Questions from a novice

[triplehooked]

I am the proud owner of a 91 Bayliner Capri 1650 with a 120 hp force and the ever so loved L drive! Sorry for the sarcasm, just found out today that these aren't the most desirable units...... Anyways, the boat is in great shape, it has one small tear in a seam on the driver's side seat, other wise it's pretty sharp. It came with two tubes, a set of skis, two props, 10 life jackets, anti-mussel coating on the bottom, a brand new battery, two covers, and a bimini top. I traded an old dodge truck for it btw. The engine was rebuilt last winter "with receipts" and it has been stored inside up until I rec'd it two days ago. I winterized it as soon as I could. The engine has been fogged, I removed the four freeze plugs from the manifold with no water to be seen, linkages are lubed, the lower unit oil is like new "no water or metal in it" so I didn't change it, gas tank treated, and battery removed. Being new to this stuff is there anything else that I should address? The owner said there is no need to flush this motor with antifreeze as it all drains out when out of the water. True? Any concerns with the L-drive that I should look out for or give special attention to. And what makes these so terrible? Also, it says on the title 1650 with matching #'s to the boat, but the boat is 19', is this a typo? Long winded but I want to know all I can. My next step is finding a service manual.....Any and all info. is appreciated..

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Questions from a novice

Welcome to the Forum. Definitely get a manual. The L-Drive was not around for very long. Parts are not as readily available unless you look on-line or some of the marine recyclers (junk yards).

As far as winterizing, most of the water does drain out. If you want to be 100% sure, you can poor some anti-freeze into the block by removing the small fitting in the head just above the thermostat housing. It's an 1/8 inch pipe plug. Can be difficult to remove sometimes.

Make sure to use the proper fuel/oil mixture ratio (50 to 1). If it doesn't already have one, install a small see-through in line fuel filter between the fuel pump and carbs.

You may also want to consider changing the water pump impeller and fuel pump diaphragm. These are two items that can cause problems and are cheap and relatively easy to do. Just for piece of mind.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Questions from a novice

And yes, if the hull excluding the outdrive is 19 feet long, it is most likely a typo-- the 19 foot Bayliners were 1950s 1650 indicates a 16 foot Capri. Look on the capacity plate--should have the correct number there.

 

[triplehooked]

Re: Questions from a novice

Thank you for the info. it is appreciated. Any suggestions for a decent manual.

Thanks again

 

[NYBo]

Re: Questions from a novice

I have a feeling that OEM manuals are as scarce as hen's teeth. I have a Clymer manual for my motor; it also covers the L-Drive.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Questions from a novice

The manuals published by Clymer are better than those from Seloc.

 

[triplehooked]

Re: Questions from a novice

If I get a Clymer for a 120 hp Force outboard it includes the L-drive then?

 

[NYBo]

Re: Questions from a novice

If I get a Clymer for a 120 hp Force outboard it includes the L-drive then?

Yep. It will also cover a multitude of years and HPs.

 

[fishin1789]

Re: Questions from a novice

You want to buy a Clymer #B751-4 manual. It covers 4-150HP from 1984 thru 1999 and includes the dreaded "L-Drive". I've got a 120hp L-Drive for sale in a 21 ft. Maxum if you ever need another for parts! Just kidding!

They aren't as bad as people say, just take very good care of it and maintain it regularly and it will be fine! The manual is a MUST! Good Luck!

 

[triplehooked]

Re: Questions from a novice

Not to drag out the thread..... I plan on purchasing a Clymer manual soon (thanks for the suggestions guys) but I also purchased a dvd supposedly compiled of multiple manuals for Bayliners with wiring diagrams and included the L-drive/Force combos off of ebay. Has anyone purchased one of these yet? The guy received nice reviews of the dvd he put together and it was only $5.50 with free shipping. I figured it was worth the gamble. I always like a paper manual to get dirty boat side, but it would be nice to have a disc to study during the cold months also.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Questions from a novice

Chances are, the DVD has scans of the manuals in question, but probably nothing on the guts of the motor.