Reliability of Mercury Force 120 2 Stroke Inboard

[mrygiel]

I was wondering if anyone has any knowledge related to the reliability of a 2 stroke Mercury Force 120 inboard. I am looking to purchase a 1991 Bayliner, which seems to be in outstanding shape. The engine also looks very clean, but I heard that Mercury Force does not have a good track record. Given that this is a 2 stroke inboard, what do you think I can expect as far as reliability goes.

 

[GA_Boater]

Welcome aboard.

This sounds like a Force L-Drive. I understand parts are hard to get and when dealing with older motors and drives, parts are the lifeblood.

 

[Faztbullet]

The L drive had a lot of problems..I suggest passing on this purchase.

 

[roscoe]

My buddy told me L drive stands for LOSER.

While gearcase parts are available, the L drive unit between the block and the gearcase is problematic, and parts are all hiding somewhere on the other side of Venus.
Some of these units used different crankshafts, so swapping out the powerhead is also a problem.
And its a 1990 model, with its wonderful ignition system.
And no mechanics will work on those motors.

""seems to be in outstanding shape.""

Because its been sitting in a shed somewhere cause it never ran for carp.

 

[matt167]

A Force outboard, can be a great motor if your expectations are within reason. They were 50's-60's tech being built into the 90's. Mercury gave them a few big steps until they finally quit producing them, but they largely, just work. Not great, not bad, just work..

However the L drive ontop of being a bad design just has basically nothing available and nobody will touch them. You can find them CHEAP, because of this... Mercury Sport Jet's below 175hp are Force as well and should be avoided because of crankshaft differences if you blow one up, just like the L drives

 

[racerone]

I think these L-drives won some ---" awards " ----For new innovation when they came out.------Tells you something about the folks who make these selections.------If the boat is in excellent shape then part out that junk drive.---- Then put an outboard on the back

 

[mrygiel]

Thank you everyone for all your input!

 

[iwaterdave]

I'd pass on this unless you plan to convert to outboard.