1975 starcraft chieftain tilt mechanism and bellows

[Markao]

I was handed down a 1975 starcraft chieftain and I'm looking to restore it.. I figured I would start with the mechanics before I got into the interior. My first question would be is how can I tell what motor is in it? The stinger says 235 hpon it.. I also know the tilt clutch plate assembly needs repaired how difficult or parts to find for these boats?

 

[kenny nunez]

It could be a Ford 351, does it have hydraulic engine mounts?
Contact Crowley Marine for parts and get a Genuine OMC service manual.
You will be going to need it.

 

[Markao]

It could be a Ford 351, does it have hydraulic engine mounts?
Contact Crowley Marine for parts and get a Genuine OMC service manual.
You will be going to need it.

Thanks Kenny, I'm not sure on motor mounts I haven't looked yet.. I was just kind of going off of what I've read online.. I took the boat out when he first bought it and it ran great but had that tilt issue by the end of the day. Now the boat has been sitting 15 years and I'm really wanting to do a full restoration. I was just curious if there was inside bellows or if it was just the big boot on the outside that sealed that boat.

 

[Markao]

Thanks Kenny, I'm not sure on motor mounts I haven't looked yet.. I was just kind of going off of what I've read online.. I took the boat out when he first bought it and it ran great but had that tilt issue by the end of the day. Now the boat has been sitting 15 years and I'm really wanting to do a full restoration. I was just curious if there was inside bellows or if it was just the big boot on the outside that sealed that boat.

Are the OMC sterndrive selock manuals any good? Do those manuals just show how to repair the stern drive or does it have information on the motor and everything?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... Just the big boot, hole in it, sinks the boat,.....

Aftermarket manuals suck, they cover to many models, with not enough info on any of 'em,....

 

[kenny nunez]

Those Sealocs are the current day replacement for the outhouse version of the old Sears & Roebuck catalogs.

 

[Markao]

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... Just the big boot, hole in it, sinks the boat,.....

Aftermarket manuals suck, they cover to many models, with not enough info on any of 'em,....

So those sealoc manuals are not any good?

 

[Markao]

So those sealoc manuals are not any good?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Generally speakin', they're extremely vague, 'n cover to many models to be of much help,.....
They do make an ok kneepad in gravel parkin' lots,....
As Kenny said, if you want good solid info, buy a factory service manual,....