1975 Chieftain IV 25'

1970PM1700 · Oct 11, 2009

Against my better judgment I went and picked this thing up today. Time will tell what I've gotten myself into, but it seems to have a solid transom, solid floors, and the motor turns by hand. For now, enjoy some pictures:

1970PM1700 · Oct 11, 2009

Re: 1975 Chieftain IV 25'

...and for fun, here's a few pics of my other boat:

North Beach · Oct 11, 2009

Re: 1975 Chieftain IV 25'

Nice boat! Please keep us posted on how this one plays out. And I'd keep the name

Gnarly · Oct 11, 2009

Re: 1975 Chieftain IV 25'

Awesome boat,
I wish I could find one up my way

Rickairmedic · Oct 11, 2009

Re: 1975 Chieftain IV 25'

2 sweet lookin boats . That Cuddy is gonna be awesome once ya get rid of the orange interior

.

Rick

North Beach · Oct 12, 2009

Re: 1975 Chieftain IV 25'

What's wrong with orange Rick? It's just one shade off of red

1970PM1700 · Oct 12, 2009

Re: 1975 Chieftain IV 25'

Rickairmedic said:
2 sweet lookin boats . That Cuddy is gonna be awesome once ya get rid of the orange interior .

Rick

I think I'll keep the orange and add a disco ball.

A couple of questions:

Threw a battery inn, and all the lights work, I can hear the bilge pump, and the blower seems to work as well. But, I can't get a start... not even a click. The tilt and trim are basically the same way. On the tilt I get a solenoid solonoid click when I flip the switch down, but nothing on the up. Also on the start, even though there is no click or noise whatsoever, the volt gauge shows a drop.

Does anybody have any wiring diagrams for this model Mercruiser? It looks like a nightmare of Ford solenoids under there for both the enginne and tilt/trim. Also, what model outdrive is it? M? R?

And a question for the interiior- how can I get rid of the musty old smell and the moisture from inside the cabin? Industial packs of desiccant?

Thank you in advance for any help!

Rickairmedic · Oct 12, 2009

Re: 1975 Chieftain IV 25'

Well the motor itself is a Ford 302 block basically . I would say if you get a voltage drop but nothing happens may be a bad starter or colenoid . The Musty smell try fabreeze it does wonders and the desicate packs may not be a bad idea. Heres a link to several manuals you should be able to get yours from here its on the main page in the I/O section.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=288430

Rick

NickyBFWB · Oct 12, 2009

Re: 1975 Chieftain IV 25'

Typically if you aren't getting a clicking sound from my experience it is starter that is bad. But those are some sweet boats and glad to see another person from Fort Walton area. Dropped a PM back to you.

1970PM1700 · Oct 12, 2009

Re: 1975 Chieftain IV 25'

Update:

I hooked jumper cables up directly to the starter, and I got it to turn over. After some more dinking around, I found it had no spark, so a trip to the parts store got me a new cap, rotor, and spark plugs/wires. I sanded down the points and sprayed some contact cleaner in for good measure and to dry things out. Finally, when I was confident that it would get spark, the starter takes a ****. So, hopefully after my temper has calmed down and my hair grows back, I'll jump back on it and pull the starter out to see if it's rebuildable or if it's interchangeable with an automotive starter... 'cause God knows that starter's price will jump 280% if I add the "m-word" to it!

jt185 · Oct 12, 2009

Re: 1975 Chieftain IV 25'

That boat looks like it will be a lot of fun. You'll get her running great I'm sure. Personally, I'd keep the color

CheapboatKev · Oct 12, 2009

Re: 1975 Chieftain IV 25'

I read the "A" word in reference to your starter.

NO AUTOMOTIVE STARTERS ARE USED ON BOAT MOTORS.

You need the marine rated starter for spark/fire/EXPLOSION protection.

The ONLY time I would say you could use an auto starter is if the engine is yanked from the boat on a stand for a test fire.

I'm actually down the road from you at the moment..Tradeshow in Destin..

Huron Angler · Oct 12, 2009

Re: 1975 Chieftain IV 25'

Nice rig ya got there

Lotsa potential.

I like the pedestal in the cabin(obviously for a table

)...the windows are big enough to cast out of if you slid them open...too hot on the main deck? head in there and fish in the shade

If that Mercruiser gives you a hard time...just threaten it by saying you're considering throwing on an outboard bracket and running dual 115s on her

Kainon · Oct 12, 2009

Re: 1975 Chieftain IV 25'

So when jumped it kicked over means either cable connections aren't clean and/or tight enough, or failing and corroded solenoid contacts inside,

If you dont get a click when you turn the key, typically means the solenoid is shot or the connections are dirty and or loose. the fact that when you jumped it kicked over tells me the later, the cable connections aren't clean and/or tight enough.

If the connections are clean and tight, then means the solenoid is bad, if solenoid clicks, then starter brushes or commutator are weak.

Find a local electric motor repair shop, then can typically repair for 1/3 of new, and rebuild for 1/2-2/3 of new.

do NOT put in an auto starter.. you may get have a blast of a bad day.

as for the points, I recommend a Pertronix Ignitor II or Ignitor III kit, with an Ignitor II or III coil.

1970PM1700 · Oct 12, 2009

Re: 1975 Chieftain IV 25'

Kainon said:
do NOT put in an auto starter.. you may get have a blast of a bad day.

as for the points, I recommend a Pertronix Ignitor II or Ignitor III kit, with an Ignitor II or III coil.

Okay, so I'm getting the feeling that I perhaps should not use an automotive starter... lol.

As for the ignition, (I'm going to use the A-word again) is there any reason why I couldn't just use a Ford Duraspark ignition? Seems it would be less likely to ignite engine compartment fumes than a typical points system. I've never had any luck with pertronix... it works well until the wires break off- at least that's the issue I had on my '64 Buick.

elkhunter338 · Oct 12, 2009

Re: 1975 Chieftain IV 25'

The auto vs marine starter I saw was the marine was sealed with silicone. Looked like a standard old starter to me.
The auto vs mairne alternator I saw was one had a screen on it the other did not. So the gas fumes will get into the alternator brushes either way, sparks will ignite the gas fumes. I am not convinced it makes a whole lot of difference.
My coast guard inspection only checked to make sure I had a flame arrester on the carb.
One thing I would not skimp on is going to a auto fuel pump. The auto fuel pump will either pump fuel into the crank case or into the bilge.
The marine fuel pump has a hose that goes back to the carb to prevent filling the bilge with fuel if the fuel pump diaphram fails. I spend the big money and got a marine fuel pump when I replaced my engine a few years ago.
I plan to install a gasoline detector in my bilge before boating season starts in the spring. Make sure you check for fuel leaks every morning, use the blower, smell the bilge, and with a gasoline detector you should be save.
I have caught potential problems doing my morning check of the oil/antifreeze (fresh water cooling), inspect for leaks, check bilge for oil/gas, before I start it up in the morning. While fishing I always keep a nose out for gas smell.
You should have a good boat once you get everything figured out. I have a 1984 Chieftain with a 140hp chevy. I have had my fair share of work and problems but I think things are looking up. Ran her 100+ hrs this summer with no real issues and caught a ton of fish .
The wife and I sleep in our boat overnight with plenty of room.

1970PM1700 · Jan 1, 2010

Re: 1975 Chieftain IV 25'

Sadly, this thing has just been sitting. I just haven't had the time or money to devote to it, so I'm passing it along to someone who does. If you're interested, send me a PM.

Gnarly · Jan 1, 2010

Re: 1975 Chieftain IV 25'

I'd love to have it, your not planning a trip to Alaska in the near future are you? couldnt drop it off?

jasoutside · Jan 2, 2010

Re: 1975 Chieftain IV 25'

1970PM1700 said:
Sadly, this thing has just been sitting. I just haven't had the time or money to devote to it, so I'm passing it along to someone who does. If you're interested, send me a PM.

Well rats! IF only you were 1000 miles closer!

1970PM1700 · Jan 3, 2010

Re: 1975 Chieftain IV 25'

Gnarly said:
I'd love to have it, your not planning a trip to Alaska in the near future are you? couldnt drop it off?

Eeeeeehhhh... no... I'd love to make a road trip to Alaska, but I don't think my job would cooperate. lol.

jasoutside said:
Well rats! IF only you were 1000 miles closer!

I'm driving to Minnesota in a couple of weeks. It's a little closer, but I don't think my Mercury Cougar will pull it too well!

1975 Chieftain IV 25'

Cadet

Cadet

Commander

Petty Officer 2nd Class

Commander

Commander

Cadet

Commander

Petty Officer 3rd Class

Cadet

Petty Officer 2nd Class

Vice Admiral

Admiral

Chief Petty Officer

Cadet

Master Chief Petty Officer

Cadet

Petty Officer 2nd Class

Supreme Mariner

Cadet