Old Seakings are SOLID.

[sun_runner235]

I've been working on a little project boat with my recently retired dad. We bought a small 12ft fiberglass boat for him to putt around in. Instead of buying a new/used motor, he found my brother's old Wards Seaking in the garage. Its a 1975ish, 10 HP Seaking manufactured by Chrysler. Probably hasn't been started in over 20+ years. We took it apart did some preliminary cleaning and tried to start it. Withing the first 5 pulls it started up....first on one cylinder, then the next. Well over the next week we worked on cleaning it some more, carbs, water pump, re-greasing etc and got it running well in the barrel. Yesterday, me and my 6yo son took it out on a trial run. It ran great for the 2.5 hours we were out on the water.

When I first started looking to work on this motor, I asked a couple of repair shops around here where to find parts. All they said was if you get it running, sell it....or just go ahead and use it as a boat anchor. They have been quite wrong. With the postings people have put up on here about where to find parts, and some minor issues people face, this motor has come back to life. I recommend anyone taking the time and getting these motors running. I don't think you will be dissapointed.

 

[lamson]

Re: Old Seakings are SOLID.

hi , I just got a 4 hp sea king, it ran yesterday but the pulling cord went out on us. Please help me on how to clean the carb and how to clean the motor after used in salt water.. thank you

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: Old Seakings are SOLID.

Well; first off...a 1975 motor isn't really **OLD**....it wasn't that many years ago that they were sitting all shiney and new on the showroom floor. Ignition technology was pretty good by then, and for the most part, most all outboards manufactured in that era were pretty reliable.

Just because yours sat un-used for 20 years shouldn't mean that it wouldn't be expected to run as it was originally designed to. Apparently it was protected from the elements and given at least rudimentary care over that time. Things don't wear out when they are just sitting un-used.

As for the Chrysler/seaking/Force motors...they were pretty fair for a lighter duty engine. Compare yours side by side with a OMC product and you'll see a lot of differences. The OMC is just a lot sturdier in it's build....from the cowl on down to the prop. Still; the way most people use an outboard; there's no reason that it shouldn't run for many many years. Most just don't get used that much.

Sounds like you've replaced the rubber parts (fuel lines and impeller) and given the beast a good looking over. It will probably give you and that 6 y/o a lot of fun.

Thanks for posting, Chuck