Are Chrysler motors junk and to be avoided?

[Grub54891]

My old 8 horse Chrysler, you can't even get a new prop for it. I've looked everywhere.

 

[topgun3690]

My old 8 horse Chrysler, you can't even get a new prop for it. I've looked everywhere.

What year model is it?

 

[racerone]

I am sure that a prop from a few other makes can be fitted to a Chrysler.----Post picture of the prop.---Post diameter of propshaft.

 

[Grub54891]

What year model is it?

It’s in the storage shed about 10 miles away. I’d have to get out there and check. I think it’s from the 80’s. It’s served me well but things wear out. Had to special order the throttle gears from a old school dealer, he got them from Austria. Broke 2 rewind springs, I got lucky and found them at a garage sale both times. The prop still works but has had a rough life before I got it. The prop shop that’s now closed said they could rebuild the blades for big$. I only paid &100 for the thing 30 yeas ago. Took it to Canada twice for fishing, and many miles in local lakes.

 

[racerone]

Quick search and found a prop for a 76 model at $40-----Only 1 left.

 

[topgun3690]

It’s in the storage shed about 10 miles away. I’d have to get out there and check. I think it’s from the 80’s. It’s served me well but things wear out. Had to special order the throttle gears from a old school dealer, he got them from Austria. Broke 2 rewind springs, I got lucky and found them at a garage sale both times. The prop still works but has had a rough life before I got it. The prop shop that’s now closed said they could rebuild the blades for big$. I only paid &100 for the thing 30 yeas ago. Took it to Canada twice for fishing, and many miles in local lakes.

Marineengine.com shows the 8 HP from 1976-1979. They have the prop for the first 2 years, but not the last 2. If you run the part numbers on ebay they show some for '78 and '79. Depends on model number.

 

[topgun3690]

I only paid &100 for the thing 30 yeas ago.

Yeah, a new prop or some other part could easily cost more than what the engine is worth........but considering what a new motor costs, it might be worth it.

 

[Grub54891]

Marineengine.com shows the 8 HP from 1976-1979. They have the prop for the first 2 years, but not the last 2. If you run the part numbers on ebay they show some for '78 and '79. Depends on model number.

I’ll have to check again, the last time I checked was five or so years ago.

 

[WinnerCougar74]

So far this has turned into a very interesting discussion. Chrysler outboards are right for me. Without them I probably would not be on the water at all. I think I must really like keeping old motors running instead of of filling up the landfills with things that can still be used. I must admit I probably would enjoy doing more fishing and boating instead of tinkering although tinkering can be very enjoyable in the winter instead of of starring at TV's and computer screens. So far after owning one for 6 years I would say they are not junk. Just like everything else used, start with one in good condition and not corroded and you should be fine. If it has good compression and runs properly it can be turn key. I'm not into laughing at anyone elses demise. But I am happy when I can fix something myself and be on my way in no time instead of waiting on a tow or a mechanic and then paying them to not fix it properly.

 

[racerone]

These motors are ideal if you know how to do your own work.---Know how to find parts.-----If you have the expertise to realize that motor is asking you do some maintenance.----If you have to hunt for a shop ( $125 + / hr ) that will work on a Chrysler . Force or older motor then they are no good to you.

 

[WinnerCougar74]

That sums it up perfectly. Maybe that would be a helpful post. A list of mechanics that people have found that work on Force/Chrysler outboards along with their location and rates.

 

[WinnerCougar74]

These motors are ideal if you know how to do your own work.---Know how to find parts.-----If you have the expertise to realize that motor is asking you do some maintenance.----If you have to hunt for a shop ( $125 + / hr ) that will work on a Chrysler . Force or older motor then they are no good to you.

One other thing I like is if a Chrysler outboard completely blows up it's not nearly as big of a loss. I know of a lot of expensive 4 strokes that are boat anchors because they are waaaay to expensive to fix.

 

[racerone]

Agreed----four strokes run very nicely, quiet , cheap on fuel.-----But regular maintenance at $125/ hr adds up.----Major breakdown often spell----" buy a new one "------Big waves are hard on 4 strokes.

 

[alldodge]

-----Big waves are hard on 4 strokes.

That's funny

 

[racerone]

Do you understand the reason for big waves being hard on the bearings ?

 

[alldodge]

Do you understand the reason for big waves being hard on the bearings ?

Big waves are not hard on bearings, it's the sudden impact from bo load to full load, and that has nothing to do with bearings

 

[WinnerCougar74]

Either way it sounds like something an outboard should be designed to handle without failing. On the subject of bearing, many don't know most 2 stroke outboards use roller bearing at the crank instead of clearance bearings. I have always heard roller bearings are much better. Is that true?

 

[racerone]

A spinning shaft likes to stay where it is.-----So a big wave rolls the boat.----Crankshaft wants to stay where it is.-----Hard on bearings.-----Spin a bicycle wheel and then try to change position of the axle.-----And a roller bearing is definitely a " clearance " bearing.

 

[The Force power]

My old 8 horse Chrysler, you can't even get a new prop for it. I've looked everywhere.

I had a 5 hp Force/Game fisher & paid $100+ for that little blade
and yes it was hard to find

 

[topgun3690]

I had a 5 hp Force/Game fisher & paid $100+ for that little blade
and yes it was hard to find

The impellers for some of those older small motors can be pricey too......