1981 Chrysler 55 HP

[nomorejack]

I was noticing that a few of you were talking about a Chrysler 55 HP outboard and said that it had to be a 1978 model, However I just purchased a 1981 Chrysler 55 HP model 559h8k. Is there a difference I need to know about? The title clearly shows it as a 1981.

 

[tater76]

Re: 1981 Chrysler 55 HP

Title of the boat may say 1981, that does not necessarily mean the engine is that vintage. Type your model # into the search bar, or google it, but it comes up as a 78 every way I try it. The cowl may have been replaced with a newer one?

 

[fucawi]

Re: 1981 Chrysler 55 HP

1978 for certain ...made 78 but may not have been sold till 79 and the boat hung around sold in a sale 1080 who knows who cares as long as it goes good ...now first rule of chrysler success is go fit a tell tail or pisser as most die or cost money due to water flow problems

 

[nomorejack]

Re: 1981 Chrysler 55 HP

Thnks for the info. Please explain what I need to do in order to correct the water flow problem. I assume it has a water pump to keep it cool.

 

[tater76]

Re: 1981 Chrysler 55 HP

Yes you need to replace the impeller in the waterpump. The waterpump is located in the lower leg of the motor. You first need to remove the lower unit, then you will find the waterpump housing sitting atop, it is usually black and the driveshaft runs through it. In the top of this forum you will find a FAQ, click on this as there should be a step by step explanation thread in it. Removing the lower on your particular motor can be a pain due to the shift linkage. There are two ways you can disconnect this, but on my 55 I like to unbolt the lower almost completely, seperate it just enough from the main leg to gain access to the shiftrod coupler. From here you will remove the cotter pin that holds the rod in place with needlenose pliers, and then you can slide the lower unit the rest of the way off.

 

[nomorejack]

Re: 1981 Chrysler 55 HP

Yes you need to replace the impeller in the waterpump. The waterpump is located in the lower leg of the motor. You first need to remove the lower unit, then you will find the waterpump housing sitting atop, it is usually black and the driveshaft runs through it. In the top of this forum you will find a FAQ, click on this as there should be a step by step explanation thread in it. Removing the lower on your particular motor can be a pain due to the shift linkage. There are two ways you can disconnect this, but on my 55 I like to unbolt the lower almost completely, seperate it just enough from the main leg to gain access to the shiftrod coupler. From here you will remove the cotter pin that holds the rod in place with needlenose pliers, and then you can slide the lower unit the rest of the way off.

Thanks for your help. I'll have to order an impeller on line somewhere I suppose due to the age of the motor.

 

[fucawi]

Re: 1981 Chrysler 55 HP

why order one until you have inspected what you have ..may be nice and new

 

[tater76]

Re: 1981 Chrysler 55 HP

Impellers are a yearly maintenance part. You are looking at $16 bucks to your door, cheap insurance against overheating.

 

[fucawi]

Re: 1981 Chrysler 55 HP

The only insurance againt over heating is to fit a tell tail or pisser ..then you know you have cooling water

 

[nomorejack]

Re: 1981 Chrysler 55 HP

I just figured since the motor has been sitting for three years I should change the impeller just in case.

 

[nomorejack]

Re: 1981 Chrysler 55 HP

If anyone knows where I can find a new or decent used cowl cover for my 55 HP chrysler I would appreciate any info. I also need the peice of rubber that sits on the lower portion of the motor that the cowl sits on.

 

[tater76]

Re: 1981 Chrysler 55 HP

Dang!!! I had been hanging on to two full sets that would fit your motor for two years. Unable to get them sold, I recycled them for the aluminum 2 weeks ago This is just one of those parts that rarely will ever need replacing. You can try ebay, but be prepared for sticker shock.