Repairing Dad's 15 Sea King worth my time?

[elhewman]

Edit: Read the paragraph below if you please but I am really just trying to figure out the reputation of the 80's era 15 hp chryslers.

I just inherited my Dads 1980s Sea King 15. It was running just fine when I was 3 years old (1985) and was the first Outboard I fished around. Now I have kids of my own and would like to restore the outboard and give them a ride in my RIB. Though it has high sentimental meaning to me, I do not want to attempt a repair unless I know it has potential to be reasonably reliable.Under the cowling all looks clean and well taken care of and dad claims low hours. I am assuming nearly 30 years in the garage has done no good but I am still looking forward to restoration.

In short I just do not want to repair a motor that was junk to begin with.

Thanks for your opinions.

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: Repairing Dad's 15 Sea King worth my time?

Hello. First of all....let me offer my condolences for your loss of your dad. You say that you "just" inherited his motor...so I assume that his passing was recent.

Of course you should repair the motor. Those Chryslers were decent motors but; come-on! It was the motor that your dad taught you to fish with...and it obviously made an impression because you're into boats and want to expose your kids to boating.

You probably won't need to do too much to the Chrysler. The standard impeller change and carb cleaning; replace the fuel lines and check the spark. Sitting for 30 years wouldn't have hurt anything....motors don't wear out by sitting in the garage.

Get her going and take those kids for a ride

 

[tullydf]

Re: Repairing Dad's 15 Sea King worth my time?

My Dad is currently losing his battle with cancer, and I am rebuilding his 1976 15HP Ted Williams. Whatever it takes, it will feel good to get it out out on the water and remember the special times with him. If you have the time and the means, go for it.

God Bless!

Dave

 

[elhewman]

Re: Repairing Dad's 15 Sea King worth my time?

Thanks for the thoughtful replies. I gave up on this thread to early, glad to see such kind responses. I'm convinced I am going to give it my all and repair the motor. It will feel good to give my girls a ride and tell them my story. 2.5 and 4 years old they will probably even try to listen!! Thanks.

 

[mrcrabs]

Re: Repairing Dad's 15 Sea King worth my time?

Like everyone else I say go for it, The Chryslers are not just good outboards there great, fact is they keep OMC hopping to keep up with performance, if I had a choice to start collecting again I would have several in my shed,

Here is the chrysler outboard dudes youtube page, give Ben a shout if you need some direction, he's got alot of repair videos in there so take advantage, http://www.youtube.com/user/chrysleroutboarddude/featured

Kind regards,
mrcrabs

 

[elhewman]

Re: Repairing Dad's 15 Sea King worth my time?

Awesome reference site! I am feeling good about starting the project now. Unfortunately I am in the beginning of a move so wont be able to start for a few weeks. Thanks again