1984 Chrysler Worth It?

coorslitedude

Seaman Apprentice
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Mar 24, 2009
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Looking at a 1984 35 HP Chrysler Outboard from an estate sale and in very good condition. Outboard has good compression but no spark. Was diagnosed with needing a CDI box. Model 357H4P, Serial 1201. Wants $229 or best offer. Does this sound for real? Is it worth taking a gamble and getting it running? Thanks all
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
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Jan 19, 2007
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12,004
Re: 1984 Chrysler Worth It?

If you need it or want it, either to repair and use, or for parts, then yes, it is worth it. If you are looking to repair and sell it for a profit, then no, it is not.
 

coorslitedude

Seaman Apprentice
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Mar 24, 2009
Messages
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Re: 1984 Chrysler Worth It?

I am looking to keep it and put it on my Lyncraft Seabreeze trihull. The boat is yet another story trying to figure out what I got! Anyway would this be a good motor to get running and just use to fish and cruise around in? No tubes or skiers pulled.
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
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Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: 1984 Chrysler Worth It?

Sure! It is a relatively simple engine, cheap, and easy to work on. A good way to get into boating inexpensively and enjoy the satisfaction of making it run too. Parts are available but you need to search for them. On the plus side, these engines were made for years with almost no modifications or changes so it is relatively easy to find a junker and swap parts into it.

Make whatever you think is a reasonable offer. Remember, you must consider that you may invest a couple of hundred dollars in parts for an engine that is only worth 300 or so running.
 

coorslitedude

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 24, 2009
Messages
43
Re: 1984 Chrysler Worth It?

Is the CDI box a major contributor to a no spark problem or is there other (cheaper) things that could cause this problem.
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: 1984 Chrysler Worth It?

Not familiar with the 35 but it should be similar to the larger engines. You probably can find a used CD box relatively inexpensively, however, new ones are not too dear. Before blaming the box though, you would need to trouble shoot all parts of the ignition system, including the stator, trigger, coils, and wiring. It very well could be something simple or you may need to invest some money.
 
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