HELP!! Can't repair motor cause I don't know what it is!

[dthiessen]

I bought a project boat, an 89' bayliner capri. It's got a 90HP force but mounted on that CRAZY "I" drive system. Now, my first problem is that I can't seem to find the ser.# anywhere. Any idea as to where this number might be? I found a 3 digit number on top and above the spark plugs and a 6 digit number between block and carbs. Would one of these be the number I need? I'm also in need of a shift lever assembly ( the lever that the cable attaches to) but I have no idea what it would be under. From what I've heard this is just simply an outboard motor made to work inboard. When looking for parts, do I look for outboard parts? and What about the drive system? Is it an "L" drive or "I" drive? Is the lower assembly an outboard as well or something different? I don't even know if it's the original motor. Any help or advise would really help.

 

[roscoe]

Re: HELP!! Can't repair motor cause I don't know what it is!

Welcome to iboats.


L- drive


If the motor is an 89, then it is an 85 hp.

If it is 1990 or newer, it is a 90 hp.

Are you sure the motor is 90 hp?


Model number should look like, or similar to this: 90LD90B
Serial number would look like this: OE023677
This may be the 6 digit number you found.


The 3 cylinder 85 and 90 hp models were only made in 1989, 90, and 91.

It is an outboard powerhead, it has a different adaptor plate below the powerhead, and some years used a different crankshaft connection.

THe gearcase is common to an outboard.

The L drive, part that goes through the hull and then turns rearward, is unique to the L drive system.

Parts for the "L" are difficult to find.

Parts for the powerhead and gearcase are pretty easy to locate. Most all are common to the outboard versions.

Best source for parts is a Mercury dealer, or ebay.

If you plan on keeping this boat, buy all the L drive parts you can find as spares.

If the drive becomes irreparable, then the boat is a loss, as there is no other unit that can be substituted, and the hull and transom are no convert-able to another power plant without tearing the boat apart and spending big $$ .


Here is an online Mercury dealer to search for parts availability.

Evinrude Parts - OMC - Mercury Outboard Parts - Mercruiser Parts

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: HELP!! Can't repair motor cause I don't know what it is!

If you can't find the tag?? Get the hull number and send it to Bayliner/US marine.
They will have the motor serial#s
Like Rosco said. If the transom says 89 then it's a 85.
Not much difference in the easy parts.
Usually the same carbs,plugs,The part#s for the impeller are different?
The L drive has a pump with a stainless insert.So do some of the newer 89's
The lower is a same as a regular one.
The mounting, the L drive part is a bugger..

 

[dthiessen]

Re: HELP!! Can't repair motor cause I don't know what it is!

Thanks for the input. At least now I know where to start.