Shift Rod Snapped off '68 Chrysler 55hp (Now w/ Pictures), Lower Unit

[sethl23]

While trying to disconnect the shift rod (removing lower unit) the lower part broke off from the very bottom. The hex nuts would only give a little, I thought they were just stuck so I gave it some force and SNAP! Did I miss something?

Also, does anyone know if this will be a hard fix? And best place for this part?

'68 Chrysler 55hp
Model: 5551
Serial: 3088

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Shift Rod Snapped off '68 Chrysler 55hp

Re: Shift Rod Snapped off '68 Chrysler 55hp

It should not be an extremely difficult fix. It does involve removing the lower shift rod from the lower unit--if I understand you correctly. You need to be careful to not disturn anything so you can screw in the new part. Otherwise, you will need to disassemble the lower unit. Again, not difficult, but time consuming. A couple of photos would help if possible.

Chrysler used two different types of shift rods: A single rod bent just about at the water pump and a split rod joined about at the water pump level. Either one will fit. Try to find a 35,45,50,55 junker engine from '60s, '70s or '80sand salvage the rod and joiner from it. New parts will really cost you.

 

[sethl23]

Re: Shift Rod Snapped off '68 Chrysler 55hp

Re: Shift Rod Snapped off '68 Chrysler 55hp

Well, I disassembled the lower unit last night and the first thing I saw was a muddy sludge with metal flakes! After getting the gears out I noticed some rust on one of them and the bearing in the far back of the unit was torn apart. This motor has been sitting for quite awhile I think with no oil in the lower. The motor itself is so clean and was no trouble to get started after all the years of sitting! This is what I saw is wrong with the lower unit: 1) Shift rod broken 2) Rusted out gear 3) Prop bearing carrier tab crack (where the allen screw goes). Should I just look for complete lower unit at this point? And what lower units would fit (same as above in Frank's post?)?

Pictures:
What I'm Working On:

Sluge:

Shift Rod Snapped:

Prop Bearing Carrier:

One Rusted Gear:

Bearing torn apart:

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Shift Rod Snapped off '68 Chrysler 55hp

Re: Shift Rod Snapped off '68 Chrysler 55hp

With the amount of damage I see, you are way better off buying a whole lower unit rather than repairing yours. The only thing good is the case. Many lower units from 35,45.and 50-55 will fit as will the older Force 50 HP pin drive. At some point, I don't know what year, Chrysler even changed the 20 and 25 HP engines to this gearcase so if you find a junker with the 10 inch pin drive prop it should fit too. The drive shaft was a different diameter though. You would need to change the top bushing (below the water pump) and water pump, so this would be a "Hail Mary" desperation move.

 

[sethl23]

Re: Shift Rod Snapped off '68 Chrysler 55hp (Now w/ Pictures), Lower Unit

Thanks Frank! I've been looking around for a lower unit about $270 and up on ebay for ones that are not rebuilt. I did find a '64-'66 50hp Sea King by Chrysler with a good price. Wonder if this lower unit would work?