Classic by whiteline and a 135hp chrysler

[Circulation]

Hi all, I have been reading this forum for a few weeks while looking to purchase my first boat and hope my rookie question won't insult anyone. I'm looking to purchase a classic model boat by whiteline and it has a 135hP Chrysler. The current owner thinks its around 1980 but looks older to me. Anyway as a novice I wanted to ask if this boat type and engine would be reccomended and if there is anything in particular I should be asking or looking for when viewing the boat. The hull looks fine but more worried about the engine being so old. The only info I have which was over the phone was that the transom was replaced around 10 years ago. Any assistance at all would be appreciated. Cheers Matt

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Classic by whiteline and a 135hp chrysler

Unless you are in California or Florida (or in a country with year round good weather), age of an outboard is not as critical as how well it was cared for.

A simple test you can do is remove all four plugs and put your thumb over each hole while you turn the flywheel by hand. If it has enough compression to blow off your thumb, in all likelihood it is mechanically sound. Then ground all plugs and crank it. If it has spark, the electronics are good. Next try to start it. If it starts ( no need to run for any period of time) fuel, spark, and compression are all good.

A couple of particulars on the engine and a couple of photos will make it easier to determine the model year. However, IF it has a distributor it is definitely earlier than 1982. If it has a pin drive prop-- shear pin and tailcone held on with a large cotter pin, then it is earlier than 1978.

 

[Circulation]

Re: Classic by whiteline and a 135hp chrysler

Unless you are in California or Florida (or in a country with year round good weather), age of an outboard is not as critical as how well it was cared for.

A simple test you can do is remove all four plugs and put your thumb over each hole while you turn the flywheel by hand. If it has enough compression to blow off your thumb, in all likelihood it is mechanically sound. Then ground all plugs and crank it. If it has spark, the electronics are good. Next try to start it. If it starts ( no need to run for any period of time) fuel, spark, and compression are all good.

A couple of particulars on the engine and a couple of photos will make it easier to determine the model year. However, IF it has a distributor it is definitely earlier than 1982. If it has a pin drive prop-- shear pin and tailcone held on with a large cotter pin, then it is earlier than 1978.

Thanks for your assistance Frank. I'll try and attach a photo but in saying that I only have the ones I have been sent and they all have the cover on. I also read somewhere on the net that the 135hp was produced for freshwater, is this the case? FYI I'm in Sydney so surrounded by saltwater. Not sure how an outboard could be built for freshwater.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Classic by whiteline and a 135hp chrysler

You could make the case that ANY outboard which is not, for example, an OMC Saltwater series was made for fresh water. The 135 is no different than any other Chrysler or Force engine. However, if you do intend to store it in salt, then you might consider adding a couple of zinc anodes. If it is trailer stored, a good fresh water rinsing after each use will certainly prolong its life. AND don't forget REGULAR and frequent greasing of moving parts, especially the yoke and kingpin

 

[Circulation]

Re: Classic by whiteline and a 135hp chrysler

Thanks frank you have been a great help. Planning to pick this boat up in the next few weeks and may have a few more rookie questions down the track. Thanks again