1990 FORCE 120 Outboard L-drive or not?

[capricuddy92]

Hey Guys,

My father and I fixed up a 1990 bayliner capri cuddy with a force 120. So far outside of re upholstery and the trim being shot it has been decent to us. I am curious, how can you tell if it is an L-drive or not? I have the Clymer manual but I for the life of me cannot figure this out. Also, does anyone know if this was Mercury or Chrysler for this time period when it was made?

 

[Redbarron%%]

An L-Drive is set up as an inboard and out-drive.
An outboard is an outboard.
Very similar to the Sport Jet setup in the engine and gear drive parts.

 

[capricuddy92]

So If I have the regular outboard, there is no way it is an L-drive correct?

 

[GA_Boater]

Where are the spark plugs? Outside the boat = outboard. Inside the boat = L-Drive.

Post a pic.

 

[capricuddy92]

Here is the motor, just didn't know that L-Drive was an I/O. I thought it can also be an outboard. I just heard a lot of bad things about it

 

[Redbarron%%]

The engines are the same or very similar, the gearbox instead of the transom mount is the biggest difference.
The L drive isn;t a bad idea, but never caught on and now parts are hard to get.
The L drive has an right angle gear set under the motor, passes through the transom with a tilting device and a angle gear down and then a third at the prop.
Too much banjo work.
The Sport Jet has the angle under the motor and then a straight shaft to the impeller,
You have a Force outboard and it can be reliable or not depending on the maintenance and the electronics for the ignition

 

[capricuddy92]

okay thank you just making sure I did not have one, it can be a little difficult reading through the repair manual with all the different models.

So the L drive is for I/O only not outboards. Thanks guys!

 

[roscoe]

photo of L drive

 

[capricuddy92]

thank you!