74 130 HP Help

[BKishimoto]

Hey guys,

While out on the water on my last trip we noticed that we seemed to lose a lot of our thrust after about an hour of cruising.

Like, I would press the trottle to all the way open, and we wouldn't get over 5mph, but occasionally we would jump up to 10mph or so occasionally. Felt like something was plugged / blocked.


I took out the spark plugs when I got home and the bottom 2 were dirty with the bottom being the dirtiest.



I also noticed that when I was flushing out the motor after use there is something that looks like a patch on the side of the upper unit and tiny bit of water was trickling out of it.


Here is a pic of the patch job.

So my questions are:

Would a dirty plug cause me to lose power like that? Plugs get dirty like that from running rich?
What does the water coming out of the side of the motor mean?

HELP!!!

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 74 130 HP Help

The plug is fouled, but it appears to have something more than carbon fouling. Yes, badly fouled plugs will cause a loss in power.

The exhaust cover is perforated and patched. It is a good bet thsat the stainless plate inside is perforated too, allowing water into the cylinder(s)

 

[BKishimoto]

Re: 74 130 HP Help

The exhaust cover and the plate need replaced?

Is there a good resource for these parts online? My googlefu has not returned anything tangible.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 74 130 HP Help

You can try franzmarine@aol.com. Understand though: The parts will be expensive. AND--you are very likely to snap off a couple of bolts.

In all, given the likely problems, if the stainless plate, gaskets, and exhaust cover will cost more than--oh, about 200 bucks-- then you would be better off looking for a good used Force 120 or 125.

The Force will outperform your old Chrysler and if it is an early Force, say before 1990, not only will it bolt right up to the transom but you can use your existing wiring and controls. A simple switch of wires on the ignition switch is all that is needed.

 

[BKishimoto]

Re: 74 130 HP Help

Frank,

Thank you for all of the help.

My motor is still running currently, and I am looking for a new boat, would you say that with what I was able to show you, that the motor is unsafe? What kind of situations can this get me into having a perforated exhaust cover and plate?

Again thank you for all the advice.

Also, I have looked around for a motor site, but I havent had any luck, if anyone can point me in the right direction, aside from Craigslist....

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 74 130 HP Help

No, it is not unsafe but you will run the risk of reduced performance. ALSO, if the exhaust cover does perforate again or starts to leak very badly you run the risk of overheating. Water getting into the cylinders can cause rust which will seize the engine. SO: If you intend to sell the boat you should remove the spark plugs after each day's running and squirt some oil into each cylinder then turn the engine over a couple of times to distribute it. I would not bother with repairs because you will not recoup the cost at sale.

Certainly, you will want to be ethical and disclose to a prospective buyer the condition of the engine. Understand that value will drop precipitously but that is something you need to live with. certainly, point out that a good used powerhead from any four cylinder Chrysler or early Force engine can be mounted on the existing leg. It is relatively cheap and almost anyone can do it.

 

[BKishimoto]

Re: 74 130 HP Help

I plan to donate this thing to the Natural History Museum when I get a new boat.

Thank you for all the help!