1983 Chrysler 75hp good or bad

[Bob37814]

Hello,
Found a really nice, clean 83 model Chrysler 75hp. Owner sais he installed new starter, water pump, and cleaned/rebuilt the carbs. Looking to put this on a 16.5 runabout in place of a Merc 115 inline 6. I'd like to know any opinions good or bad about this Chrysler. Do they have a bad rap? Are parts difficult to find? Starting issues, power issues? Please give me some input, This advice here will play a major part in spending $600.00 for this setup, It is supposed to have tilt/trim, all controls, new tank, lines, and battery Thanks in advance

 

[mrwiggles2]

Re: 1983 Chrysler 75hp good or bad

I'm running a 1973 70hp Chrysler that has a new water pump, compression 130 each of 3 cylinders, runs really well. Gets my 16' Starcraft up to 30mph. PO added the hydrofoil whale tail and it gets up on plane fast and is great on gas.
Had it up on the 1000 islands this past weekend, buddies couldn't believe how quiet it is for a 1973... smokes quite a bit at cold startup, but once warmed up not bad. I think its a good motor- parts seem to be available for the most part. PO's mechanic said to run 2oz. oil per gallon, runs very well at that mixture.

 

[Dave K.]

Re: 1983 Chrysler 75hp good or bad

i have a '84, force 85hp. would think the motors are very similar. mine runs great! 3 cylinder, 3 carbs, so far no major problems now for two seasons. mine was takin' care of & i take care of it. never any problems w/ parts but haven't had to get anything out of the ordinary maintenance stuff; plugs, impeller, rectifier, think that's it. easy to work on!! if you get a good one - take care of it.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1983 Chrysler 75hp good or bad

I am assuming that it is a one piece lower unit since it is an '83. 600 is not too bad a deal. A working used power tilt /trim unit is worth 3-400 alone. The engine is reliable and even looks nice--I always liked the style of the cover and lower unit. Parts are available if you look a little or get creative. Since many parts were interchangeable with later Force engines, you should have minimal problems finding them. It is a simple and easy to work on engine.

All in all, it is a decent engine, BUT If you have run the Merc, don't expect the same power or speed out of it. On the other hand, it sounds better than the Merc. The "tower of power" always sounded "tinny" to me and the Chrysler has a nice low growl when running.

Please--if you buy it, BEFORE you run the engine, buy a factory manual or a Clymers and check all settings. ESPECIALLY CARB LOW SPEED NEEDLES. You would be surprised at what owners do to them and being certain to set everything to factory specs will ensure you get long life from it.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1983 Chrysler 75hp good or bad

I'm running a 1973 70hp Chrysler that has a new water pump, compression 130 each of 3 cylinders, runs really well. Gets my 16' Starcraft up to 30mph. PO added the hydrofoil whale tail and it gets up on plane fast and is great on gas.
Had it up on the 1000 islands this past weekend, buddies couldn't believe how quiet it is for a 1973... smokes quite a bit at cold startup, but once warmed up not bad. I think its a good motor- parts seem to be available for the most part. PO's mechanic said to run 2oz. oil per gallon, runs very well at that mixture.

2ozs per gallon sounds awful lean to me 2.6ozs is 50:1 2ozs is something like 60:1 doesn't leave any room for error or long term storage corrosion protection.Fuel mix has little affect on actual performance too much oil will foul plugs maybe cause corbon buildup over time,Too little oil causes distruction.