1966 Montgomery Ward Sea King

[jedidiah012]

I just purchased a motor which I believe is a 35 HP Montgomery Ward Sea King, model VWB19087A. (I posted a similar thread a while back in the Force/Chrysler forum without any replies, trying it here to see if it helps)

I have a few questions about it, if anyone knows...

-Trying to confirm year, make etc.

-Also would like people's opinions on this motor, as it needs a little work to be functional again. Is it worth it? Pros/Cons etc.

Its an electric start with a good starter, no solenoid and many of the wires are chewed up (thanks to the mice that apparently lived in the housing before I bought it). Other than that it appears to be in great shape.

Thanks
Jed

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 1966 Montgomery Ward Sea King

That is a 1966 model, as you say, and it is made by Chrysler.

As for fixing it up, finding parts for those very early Chryslers can be a real challenge. They still retain a lot of the West Bend engineering, and parts from many sources start with the 1968 models.

Check ebay for parts, since they do show up there sometimes, along with manuals and the like. There are a surprising number of these outboards still around, so finding a parts engine might not be too difficult.

That said, if you don't have a lot invested in this engine, you might do better by parting it out on ebay and hunting for an outboard with better parts availability. You can probably get your money back by selling the lower unit, cowling, carburetor, a working starter, and other parts from it. The late 50s and early 60s OMC big twins are readily available, inexpensive, light for their size, and parts are easy to find, as is expertise in getting them up and running perfectly here on iboats.

I don't mean to be discouraging, but rehabbing any 1966 Chrysler-build outboard is likely to be a discouraging process.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1966 Montgomery Ward Sea King

A few parts are available right here at iboats.

 

[jedidiah012]

Re: 1966 Montgomery Ward Sea King

Thanks, thats helpful. I don't have a ton invested yet and like you say, it may be a better idea to just cut my losses and shoot for a better project motor.

 

[griggsb]

Re: 1966 Montgomery Ward Sea King

It would be a great motor to se running again. You would get some looks while running it. I say if it don't cost an arm and a leg...why not.

 

[jedidiah012]

Re: 1966 Montgomery Ward Sea King

Great point, I am a fan of the "little bit obscure"!

This motors has coils which are one piece with the plug wires and both plug wire ends are in rough shape.

Any advice out there on repair of plug wires or a way to replace the wires without buying two $150 coils?

Another question is about the solenoid. I have a working starter but no solenoid. I can use essentially any solenoid, right? (Johnson or Evinrude) They are just cheaper and easier to find.

Thanks again
Jed

 

[F_R]

Re: 1966 Montgomery Ward Sea King

If it is just the plug wire boots that are bad, you can replace them. Johnson/Evinrude will work here. I don't have a real good answer for the whole wire in those molded coil assy's. Fairbanks Morse magneto???

"Any" solenoid...OK if you know what you are doing and how to wire it to make it work. All solenoids are not alike, even if they look alike.

 

[jedidiah012]

Re: 1966 Montgomery Ward Sea King

Thanks for the help.

Anyone out there selling used parts for this motor or a similar parts motor?

 

[MtLkFish05]

Re: 1966 Montgomery Ward Sea King

Im new here, trying to get some posts up somewhere to get some help.
My little 6 hp SK starts easily, runs like a top and purrs like a kitten as far as running goes.
I didnt have any problems with it as long as I was useing it regularley.
If Im in the wrong place I appolagize in advance. I dont mean to butt in.

I have a 1966 6 hp Sea King VWB19074A that wont shift since I stored it 2 yrs ago. I filled the lower unit with new oil but it doesn't go into any gear. Does anyone have any suggestions why it doesnt shift. It worked fine when I put it away.
Ive been looking for info. on it here for a while, this seems like a nice forum.
Thanks in advance for any tips or advise.

 

[ljc1957]

Re: 1966 Montgomery Ward Sea King

Jedediah, I've got a 66 Wards/ Westbend/Chrysler 50hp outboard. It runs like a top and I've had it for 3 years now. I was lucky and found a 66 Chrysler 45 hp outboard for parts and everything is identical. Fortunately, I haven't had to replace anything yet. Keep your eyes open for Chrysler engines of the same year. I wouldn't put a lot of money into that engine but, if it's running well, use it with confidence. They're good engines and easy to work on.

 

[jedidiah012]

Re: 1966 Montgomery Ward Sea King

Thanks for the advice. I continue to look, but so far have come up empty handed.

How similar is the 35 to the 45 and 50? I am looking for the throttle and shifter brackets. If you have an extra set I'd be interested.

 

[jack08]

Re: 1966 Montgomery Ward Sea King

I have a 1966 wards sea king 50 hp 15 ft . Is this motor water or air cooled?

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 1966 Montgomery Ward Sea King

How similar is the 35 to the 45 and 50?

The only technical information I could find on your motor is in a non-factory service manual that covers 35-55HP Chrysler motors. Sure looks like a lot of commonality but I am not an expert. If you are interested, the link below will get you to a free online public library that has this manual and many more on file.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=393281

Just LOGIN as directed then drill down to: Small Engines, Marine/Boat Motors, Chrysler, 35 to 55HP and Condensed Service Data. Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[jedidiah012]

Re: 1966 Montgomery Ward Sea King

Hi Jack08, the motor is water cooled

 

[jedidiah012]

Re: 1966 Montgomery Ward Sea King

Thats a great resource, thanks!

 

[julio nigaglioni]

Re: 1966 Montgomery Ward Sea King

i have the sameone for sale[ sea king product of mongomery verry god i sale i miss the cover hook