Force 120 L drive info...

[Breid16]

I know exactly what I have here, so we can save the "run away from it" talk. I have a 92 120 L Drive, two pistons are shot, one had a nest and water in the cylinder, the other looks like a WOT run across Dale hollow with a dozen bb's in the cylinder. Pistons are hard to come by, as I was just going to replace two of them, re ring it and go like hell. The boat is in very nice shape and if you didn't know better looks as if I could take it to the lake right now, I got it for a song so I'm not in it for much money. Are there any ways to replace the force with a different engine? Has anyone done this? Or where could I find a blown up block with a couple good pistons. I'm new to the boating world, my forte is vehicles. But it's all just nuts and bolts. Can't be too hard. Thank you in advance

 

[pnwboat]

Engine Re-build kits are available. The most difficult part about re-building is finding a machine shop that does outboards. If you are mechanically inclined, it's not that difficult. Before you purchase any re-build kit/pistons, the cylinder bores should be measured to determine if they can be bored and to what size they can be bored to. The biggest problem with the L-drive is not so much the motor, but the mechanical linkage that goes between the engine block and the lower unit. There is a U-joint that is very hard to get unless you have the original manufacturer's part number for it. Also some bearings and etc. The good thing is that they used industry standard bearings, it's just trying to figure out OEM part numbers. The part numbers in the Force manuals are not OEM part numbers so it makes it difficult. Usually the OEM part numbers can be found on the parts themselves though.

 

[Breid16]

Thank you for the reply...I have found parts for it, they are just so damn expensive. I can pull the motor out and apart. My plan was to throw a couple pistons in it, hone the cylinders and re ring it. Then run it til she blows. But that may be too expensive. I found a company in Florida that makes brackets to convert to an outboard. I sent an email but will probably have to wait till tomorrow to get any info.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Wiseco makes pistons for Force. up to .040 over
You just need to buy their wrist pin assy and bearings.
About $150 a hole.

How bad is the bore??
Any damage? and the new stuff won't last.

 

[Breid16]

The bore is actually ok, from what I can see. It's surprising because the slug is destroyed. Unless there is something I can't see I will be able to get away with a hone and re ring. I received the pistons I ordered on Tuesday. Now to grab rings and a couple gaskets and get to work

 

[jerryjerry05]

Where'd you get the pistons and rings?
​I'm always looking for new places?

 

[Breid16]

Pistons and rods are used...rings are eBay items along with the gasket. Am I correct in that I only need a head gasket? I can rebuild an ohc 4stroke in my sleep. But this is the first foray into an outboard motor. Thanks Jerry!