70's Chrysler 55 HP - Worth Fixing?

[KelseyK]

Hi I just purchased an older boat that has a 70's Chrysler 55 HP outboard engine. The starter motor needs to be rebuilt. I took it into a boat shop and the mechanic said that these motors were never good to begin with and that parts are hard to find. He also said that once the starter is fixed there could be other problems.<br /><br />So my question is: Is it worth spending money to get the engine running or should I look at getting a newer engine? This is the first boat I have owned and I don't know much about mechanics.<br /><br />Thanks for your help!

 

[NathanY]

Re: 70's Chrysler 55 HP - Worth Fixing?

If they are running, they are good engines, but if you have to rebuild it, its not worth it.<br /><br />There are thousands of Merc and JohnnyRude motors of that era around that still run good, you might look in to one of those.

 

[KennyKenCan]

Re: 70's Chrysler 55 HP - Worth Fixing?

They make great mailbox posts!

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: 70's Chrysler 55 HP - Worth Fixing?

Hey, if it has good compression and spark, I'd rebuild the starter and water pump and run it till it conks. Any motor is only as good as the maintenance and upkeep it receives. It could be an inexpensive way to try boating out. If you love it, save up for a better engine when the Chrysler gives up the ghost!

 

[scotiany]

Re: 70's Chrysler 55 HP - Worth Fixing?

There are still parts available for your engine online. If you need a starter , let me know. I've got extras. True , Merc and Johnnyrudes are probably better but , I'm the type that likes to restore stuff. Chryslers are prime candidates for this.BTW I wouldn't buy a Chrysler vehicle. Chevy Silverado rules.

 

[KelseyK]

Re: 70's Chrysler 55 HP - Worth Fixing?

Thanks for the replies.<br /><br />I am going to check the compression first before I go any further. If it checks out I will find a new starter and water pump.

 

[KelseyK]

Re: 70's Chrysler 55 HP - Worth Fixing?

Scotiany how much would a new starter from you cost? I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Please let me know. Do I need to find out the model number and year of the engine first?

 

[alcan]

Re: 70's Chrysler 55 HP - Worth Fixing?

Hi Boat<br />Why don't you just use the rope starter until you can find a reasonably priced starter. Or have yours rebuilt. The thing to do is get a manual that covers your motor. To start with go to your public library and study up on outboards in general. All this home work really doesn't take that long. a couple of nights of casual reading and you will no longer be a rookie. You know you have a win-win situation. If you decide your Chrysler is too expencive to repair, it will make for a perfect cadaver motor for you to disect. Then you may be able to sell off some of the parts.

 

[KelseyK]

Re: 70's Chrysler 55 HP - Worth Fixing?

I checked the compression using the pull start. It was roughly around 110psi per cylinder. Is that a high enough number? Would it be higher if the starter motor was working?<br /><br />How do I tell if the water pump still works?<br /><br />My Motor Model # is 5552 and the serial # is 2194. Can anyone tell me what year it is?

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: 70's Chrysler 55 HP - Worth Fixing?

Compression sounds good. You won't know if it pumps water until it's running. You should replace the impeller as a preventative measure anyhow. Find a good manual, and get that beast running!

 

[KelseyK]

Re: 70's Chrysler 55 HP - Worth Fixing?

Fouled Plug,<br /><br />I just bought the parts manual a couple of days ago. Is there a service manual also? Where would I get one of those.<br /><br />What is an estimated price for an impeller? I just don't want this engine to become a money pit. I would rather put it toward a newer engine.

 

[foxjohnc03]

Re: 70's Chrysler 55 HP - Worth Fixing?

Water pump impellers average from $15 to $20. I would pull the lower unit and take a look before I bought one. If you wanted to, you could pull the lower unit and hook a water hose to the output tube from the pump to the powerhead. If you get it running, buy an impeller, if not then no big loss.