1990 Force L-Drive: A LOT of fun but a few issues... Gear Selection & Lower End Stuff?

[Solace]

Hi all, my boat has certainly given me some great memories this summer! Did some tubing, had a lot of fun!
but

But here's some issues:

Gear Shift Cable slipping out of holder:

This is the third time this has happened, and I think I know why -- I am starting the boat and driving away with the motor UP like in this photo. It forces the billow to rest upon this gear selector and a lot of resistance. Then it just slips out after... I push real hard up top .

Is the solution: Do not drive your boat with the motor up? Put the motor down first, then drive? I was trying to protect my prop but I think my concept in boat driving is not fully accurate! I've now got a trolling motor on the front I'll take her out with, drop the lower end, start and go.

Gear Oil Leaking?

This has been happening all summer but this is the first time I've seen it like this! I'm going to guess it's something to do with lower end seals need replacing? I might even do the water pump, I plan to keep the boat many years still.

 

[Solace]

Oh yeah also need a replacement for this tube, looks super simple enough to change. What does it do though?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Cooling water hose

Your lower need to be pulled and pressure tested

Only have the motor up that high when pulling the boat on the trailer

 

[racerone]

The L-Drive is not the most popular item in the boating world.-----You might consider something better.

 

[Solace]

Hey she's my first boat, what can you do eh? Got it dirt cheap, learned a LOT from it. I love this thing. I'll run her until she blows, and then even longer.

Fixed the gear shifter tonight had to fabricate a better part on the stopper end, it let go, or the nut came off, or something. Probably not related to the billows rubbing.

Will pull the lower end this winter. I want to get a few more fishing trips in. Hope I don't blow the lower end gears...

 

[jerryjerry05]

The last pic shows a wear spot where the hoses rub each other.
Fix something or do something to stop the wear.
The hose will be expensive $350
The smaller molded hose

is NLA from most dealers.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Drain the lower and check the oil?? and do it soon from the color of the oil it is needed soon.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Will pull the lower end this winter. I want to get a few more fishing trips in. Hope I don't blow the lower end gears...

you need to pull the lower before you go on another trip

 

[Solace]

OK thanks all. Got a trolling motor installed up front with a custom welded bracket, choke adjusted just perfect it started within 3 seconds of crank! Typically... I was spraying quick start in there and was a real pain....

I'll throw change gear oil before going on the next run.

I sure have learned a LOT from this boat man. I'd not buy a Stern drive again but hey, you sink in the boat you captain...

 

[Scott Danforth]

Typically... I was spraying quick start in there and was a real pain....

that will kill a 2-stroke as ether doesnt have the required oil to lubricate

never start a 2-stroke on ether. Ether is for staring diesel engines.

a mix of 2-stroke fuel in a spray bottle is what you should always use if you need to use anything.

 

[racerone]

Using a bit of ether for starting will NOT destroy a 2 stroke.

 

[flashback]

Using a bit of ether for starting will NOT destroy a 2 stroke.

Key word is a bit. I seized an old HD 165 motorbike with too much. Lesson learned..

 

[topgun3690]

Don't use ether in an old IDI diesel engine.....not good.

 

[Solace]

Regarding my lower end, I drained the oil which was fuggin bad. But looks like the gaskets are missing on the bolts and probably let some seeping occur. Will have to fix that..

 

[racerone]

A wise man would take the lower unit apart for inspection.-----But according to some women there is no such thing as 3 wise men !

 

[Solace]

I’ll take it apart over the winter most certainly. For now new gear oil. Discovered a double gasket on the vent, which was letting water in. Did a flush and chnage. Will see how that goes over the weekend.

 

[Redbarron%%]

In my experience with my 90 hp Sport Jet a little ether when cold is ablut the only way to get it to fire.
If anyone knows a good way to get one going reliably (with the enrichment valve system) I am game to try.
I have checked the reeds etc. and I know the throttle has to be completely closed for the valve to work.
Once the engine is warm it work fine.
However if fishing for a while with the I-Pilot and the engine cools it is ether again.

 

[Solace]

I have the choke set and it's starting just great even in 0 degree weather sitting in the water all day. No more need for quick start!

 

[Solace]

Hi all -- I was having the time of my life. Had the boat out, drifted down the bay, and my ****ing prop fell off. Not sure if it was lose cuz I never EVER checked it, or if I hit a rock. The entire prop was just... GONE.

Wind picked up. Had to leave my boat on the shoreline for 2 days before the water was calm enough for my trolling motor to push me home.

Looking at the gear shift cable, not sure WTF happened here. I may have installed it incorrectly on the other side near the prop-end? Will try taking it apart tomorrow to get a better look.... does anyone have a link to a new gear shift cable? LOL

 

[Scott Danforth]

props dont fall off on their own. something was not right with the prop nut