Force L-Drive question.

[ak47]

Hi. I have 1990 L-Drive 120 HP. I'm looking to replace the lower unit. But I don't know if it is a one-peace or two-peace driveshaft. Any one knows this? I have the lower unit separated from the motor. Is there anyway to tell by looking at it? Thanks.

 

[ak47]

Re: Force L-Drive question.

Anyone?

 

[roadrunnr]

Re: Force L-Drive question.

Since no one is jumping in here, I'll give it a shot. With the exception of the power head, the L-drive is a different animal. I took a look at mercruiserparts.com, there are 3 different models for a 120hp 1990 L-drive. But in looking at the gear housing picture and parts breakdown of each model, I don't see a drive shaft coupler pictured or listed. So from that, I would assume it is a 1 piece drive shaft. The complete housing or lower unit part number differs from a normal 120hp 1990 outboard as well. Like I said it is a different animal. I'd be leary if any lower unit would fit if it's a one piece shaft. Two piece outboard shafts have a coupler just above the water pump. you can see it pictured at the above web site on a 120hp 1990 outboard. Hopefully someone with L-drive knowledge will jump in here. You can also try posting a question at www.themarinedoctor.com if no one comes through with a better answer.
Good Luck!

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Force L-Drive question.

Ok, I'll wade into this too. First, I'm not exactly sure and I'm no expert on the L-drives however:
-I think the (very) lower unit is common to the outboards and the L-drives. I think (I'm not entirely sure) that the mid-tilt section is unique to L-drives only. Thus you may be able to use/re-use a 'standard' two piece lower unit on an L-drive.
-Next, I think if it's a two piece drive shaft it has only a small stub shaft revealed from the top of the unit with a spline coupling connection to the next drive shaft item. If it's a one piece drive shaft I think that drive shaft sticks up and out quite a bit from the lower unit. I doubt the L-drives had one piece drive shafts due to this fixed extension part.
Now, if you want to know for sure run it by Frank A or RR.
question: do you have a manual? (Clymer or Seloc or?)

 

[roadrunnr]

Re: Force L-Drive question.

AK47:
I believe Bigprairie is correct. Just saw a lower unit for a 1990 120hp L-drive on ebay. It was a 2 piece shaft just as Bigprairie described. If that is the case then yes you may be able to use a standard Force 2 piece drive shaft lower unit. Search ebay motors for Force outboards and check out the pics to see if the lower unit looks like yours.