1950 Chris Craft Challenger OVER HEATING!

[k31shooter]

Hey first time poster, BUT i have a problem and i feel like you can help. I inherited a Chris Craft Challenger, and it hasn't run in quite a few years. A few weeks ago i decided to pull her out and give her a pull. The results surprised me when she kicked over on the first pull. Now for the PROBLEM! After rebuilding the carb., lower unit, water pump,and also replaced the exhaust manifold gaskets I am having an extreme overheating problem. The water system is free and I can blow air through it when the manifold isn't on. I have taken the head off and inspected the gasket and i am sure that the coolant holes are clear of obstructions. When I run the engine, steam rolls off the exhaust manifold and water visibly and audibly sizzles from the face of the manifold. I have inspected and re-inspected and also tore the engine down and rebuilt all critical components and the results are still the same. I am assuming that the manifold having a temperature range of 200-300 degrees F. is a horrible and i am also assuming that water is not making it through the exhaust manifold. I have exhausted my knowledge and am screaming UNCLE! Someone PLEASE HELP!!

Thanks for your time

 

[k31shooter]

Re: 1950 Chris Craft Challenger OVER HEATING!

Common Someone has have to had some similar experience with an old motor!?!?! Anything will help!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1950 Chris Craft Challenger OVER HEATING!

Chris Craft is a boat not a motor. What kind of motor are we talking about? I'll need to move this post to the appropriate forum section.

 

[Ned L]

Re: 1950 Chris Craft Challenger OVER HEATING!

First, Yes, Chris Craft did sell small hp outboards in the 1950's (blue & white as I remember seeing).
When you are running the outboard & having the overheating issues is the engine on the back of a boat in the water or in a tank (trash can)? I have seen (& heard of) some outboards that don't like to be run in tanks. I guess the water gets to airated for the water pump & the water pump becomes airbound. I have one antique outboard that cools fine in a tank with the prop off, but put the prop on & it doesn't pump & cool. - Just have to watch the RPM carfully with no prop on it.
Just an idea.

Exhaust manifold aside, are the cylinders & head heating right up too? If they are staying 'cool' I'd suggest that there is at least some cooling going on.

 

[Ned L]

Re: 1950 Chris Craft Challenger OVER HEATING!

Here you go.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1950 Chris Craft Challenger OVER HEATING!

We'll I'll be! Next you're going to tell me that the tire companies made outboards. Sheesh!

 

[k31shooter]

Re: 1950 Chris Craft Challenger OVER HEATING!

This occurs both in an trash can and in the river.I believe that the head is also heating up but it is mainly the same as the manifold but i don't like touching hot engines to find out hahaha. When i shut the engine off the exhaust manifold steams/smokes for a while after and even from the exhaust pipe going down the lower unit. In some instances that carry handle which is attached to the power head is also warming up. I have seen what the engine is capable of but i am unable and too afraid to make it purr like that ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUAi-vx__4A ). I am at a lost, Any other factors that could attribute to this?

 

[F_R]

Re: 1950 Chris Craft Challenger OVER HEATING!

Chris Craft closed the doors on their outboards factory in 1953. Oliver (tractors) bought the company and in 1955 the new and improved Oliver outboards came on the scene. They made motors up to 35hp, eventually moving production to Great Britain. They folded around 1960.

 

[Ned L]

Re: 1950 Chris Craft Challenger OVER HEATING!

Hmm, interesting. It certainly does sound like you are having a problem. I'll think on this. Unfortunately I have no experience specifically on C.C. outboards (though in these small engines they're all about the same). - What kind of waterpump does this have (centrifical, neoprene impellor (Jabsco type), or vane type), and whare is the pump (behind the prop, or by the cavitaion plate, or somewhere else)?

 

[k31shooter]

Re: 1950 Chris Craft Challenger OVER HEATING!

It is a vain type that is located in the prop shaft. Their may be it is sandwiched between a housing and a thin metal plate. Hope that helps

 

[asdasc]

Re: 1950 Chris Craft Challenger OVER HEATING!

You may have to go to the AOMCI.org website and ask some questions. There is a guy in Algonac, MI who is the reigning expert on these and has seen it all. I can't seem to be able to find his name for you.

By the way, these were great motors. OMC and Mercury were losing so much market share that they started filing tons of patent lawsuits against ChrisCraft that finally made them give up making outboards.

Good luck!

 

[aganser]

Re: 1950 Chris Craft Challenger OVER HEATING!

We'll I'll be! Next you're going to tell me that the tire companies made outboards. Sheesh!

Ummm....

Actually Goodyear and Firestone did sell outboards under their respective brands. Firestones were primarily Scott Atwaters, Goodyears (Sea-Bees) were made by the Gale Outboard division of OMC.

Bob

 

[asdasc]

Re: 1950 Chris Craft Challenger OVER HEATING!

Hey, I found his name! Lee Holland.

You can find him at:

http://www.chriscraftoutboards.com/

Lots of interesting info in there about the brand, as well.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1950 Chris Craft Challenger OVER HEATING!

Ummm....

Actually Goodyear and Firestone did sell outboards under their respective brands. Firestones were primarily Scott Atwaters, Goodyears (Sea-Bees) were made by the Gale Outboard division of OMC.

Bob

aganser, your sarcasm meter is in desperate need of recalibration

 

[k31shooter]

Re: 1950 Chris Craft Challenger OVER HEATING!

Alright Confession time, I have figured out what the problem was! When analyzing the powerhead trying to come up with ideas, I noticed that there was a water way looking feature on the powerhead. I was unsure that when I replaced the gasket if i placed a hole for the waterway and was unsure if it was even a waterway. I took to powerhead off the lower unit to see that water was trying to migrate through the waterway and in turn through the gasket. I place a hole where the water way was and boom the Challenger was happy and cool!

So i guess that the moral of the story is don't make haste when replacing gaskets. TAKE YOUR TIME to ensure that all features are cut and all holes are accounted for.

I appreciate all of the help, and I will give her a test run on the river this week!

Thanks Again.

 

[asdasc]

Re: 1950 Chris Craft Challenger OVER HEATING!

Awesome! I love a success story.

You have a fairly rare motor with an interesting history. Take care of it and stay in touch with the rest of the fortunate few who have one.

 

[k31shooter]

Re: 1950 Chris Craft Challenger OVER HEATING!

To make it more interesting, I am the 2nd owner! My great uncle bought the motor new in 1950 along with a 12' aluminum, he and his wife has since passed and I in turn am the 2nd owner of the combo! I think that is also pretty cool.

 

[k31shooter]

Re: 1950 Chris Craft Challenger OVER HEATING!

To make it more interesting, I am the 2nd owner! My great uncle bought the motor new in 1950 along with a 12' aluminum, he and his wife has since passed and I in turn am the 2nd owner of the combo! I think that is also pretty cool.

make that great great uncle