Does anyone know anything about US Marine Power?

[zipzagger]

I just bought a 1998 Maxum 20 foot Bowrider and it has a 4 cylinder engine that says "U.S. Marine Power" on the head covers, and in fact all the gauges and even the stereo has the same brand. I am having trouble figuring out if there is something wrong with the starter (it engages the flywheel and then locks up) or if it is the engine that is locked up. Any info or suggestions would be much appreciated.

[mongo75]

I would wager that it's either a Ford of Chevy engine. Can you get the casting number off the block, or any other specifics that would tell who made the block? I've never seen a gas engine in a US boat that wasn't made by one of the big three, and just marinized by whomever. Let us know what you find.

[zipzagger]

Actually, it says "Force" on the block, it is so tight up against the stern that I could only see the F. I found someone else on another forum that had a Force inboard as well and someone told them it was an outboard powerhead with an "L-drive" outdrive. I just got it so I don't know much about it. I think the engine is seized up, I could not turn it over even with a 5 ft 2x4 as leverage with heavy duty strapping around the flywheel, and all the spark plugs removed to boot.

[mongo75]

Well that answers the question- since you can't turn it, then just yank it out. At least that way you can find out more about it. You might even be able to swap it for a "conventional" 4 cyl engine.