45hp questions

[jwhitstone]

Just got a new to me 1978 Pacecraft 14' bass boat with a 45 Chrysler on it.
The motor seems to run fine initially but after its been run for a while it misses at idle and dies and is hard to restart. Also their in an anoying rattle coming from the motor at about 4300 rpm but goes away at 4500. Iwas planning on skiing behind this but it doesn't seem to have enough power, it's a pretty light boat. Compression is 116 & 120. Anyone have any idea's?

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 45hp questions

I would start with the fuel pump. Rebuild that and replace all the fuel hoses with new hose and good quality clamps. The rebuild kit is only 10 bucks and the fuel line and clamps another 10 bucks. The rebuild kit is 18-7806 NAPA sells them. If it still runs like crap I would go after the carb next.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 45hp questions

Are you sure it is a rattle and not the noise from the resonant frequency of the reeds? At some speed, the engine will seem louder and kind-of like barking for lack of a better word. That's because the sound coming off the reeds is amplified at this frequency. The 45 is an ok engine. You will be able to ski, but it won't be easy and you won't be happy. You can start on two skis, but since acceleration is slow, it will be wearing on the skier's arms. On hard cuts, the skier will actually pull the back of the boat around some.
Don't put too much money into it. I guarantee you will soon be looking for a larger boat with more horsepower.

 

[jwhitstone]

Re: 45hp questions

Yea, i though the rattle might be the reed valves resonating at higher speed. Pump diaphram was going to be my next move too but It runs ok until it warms up. We ski'd behind it for about 20 minutes, kinda slow but it ran ok. When we stopped it died and took 20 seconds to restart and wasn't really running the same. I'm not sure a diaphram would do that. I'm thinking of replacing it with a 95 force 50 hp. What do you think of that motor?

 

[steelespike]

Re: 45hp questions

A well cared for Force is an OK motor.The problem is parts are getting more and more scarce.The 95 may use some Merc parts but it is a Force.
Merc anounced some years ago they are no longer manufacturing new "Force" parts except for those Merc. components.
I would be looking for any of the still in business outboards with a stocking dealer near you.