Newguy L-Drive

[contractorguy]

1990 120? force L-drive I'm looking for the manual, and will get one soon.

I want to do a compression check and spark test before I put the rest together and see what happens.
I've read something about damaging the coils, and I sure don't want to do that. Do you directly ground the plug wires before spinning it?(for compression test). Is there a power wire that can be disconnected to make it "safe"?

Also, should I put the outdrive in a barrel (or muffs) for these short spins? I don't want to damage the impeller.

The carbs were off (supposedly rebuilt), and there's no 'flame arrestor's, and....agh!...another thread...
Thanks for any help! I'm looking for the manual, and will get one soon.

 

[baxtr]

Re: Newguy L-Drive

yes, ground the plug wires, plugs out, warm motor (if you can) WOT.

if you have a safety lanyard(kill switch) that works, that will kill the spark for you, then you don't need to ground the wires, again, as long as it works!. To spin the motor at WOT you also need to disconnect the neutral safety switch or just manually hold the carb throats open and have someone crank her over a few times.

Should have impeller in the water.

 

[newbie4life]

Re: Newguy L-Drive

I have an L-drive that I need to put another impeller in (I think) after running it on the muffs.

I'm gonna barrel the sucker the next time. Then, once it's running well, I think I'm gonna spend the winter cleaning 'er up, making 'er pretty, and dump 'er in the spring.

I've got a bad taste in my mouth with this stupid setup.

 

[contractorguy]

Re: Newguy L-Drive

Hey Newbie... That's my plan as well... I'm thinking auction, so I won't feel bad selling it to someone myself!

 

[newbie4life]

Re: Newguy L-Drive

I agree 100%. I'd hate to run a truthful ad....

"1989 Bayliner Capri with notoriously crap-crafted 85hp L-drive. Hit water 5 times, rowed back to shore 4 of the 5 times. Newly re-built engine that won't stay running if it's not idling. Good thing I bought an innertube, so the kids can pull the boat while sitting in the innertube. Over $4,000 invested in this ticking-timebomb, will gladly sell for $39.95 (the cost of a Clymer's manual.) "

 

[MikDee]

Re: Newguy L-Drive

How can you say that? look at the excitement you've had!,,,lol,,, Or, was that frustration, aggravation, & despair in disguise? Anyway, just think of the great health benefits you got rowing back to shore, I bet it was cardiovascular being in a pissed off mood at the same time, surely better then going to a Gym!,,, lol,,, and it's good for the kids to have a dedicated strenuous activity to keep them occupied!,,, Yeah Right,,, I feel your pain.

 

[newbie4life]

Re: Newguy L-Drive

Yeah.... The best part is when my wife, whom I should say wasn't NEARLY as excited as I was to get this boat, just sits in the @$#%@ seat and smiles as I'm rowing back in.

I'd like to think she's looking at my bulging muscles, but I'm thinking she's doin' the whole "I told you so" thing in her mind.

Then, when my 3 year old asks, 'Why isn't the boat going?' Momma's always the first to delicately remind my daughther that the boat is '....crap. Daddy's just going through a stage right now where he wants be be on the water. He should be over with it by Fall.'

Yeah... it must be Fall. I'm gettin' over it.

 

[baxtr]

Re: Newguy L-Drive

Sorry about your boating experience being tainted by an L-drive, I really hope that it doesn't discourage you guy's from the hobby all together. Its a bad setup, l-drive that is, lot's of people know that, unfortunately they know that by either first hand experience like you, or by knowing someone with first hand experience, like me listening to you guys. Unfortunately, you usually don't join a forum like this before you buy, you join it when the problems start. Like I said, I hope you aren't completely discouraged about boating......the L-drive Yes, but not boating. I am sure even your wife would fall in love with it on a working boat, and I know for a fact the kids will.

Good luck

 

[contractorguy]

Re: Newguy L-Drive

Don't worry about me... I'm still hooked. Actually, the maxum w/L-Drive was just picked up for cheap..something to do over the winter.

I already have an '87 Bayliner 1950BR w/ 5.0l OMC. It's solid trouble free fun!!

Hey newbie,
You should try to find a real I/O for your next boat...at least the engine's more like automotive.

 

[newbie4life]

Re: Newguy L-Drive

Don't worry about me... I'm still hooked. Actually, the maxum w/L-Drive was just picked up for cheap..something to do over the winter.

Hey newbie,
You should try to find a real I/O for your next boat...at least the engine's more like automotive.

The nice thing about having an L-drive as a project, you'll have something to do in the winter... then in the spring... all through the summer...

I think you're right about the I/O though. I'm gonna see if I can pick up a MERCRUISER (Not OMC... for once, I learned BEFORE I bought.) with 4.3/5.0/5.7. I figure it's much easier to find a different engine, if necessary.

Don't get me wrong. My L-drive shifts absolutely perfectly. Trim works flawlessly. Once the carburetor gets adjusted correctly, or the electrical parts of the motor (whatever is wrong with it.) gets fixed, I'm sure it'll be fine. I've just been burnt. The whole 'what if' scenario is a little nerve-racking.