Replacing 85 hp Force L-Drive w/ 125 Force - Can it be done?

[Leviathan]

I ask because I burned up the 3 cylinder on it's first trip on the water. The 4 cylinder looks to be the same bolt pattern and there is a 4 cylinder L-Drive if I recall. I realize with the 4 cylinder there will be a clearance problem with the cover (that will be addressed when I get there), but has this been done? What about the wiring?

Thank you!

 

[moparman]

Re: Replacing 85 hp Force L-Drive w/ 125 Force - Can it be done?

I think the 4 cyl L drive was a 120 hp, but[there's that word again] the bolt pattern on the power head should be the same if it doesn't have the later merc adapter. Really it's something you need to do some research on to make sure everything is going to fit. Sorry I couldn't give you a yes or no answer,but maybe someone else with more L drive experience can. MOPARMAN

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Replacing 85 hp Force L-Drive w/ 125 Force - Can it be done?

Many of the L-Drives had 13 spline crankshafts that connect to the drive-shaft. Most of the power heads on the regular Force outboards have 15 spline crankshafts. If your L-Drive has a 15 spline crank, then you should be able to swap with a regular outboard power head. Wiring should be close enough.