How long have you owned a Chrysler Outboard and what has been your experience

[WinnerCougar74]

I thought this may or may not be an interesting subject. I have owned my 1974 Chrysler 135hp for about 2 1/2 years. So far the best advise I have gotten is don't mess with it just run it.
Strong points: light weight and simple design compared to other outboards. It reminds me of owning an old 70's car motor but it's for a boat. Most of the time when I have had problems it's because I have over thought the problem. Because parts are hard to find and expensive I have stocked up on parts when I found them cheap. That has bailed me out many time. So that's a good thing. It takes a little while but once you understand these motors they are easy top work on.
Week points: Of course parts availability although so far I have found everything I need it just takes a lot of searching. Fuel pump diaphragm at least once a year. Spark plug fouling with extended idling. Mechanics don't know about them so you have to fix them yourself. Seems like gas mileage is bad. I got 2MPG on my last trip with 4 people and gear. I'll think of other stuff.

So far I'm gonna try to stick with it.

 

[tg3690]

1978.....my dad bought the family a brand new Caddo bass boat with the 85hp Chrysler that year and have been using it ever since. The engine has worked remarkably well over the years, despite some periods of "setting up" and lack of regular maintenance from the ignorant owners. Lol. In the early 90's had to have the powerhead rebuilt due to impeller failure....learned the hard way on that one about proper impeller replacement. Other than that it has been a very reliable motor and easy to maintain. Plan on running it as long as I can.

 

[WinnerCougar74]

What a great story. So I guess your engine overheated and ruined the powerhead. Very good story to remind all of us to do the regular maintenance. Just bought a point and shoot thermometer to regularly check the temperature on the powerhead. Most outboards can easily get the powerhead passages clogged.

I think I had a close call with pre-ignition. Engine died on the water. When I pulled the plugs I found one of them had a smashed electrode. Compression was good on the cylinder so I dodged a bullet. So no more standard plugs for my Chrysler. I'm gonna stick with the "gapless". Another example of do the maintenance and then leave it alone. It will never run perfectly but it will run and run and run. Thanks again for your story. It makes me feel even better about sticking with my motor.

 

[tg3690]

"So I guess your engine overheated and ruined the powerhead." That's it.....was running near WOT when it suddenly started slowing down and died. Only then could I hear the overheat buzzer under the console. Back then I wasn't aware about changing the impeller every couple years or so and paid the price for neglect. No telling how old that impeller was when it let go. Never again. Now I have a car horn, along with the original buzzer, a temp gauge and warning light on the dash, just in case.

 

[racerone]

Water pressure gauge and learning / monitoring it is PRICELESS !!

 

[WinnerCougar74]

It just feels right to have a temp gauge. I would like one for my Chrysler. Do you remember what parts you had to buy?

 

[tg3690]

Iboats sells the parts I bought....I used Faria products......2 inch water temp gauge #12812 (100-250 degree). Temp sender #TS1029 1/8" NPTF for American Single Standard. Some, like Racerone prefer a water pressure gauge? I wanted the temp gauge. Their 2 inch gauges come in several different styles.....mine was a Euro model which is black with white numbers....they have chrome, white, etc...

 

[jerryjerry05]

Problem with the gauge is your not watching the dash all day.
Myself if I tried that I'd be chummin in no time.
That's why I installed extra horns(mtorcycle and car)and test the system regularly.
I bought a 21 Bayliner with twin Forces, first week the flywheel key sheared and then within 4-5 months BOTH motors the rings seized and needed re-ringed, that's from the old TCW2 oil and not the motors fault.
Since TCW3 no ring problems.
Then after 25 years in salt water the transom assy. started falling apart.

 

[WinnerCougar74]

Good point, wish I could have a temp gauge and the alarm.

 

[jerryjerry05]

The alarms easy, just open the hood.
Some cars have 2 ???

 

[tg3690]

Are you sure your engine is a 1974? Several parts diagrams I looked at (Crowley and Marineengine) don't show a 135 hp until 1976....and they show a thermo switch you would need to install an alarm. Do you know your serial #? Or model #?

 

[WinnerCougar74]

I already have an alarm. I would like to add a gauge but I'm not sure what I need. It is a 1974. The online Mercury parts list only goes back to 1976. I have an original 1974 parts book. Just not sure how to add a gauge. I have seen one that attached to the face of the head. If I use that kind then I could leave the alarm sender in place but add the gauge sender using an available bolt.

 

[tg3690]

My engine had a threaded hole with a plug on top of the engine near the thermostat housing. It was 1/8 NPT.....the sender screwed in there. Some have used that hole to add a telltale also. Not familiar with your engine so maybe another member on here has the answer.

 

[WinnerCougar74]

Yes, I have that plug. Seems like a real good place for it. 1/8 NPT is the thing I needed. Thx

 

[tg3690]

If for some reason that plug turns out to be 1/4" or 3/8" (larger than 1/8) I have the adapter bushing kit to allow the 1/8" sender to be used. I bought it but didn't need it. Have no use for it so if you need it let me know.

 

[WinnerCougar74]

Hey that is very nice of you.

 

[jerryjerry05]

That threaded hole's great for adding a tell tale and possibly a temp gauge if you don't use it for a pressure gauge.

 

[tg3690]

That threaded hole's great for adding a tell tale and possibly a temp gauge if you don't use it for a pressure gauge.

Hey Jerry....what is your preference.....a temp gauge or pressure gauge?

 

[tg3690]

Temp or pressure.....

 

[WinnerCougar74]

It would be great to get more ownership experiences.