70's Chrysler 60hp 2cyl lower unit mystery screw?

[nathan104]

I recently acquired a boat with a 1970's model Chrysler 60 hp 2 cylinder outboard. I am aware that these motors had lots of problems but this one is still running. I am in the process of acquiring a manual but dont have it yet.

Quick question I had. On the lower unit roughly in between the vent screw and the fill screw for the lower unit oil is a third screw. It is a phillips head and is fairly long when taken out and has a small spring on it. I first mistook it for the fill port screw and took it out and the lower unit oil drained out of it. I later saw the actual fill screw on the bottom and took it off to drain the oil the rest of the way. What does this third screw go to? Could I have messed anything up by removing it and putting it back in? Thanks for any help identifying the mystery screw. Thanks.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 70's Chrysler 60hp 2cyl lower unit mystery screw?

They were only made 1974-76. It's likely to be the shift pivot. The shift fork may no longer be engaged. Don't run the motor til you are you sure that it properly goes into each gear and neutral. Have somebody slowly spin the prop as you shift with the motor not running and the key in your pocket. If you find any problem whatsoever, fix it before you run it. Parts are not available. It's a unique gearcase.

 

[nathan104]

Re: 70's Chrysler 60hp 2cyl lower unit mystery screw?

Aahh, ok, thats what I was afraid of. I guess I did a bad thing then as I have already had it running on th hose since then. I put it in gear both forward andreverse and the prop spun forwards and backwards. If that is working then it should be ok correct? If the shift fork was out of place from the removal of the pin would it still engage in reverse and forward to spin the prop? I just went ot there and spun the prop while work the shifter but with the motor off, the prop will spin freely bth forward and backwards no matter where I have the shifter. But, with the motor on, it does go into reverse and foward gear.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 70's Chrysler 60hp 2cyl lower unit mystery screw?

With the shifter in forward or reverse the prop should not spin with finger pressure I believe in reverse it will spin one way but not the other. What you may be seeing is the prop turning with the motor on but not spinning. Could be vibration or the motion of the gears spinning the prop with no pressure.

If you remove the lower unit like you are going to replace the impeller and pull up and down on the shifter I think it will keep coming up if you are not connected to the pivot screw. Either way when that shifer is in forward and motor is off the prop will only spin if turn it hard enough to cause the powerhead to turn.

Try this. Put the shifter in forward. Remove all the spark plugs (this is to reduce the compression and reduce the chance of motor starting) Then turn the flywheel clockwise slowly. See if the prop spins then.

 

[nathan104]

Re: 70's Chrysler 60hp 2cyl lower unit mystery screw?

Ok, apparently I was not pushing the shifter forward enough. It does not shift out of neutral until it is halfway between straight up and 90 degrees straight forward. Pretty much the same way with reverse. But, once I figured out where it goes into forward and reverse, the propeller does not free spin anymore but does have to be forced over which turns the flywheel. So, I guess that means I did not disconnect anything by removing the pivot pin?

One other thing I need help on is tracking down an impeller for this motor. I have found the carb kits and manual here on iboats but cant seem to find an impeller anywhere. Can anyone help? Thanks.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 70's Chrysler 60hp 2cyl lower unit mystery screw?

Mercury sells them part number 47-F474065-1. It is a standard chrysler impeller