Merc L Drive Problem

[obo66]

Ok, I am new to boating overall so I expect to mess up the terms.

The boat is a 1990 Bayliner Capri 2070 with a 120 HP Force engine L Drive which I believe is mated to a Mercruiser lower unit. For anyone with expertise as to the lower unit make, let me know if I am wrong or right.

The problem is that the prop is freely spinning and not putting out the power from the engine. Already had the prop checked and it is not spun. So the theory is that something similar to a u joint (is this a gimble?) is broken further up. Does this make sense? Are there other possibilities?

Also, the shop told me that these L-Drives were only used for 3 years and the part is no longer available. As a result they are having trouble finding one. Can anyone suggest a good source for part on a boat this age? If this part is unavailable, what are my other options?

Finally, since these were made only for 3 years, does this mean the design is junk? Am I going to be sending the shop's family to Ivy League schools?

 

[Maclin]

Re: Merc L Drive Problem

It was a bad deal all around. Usually when I see a Bayliner for sale with an L drive it is being sold for parts. There is a very weak driveshaft coupling between the top and the lower units, that is probably the part your shop mentioned.

Look around for parts boats, I think I saw one on eBay just this week. The problem will be that the part you need is probably broken on those as well and that is why they are selling the boat. I do wish it was a better situation, the boats I found were usually in good shape except for problems with the L drive.

Patience is also key, keep looking, who knows maybe someone will produce that coupling in a more durable material someday. It would be an instant market but not many customers, too many boats have been parted out already.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Merc L Drive Problem

Hmm, I wonder how complicated the coupling is?

A home machine shop type like myself could make some cash producing them for sale on ebay.

Erik

 

[Maclin]

Re: Merc L Drive Problem

The one drive I saw in pieces in pictures would lead me to believe it is not that complicated, basically a two-ended inside splined piece, I suppose it could even be replaced with just one longer piece splined all the way thru. I am not sure what all forces are working on it where it lives if you know what I mean. It almost appears like it is supposed to fail first under certain amounts of duress. Although a much tinier application, I had an electric weedwacker like that. It had two separate driveshafts with a coupler. The coupler would hold up to a point then let go on purpose. Once I figured that out I bought all the couplers they had in stock at the time!

Things like this intrigue me, I wish I had more time to work with it, too bad Force had to leave the L drive owners high and dry.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Merc L Drive Problem

Splined parts are a pain to machine, actually. You have to cut the splines with a broach, which is a special cutting tool for non-thread interior cutting, or else extrude or cast the part in that shape.

I'd be inclined instead to replace whatever the coupler attaches to in order to allow a more common part from eg. a mercury outboard to be used.

Erik

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc L Drive Problem

what are my other options?

Finally, since these were made only for 3 years, does this mean the design is junk?

Ayuh,....

You're pretty much ShtOutaLuck,.....
And,...
Yes,...
It's a very Poor design,....
It's got absolutely Nothing to do with Mercruiser,.. It's a Force,+ there is No more Force...
Kinda like OMC sterndrives,.... Only Worse....

 

[bamadave]

Re: Merc L Drive Problem

I have seen marriages dissolve because of a bad decision to buy a boat that shouldn't have even been considered. Kinda like some wives. Option? I think you have the message already. If you are already addicted to boating, before your next purchase, come here and ask questions. I guarantee it will be worth the effort. Had you asked here if the Force were any good, you would have been told to run and run fast. To many ask the right questions after they buy a boat instead of before. I will never buy anything of this nature on a spur of a moment impulse unless I already know I'm not going to get hurt financially. Not to bust balls but a sincere Welcome to the world of boating.

 

[obo66]

Re: Merc L Drive Problem

So I guess I need to run and run fast. Live and learn.