Last weekend I posted a query and pictures about what would cause an impeller to fail on a 1990 120HP L Drive Force motor and loose water flow after only being 2 days old. The background on the time of failure was that the engine was running fine as I was skipping across the lake when I lost all water flow. I shut down the engine and the first thing I did was remove the thermostat and inspect the head for water, the water jacket was dry as a bone. I then got towed into the docks. Well my nightmare has come to fruition and it wasn?t the impeller
. I removed the spark plugs last night and started barring the engine over by hand. To my surprise half a gallon of water pumped out of cylinders 3 and 4 (but mostly #4)!!! I removed the head and found a couple dozen dings in cylinder # 4, but the spark plug showed no signs of damage and there was no debris in the cylinder(previous failure??). The head gasket also looked brand new. On TOP of that I went to drain the lower unit and change the gear oil when about a half gallon of water came out of it. AT this point I am in real need of some good advise. I cannot help but notice parts are getting more and more scarce for the Force engines and L drive units. This is my first boat and first experience with outboards. I would conclude that the powerhead and lower unit need replaced. That?s $4,000 or so in hard earned cash. The hull is in EXCELLENT shape but I fear the powerplant and drive are a total loss. Would you cut your losses or go for the new engine and lower unit? Are all boats like this, i.e. cheaply built fun toys that are designed to only last a couple years before they become obsolete and you have to sink another 20 grand into another piece of junk?? Who would you suggest getting a new powerhead and lower unit from?? Is the Force L drive even worth it, or should I get a new boat with a sterndrive,merc inboard etc????? What would be a good long lasting boat setup?? I?m just not sure what to do and am discouraged that this boat has turned into such a nightmare. I appreciate any advise.
. I removed the spark plugs last night and started barring the engine over by hand. To my surprise half a gallon of water pumped out of cylinders 3 and 4 (but mostly #4)!!! I removed the head and found a couple dozen dings in cylinder # 4, but the spark plug showed no signs of damage and there was no debris in the cylinder(previous failure??). The head gasket also looked brand new. On TOP of that I went to drain the lower unit and change the gear oil when about a half gallon of water came out of it. AT this point I am in real need of some good advise. I cannot help but notice parts are getting more and more scarce for the Force engines and L drive units. This is my first boat and first experience with outboards. I would conclude that the powerhead and lower unit need replaced. That?s $4,000 or so in hard earned cash. The hull is in EXCELLENT shape but I fear the powerplant and drive are a total loss. Would you cut your losses or go for the new engine and lower unit? Are all boats like this, i.e. cheaply built fun toys that are designed to only last a couple years before they become obsolete and you have to sink another 20 grand into another piece of junk?? Who would you suggest getting a new powerhead and lower unit from?? Is the Force L drive even worth it, or should I get a new boat with a sterndrive,merc inboard etc????? What would be a good long lasting boat setup?? I?m just not sure what to do and am discouraged that this boat has turned into such a nightmare. I appreciate any advise.
