe]

Re: 1991 Force 120 no spark?? Also Questions..

Several problems with your plan.

L-drive is a bad set up
The engine is a big problem.
The drive unit is a bigger problem, NO parts are available, new or used.
Many of the parts went bad and none of them are available.

The boat was designed to accommodate only that little powerhead.

No other drive unit will work.

No other engine will work.

The entire boat would need to be structurally upgraded to take a conventional io setup.

This is a disaster waiting to happen.

Is the hull, stringers, and transom structurally sound? Probably not.

Best case scenario is that the hull is good, and you are able to put in the required supports and patches, so that you can hang an outboard on the back.


Put down the dream.
Lay it on the table.
Slowly back away.
Turn and .... RUN.

There are lots of project boats that don't require a complete redesign and build.

 

[CodyGrizz]

Re: 1991 Force 120 no spark?? Also Questions..

Went and looked at the boat..decided against it. He said he had reciepts for over $1000 in engine work yet "cant find them". He was going to throw in a 1999 TigerShark 770 but that also wasnt running. The whole floor needs replaced, engine area, cushions, etc.I couldnt even get the electronics to turn on. I sat and looked at my Bayliner..sat it in..realized all I have put into it (rebuilt lower unit/seals, new head, big stereo, etc) and know its not even close to being worth it. I will just keep my lil putt putt Bayliner, repaint it, do a different interior layout, and who knows..someday trade for a RUNNING boat or try stuffing a faster engine in it!!

Thanks again for all the responses.

 

[roscoe]

Re: 1991 Force 120 no spark?? Also Questions..

I now know a wise man (or woman) in Jacksonville FL, his name is CodyGrizz.

Smart decision, many boat available for those who wait.

 

[CodyGrizz]

Re: 1991 Force 120 no spark?? Also Questions..

MAN dernit..MAN!!

lmao.