90 hp Force that supposedly has compression problem?

[sbrunt]

I bought a used Bayliner Capri with what the guy told me was a 115 HP force L Drive but I found the Model # and it says 90LD90A. So I take it that is a 90 HP. Now for the big problem. I was told he took that part off where the spark plugs are and he said one of the cylinders are black and said that it lost compression in it. Just wondering how much this fix if he's right could cost me? Not too familiar with boat motors at all which is the bad thing? Plus he told me the motor hasn't ran in a year as well. should I try taking this part off myself to take a look at it or just take it to a shop and get them to look at it and charge me up the yahoo? lol..

Any replies will be greatly appreciated
thanks Steve

 

[motoboatguy26]

Re: 90 hp Force that supposedly has compression problem?

If it were me, the first thing I would do, would be a simple compression test on all three cylinders. They should be at least 100psi on each cylinder. You said the last owner took off the thing where the sparkplugs go. I am assuming you mean the cylinder head? Is it still off? if it is off you will need a new head gasket to re-install the the head (ebay) & torque specs for tightening the head bolts. Then do the compression test. If it hasn't run in a long while I usually spray a little fogging oil or something in each cylinder incase they've dried out, then turn the flywheel (big circle disk w/teeth on very top of the motor) by hand a few times to lube the cylinders. You can read plenty of posts on here for a step by step compression check, although its very simple. You just need a guage, which most all auto parts stores sell. If compression is low, which is very probable on a Force. It's either at least $2,000 for a mechanic to rebuild it for you or if your up for a challenge, buy a manual & a rebuild kit .020 pistons, gaskets, seals etc.. (again ebay) have the cylinders bored out by a machine shop and do it yourself for less than half the cost. Good luck with it. If its a decent boat it could be worth it to you & It would last a long time after a rebuild w/proper maintenance.

 

[roscoe]

Re: 90 hp Force that supposedly has compression problem?

sbrunt, first let me welcome you to iboats.

Then, the bad news.

You bought a boat that was a bad design from the start.
The engine is obsolete and not supported by the factory.
Most shops will not work on the engine or the outdrive.
The l-drive setup was so bad, it was only made for about 4 years.
Parts for the drive are hard to get, unless you are willing to find equivalent parts from the automotive market.

So, on top of having a problematic powerhead, you have a white elephant for an outdrive.


Quite honestly, if you are not willing to do a lot of work on the motor and drive yourself, your best bet is to cut your losses and dump it.

There is no other powerhead that will work on that drive, and no other drive that will work on the powerhead or boat transom.

This thing is going to cost you a fortune, and then you are still stuck praying that it will not break again.

Sorry, cold, brutal, unfortunate truth.

Keep or sell the trailer.
Sell the starter, carbs, outdrive, lower unit, etc., on ebay.

Use the "search" feature and search for "L drive" in the Chrysler and Force forum.

 

[sbrunt]

Re: 90 hp Force that supposedly has compression problem?

really eh.. the motor is that problematic? I see few websites for all the parts.. What I'd love to do is just buy an actual outboard and put that on instead.. My brother works with fiberglass so I'd have that hook up.. You really think roscoe that it isn't worth fixing the motor..

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 90 hp Force that supposedly has compression problem?

Everything roscoe said is true. Anyone that comes on iboats and asks about a boat with an L-drive we tell them to RUN. It is one of the worst powerplants you could get as far as parts and service support. It is also very difficult to convert the boat to either an outboard or a more traditional I/O set up due to the boat's design. I believe we had a member attempt it once and they eventually gave up on the project. If you can get the motor running cheaply I'd go ahead and run it but I wouldn't throw much money at it. Personally, I would dump it.

 

[sbrunt]

Re: 90 hp Force that supposedly has compression problem?

ok thanks very much. And hear I thought it was a good deal. I'll try getting it running and go from there..

 

[roscoe]

Re: 90 hp Force that supposedly has compression problem?

The entire back of the boat will need to be rebuilt to hang an outboard.
There is nothing in the transom that is strong enough to bolt onto.
So it all need to be add in, from the bottom up, framing, supports, transomboard, then all the outside glass work, then the interior, etc.


Would I stick 1 - 2 - 3 - or $4000 into it? no way.

 

[sbrunt]

Re: 90 hp Force that supposedly has compression problem?

ok thanks again roscoe.. I'll just trying getting this sucker running then. Hoping it doesn't need allot of work to get'er go'in.. thanks again guys..

 

[sbrunt]

Re: 90 hp Force that supposedly has compression problem?

so if I want to check the compression of the motor.. does it have to be in the water or can I do it in the drive way.. Remember the motor hasn't ran in a year. Also let me get this straight. To do a compression test, I have to pull the spark plug the screw the tester in the spark plug hole and then??

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 90 hp Force that supposedly has compression problem?

remove all the plugs, plug the tester into each one of the holes and engage the starter for a few revolutions. No water necessary cuz it's not going to start.

 

[sbrunt]

Re: 90 hp Force that supposedly has compression problem?

so all I do is turn the key and that is it? And if it does start can't I screw the motor up?? Just don't want to screw anything up further..

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 90 hp Force that supposedly has compression problem?

How is it going to start with no plugs in it?

 

[sbrunt]

Re: 90 hp Force that supposedly has compression problem?

lol.. true true..:redface:

 

[moparman]

Re: 90 hp Force that supposedly has compression problem?

Sbrunt, ,if you can get the motor running without spending a lot,go for it. The I-drive is not my first choice but ,you already have it. The force motor on top will take most parts that a conventional force ob uses, so most parts to get the motor going are out there. New parts are generally available from mercury marine[that's who took over force late in its life]and after market suppliers also.A low compression problem could be something as simple as stuck rings,or it could be something more serious like a galled piston,either way new parts are out there. THE out drive parts are as the other people said ,very hard to come by,usually used on ebay.The motors are very dependable if taken care of and serviced,just like any other motor out there on the water, and easy to work on for diy'ers. Just use common sense on evaluating the motor and you'll have plenty of help here for your force motor problems.Also, there's always going to be force whiners that don't like the motors and are usually some one that has never owned or worked on one. Good luck with your project and keep us posted on your progress .

 

[sbrunt]

Re: 90 hp Force that supposedly has compression problem?

would WD-40 be ok to spray in the spark plug holes to lube them up a bit while doing a compression test?

 

[roscoe]

Re: 90 hp Force that supposedly has compression problem?

won't hurt any.
regular old motor oil will work better

 

[sentinel]

Re: 90 hp Force that supposedly has compression problem?

Using oil to aid in compression tests must be understood first.

Do a compression test first without oil. Note the compression.
Then....do it again with a small amount of oil added.

The difference in the compression values is a measure of bore and ring wear.

What your actual compression is...... will be that value which you read with the engine warm after running, not with oil.

If this was already mentioned earlier...apologies. -Larry

 

[sbrunt]

Re: 90 hp Force that supposedly has compression problem?

well let's just say I think the motor is shot. Tried to do the compression test and nothing would turn.. Checked the outdrive oil and nothing even came out.. So since my brother is a fiberglass guru I was thinking of ripping the motor right out and turn the boat into a outboard boat?? What motor would somebody recommend on getting. I'm not going to get rid of the boat.. it's in great shape and my brother can do anything with fiberglass.. so if anybody has some info that would be awesome.. This website is amazing.. so much help.. the people on here are amazingly friendly... thanks

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 90 hp Force that supposedly has compression problem?

Well if you're going to do it, I wish you luck and please start a thread in the restoration section as it will surely be an interesting and informative one if if works out! I believe the L-drives were either 90 or 120HP. I'd go with an outboard from 90-120.

 

[roscoe]

Re: 90 hp Force that supposedly has compression problem?

Yes, document in the restoration forum please.

You may want to look at a prefabricated motor mount, and incorporate it into your hull.

Keep us posted.

Where are you located?

How big is this boat, 18' ?

Since you had a 90hp, start there and go up, perhaps as large as a 115hp.

I don't know if that boat ever had a maximum hp rating, probably not as it was considered an i/o.

Look for a motor you are comfortable with.
But not a Force, and not an Evinrude Ficht injected motor.
Preferably a motor that has a servicing dealer in your area.