Question about my Chrysler built Sea King

[Dave Barnett]

I recently purchased a 1973 Sea King 9.6 hp. motor for my fishin' boat. Some of the fellas around here have told me that since it's winter and fishing season still a ways off, it would be a good idea to change the impeller on it. Is this a needful thing (it spits water just fine) and if so how difficult a job is it? Thanks for any info. Dave

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Question about my Chrysler built Sea King

Chances are it is original and that means it is over 30 years old. Rubber gets brittle and hardens over time. It is recommended to replace them every three years or so. An impeller for that motor is going to be expensive. My guess is around 50 bucks. Funny the larger chryslers like 55 hp or so are only around 20 bucks. Harder to find parts for the smaller motors as well.

Would be a good idea to by a chrysler Clymer service manual. It will have all the information you will need to do the job. Being new it will probably take you a couple of hours. You have to remove the lower unit, the shifter unbolt the water pump and install the impeller.

About two minutes or so running without the impeller can fry your motor. It is pretty much an insurance policy for the motor. The older it gets the less that insurance is worth.