What's an L-drive?

[pastorbud]

I just bought a Trophy CC with 1987 Force 125 hp. I am checking ebay for service manuals and found this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...6737480&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_500wt_749

How can I tell if I have the L-drive?

Any suggestions for the best place to buy a reliable manual?

 

[steelespike]

Re: What's an L-drive?

An L drive uses a outboard power head inboard in a bastardized I/O setup.
They have proven to be problematic and should be avoided unless you have a need for tinkering on a dead end road.

 

[pastorbud]

Re: What's an L-drive?

uh.... thanks for the info! It may be too late, since I've already bought the boat. I know it runs and shifts, at least.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2100474&id=1239055112&l=e446d9b7ae

uh oh.... shifter looks like the one on my Mercruiser.

How do you identify the type of drive? And is there a favorite site to purchase a good service manual? Sounds like I may need it.

 

[Don S]

Re: What's an L-drive?

The L drives were used from 89 to 92, so I wouldn't worry about your 87 having one.
The manual you want is the OEM manual. not the aftermarket manuals.

The motor for the L drive, is inside the boat.

Here is a picture I found using google of an L drive on a boat.

http://fanto.net/images/maxum/1990Maxum2100LDC 004.jpg

 

[roscoe]

Re: What's an L-drive?

You do NOT have an l drive.

You have an outboard.

 

[pastorbud]

Re: What's an L-drive?

OK, I am a newbie to Force motors, but I do know the difference between an outboard and an I/O! I did not realize that Force even made anything other than outboards!

I'm relieved to know that an L drive is not an outboard. All I had to go by was the posting on eBay for the manual.

 

[pastorbud]

Re: What's an L-drive?

Just looked at the L-drive picture. Yikes. I would not want one. Kinda the worst of both worlds. But ya never know. I was real unhappy with my Mercruiser, and the guy I just bought this from decided he hated outboards. Go figure.

 

[Don S]

Re: What's an L-drive?

I was real unhappy with my Mercruiser, and the guy I just bought this from decided he hated outboards. Go figure.

The grass is always greener...................

 

[pastorbud]

Re: What's an L-drive?

I decided I wanted to go back to outboards after two seasons winterizing my (now-dead) Mercruiser Ford 302. I winterized a relatives 88 hp Johnson last season, and it was so easy. Then it fired right back up this spring. Got tired of exhaust manifolds, bellows, transom seals, etc.

Sticking with outboards from here on, I think. This is my first Force outboard. Johnson and Mercury before that.

 

[pastorbud]

Re: What's an L-drive?

Thanks for clearing up the eBay ad. I had thought it was for 85 or 125 hp L-drives. On closer examination, it does look like it is covers 85 HP outboard, 125 HP outboard, and the L-drive.

 

[capri1600]

Re: What's an L-drive?

Run a quality 2 stroke premix oil, measure accurately, use good gas and prop the engine to stay within the correct rpm ranges and it will serve you well.

Marty
http://www.martyhammersmith.com

 

[MAXXIE]

Re: What's an L-drive?

Glad I'm not the only one to ask this question, I don't feel so bad now......