77 Chrysler 135

[~Nickolas~]

Hello,
I recently bought an old boat I am going to restore and it has a 77 Chrysler 135 on the back. The last decal on the boat was 1992 and I was told the boat had pretty much sat all this time. Thew engine cleaned up really well and I did a compression test and all four cylinders are 145psi so I'm thinking I got a good sound engine. It fires right up and idles real nice for sitting all those years. I'm not that familiar with Chrysler and just wondering if this was a good engine.

You hear about some motors to stay away from and others say this is was junk and this one is a darn good one so I wonder about the 135. I like the design of this engine as it is real easy to work on. I'm thinking this engine on the back of the 17.5' fiberglass tri-hull should make it scoot right along. First time I have seen these surface gap plugs so do they wear out like regular plugs? I mean there isn't anything there to erode.

Looking up parts for these motors there isn't a while lot to choose from especially in the prop department. I have several different props for my Evinrude but there isn't much at all for this Chrysler motor. I guess the factory prop was good enough? It is in perfect condition without a ding. 19 pitch seems to be decent as thats what I run on my other boat. Anyway any input would be appreciated on the topic.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 77 Chrysler 135

Being as it has set for all those years.Change the impeller.Then start changing hoses.Ethanol is messing with older hoses.
A new squeezie,any inline connectors can leak air.
The fuel pump diaphram.It's probably gonna need a change.J

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 77 Chrysler 135

Any Chrysler four cylinder engine from 90 up to 150 was the same basic block with minor differences in porting, carburetion, and crankshaft. All were timed the same.

As far as I am concerned the design of the hood and cowling was the best of any engine in appearance. The design of the innards was "old school" so power did not compare with other brands, but then again, they were almost bulletproof. As long as you don't have the Magna-Power II ignition, you will most likely be OK.

People LIKE to call Chryslers "junk" but that's just spouting popular opinion. In reality, the engines did what they were designed to do and Chrysler sold a LOT of them. If they were as poor as people say, after a couple of years, no one would have bought them.

The only reason they are not still made is because in the 1980s, Chrysler corp got into financial trouble and as part of the Govt bail-out, the marine division was to be divested.

If you have the pin drive prop--17 or 18 (I forget) splined shaft with a 5/16 pin in the hub under the tailcone--yes, they are becoming more scarce and I believe that new hubs to re-hub a spun prop are no longer available. I think the 19 pitch is want you want to stay with, but if you need a 17 pitch, send me a private message. I have a couple. Other parts are available with a little searching.

Surface gap plugs last almost forever. The only problem you will have is low speed fouling. Even fouled, they can be cleaned with a Scotch pad green scrubby. Carry an extra set and a 13/16 plug wrench with you. When you have trouble starting, or stalling at idle, change them out, right there on the water and enjoy the rest of the day.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 77 Chrysler 135

As far as I am concerned the design of the hood and cowling was the best of any engine in appearance.

I whole-heartedly agree with this.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/macq/1111970506/sizes/l/in/set-72157601377864430/

Bada_s!

 

[~Nickolas~]

Re: 77 Chrysler 135

Thanks for all the posts I appreciate it. I like the looks of this engine and I agree the design is excellent. I am an old school person myself so this is right up my alley. I'm not too worried about other engines that are more powerful or what not. I know this engine will give me lots of enjoyment. I work on my own engines and have two Evinrudes and a Johnson and they are fairly simple to work on but this Chrysler really looks simple out of them all.

No clutter of anything and it's all right out in the open to work on. I can't believe the engine has 145psi on all four cylinders which is pretty strong. I guess the previous owner didn't run the crap out of it and wear it out years ago. The previous owner bought it almost brand new and recently passed away and thats how it came into my hands. He was an older man that loved boating and this boat was his pride and joy his daughter told me.

It's on the back of an Arrow Glass Cheetah 1976 Tri Hull. Apparently this was the top power plant for the boat then at max. rated horsepower so whoever ordered this boat wanted some speed. I have to replace the floor in the boat but the rest is all there and all original right down to the 8 track player in the glove box. It's going to be a fun project and when it hits the water I'll have a big smile on my face.

I have read these older Chrysler motors have lots of power so we shall see how she runs next spring. I think it does have the Magnapower ignition as that is what it says on the hood cover. Whats the difference between Magnapower & Magnapower II. Even if there is an issue I can buy a new module of modern technology and have long lasting quality. What is the story with this Magnapower as I have read a but about it and folks saying stay away from it or watch out for it.

I pulled the gearcase off and the impeller is shot and also about 2-3oz of water drained out of it when I unscrewed the drain plug. I saw gear oil when I took the water pump housing off and knew I had an issue. I ordered a seal kit for it and as soon as it gets here I will have that issue solved. Man that was some nasty smelling black oil draining out of it but no shavings or anything else so I should be good with a seal kit and impeller hopefully.

The shaft that goes into the head was rusty so I sanded that out yesterday and got it all out. Took the top cover off that reveals the bearing ans cavity where the gear oil resides and no signs of anything bad. The impeller housing is pitted and so is the cavity below it underneath the impeller but I think it will be ok with a new housing and impeller. I have to get this all back together so I can fog the motor before winter gets here.

So I'm thinking I should get what about 50-60 mph out of this engine? Another person has a 75 Cheetah with a 115 on the back and gets 50 mph so with this 135 I should get at least 55... I got a 17' aluminum bass boat with a 60HP Evinrude and it goes 53mph but I put Boyesen power reeds in it and have four different pitched props to experiment with. Just wish I had more parts to play around with on this Chrysler motor as I love to tinker with things.

So thanks to all who reply and give me info and or advice.

Nick

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 77 Chrysler 135

Chrysler used the "Magna-Power" designation loosely (marketing hype--it sounds good!)and it applied to a number of ignition systems. The ONLY one that was acknowledged as poor was the Magna-Power II. It was only used for a couple of years and on a couple of models: 55, 120, and possibly the 135. I really am not sure. This ignition system had a complete module under the flywheel-- no separate boxes as I remember and it had a timing ring rather than a trigger ring. It failed so regularly that Chrysler offered a retro fit kit under warranty. The design concept was elegant, but the implimentation was poor. If your engine has a distributor, it does not have this ignition.

However, I believe that now CDI is or will be offering replacement modules so it may be becoming a non-issue.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 77 Chrysler 135

That's a real sharp package you got there.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 77 Chrysler 135

Hey! I didn't see the photos when I replied. Your engine has the Motorola ignition with the electronic (electric eye) distributor. You also have the one piece lower unit which is about 3 MPH faster than the old 2 piece one that it replaced--props are available. Look at my earlier post on aftermarket props--about 2 days ago.

I don't think you will get 55 MPH. 45 for sure and maybe 50. Try raising the engine an inch on the transom and see what that does. It MAY increase ventilation and cavitation and you MAY not be able to trim out as far, but it also may increase the top speed.

It does not look like that engine has power tilt/trim. Think about buying a used one. You will never regret it.

 

[~Nickolas~]

Re: 77 Chrysler 135

So I guess I have one of the better Chrysler engines then? I know Motorola makes decent stuff so the ignition should be reliable. I like the fact of electronic ignition and no points. For 1977 that seems a bit early but maybe not. I thought electronic ignition came later. As for the one or two piece gearcase you got me there since I am a Chrysler virgin. But sounds like I got the good one so thats good to know. Overall I should have a failry reliable engine then. I am the type person that does prevenative maintenance before something goes wrong and try to keep my stuff clean and fine tuned. If there is anything I should know please enlighten me. And thanks again for all the info. Once I restore the boat she should be a good runner...

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 77 Chrysler 135

For 1977 that seems a bit early but maybe not. I thought electronic ignition came later.

Nope, not at all. Even my '73 Johnson had a powerpack. I think most went that route in the early 70's.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 77 Chrysler 135

Yeah, you have a decent one. Here's what you can do with it:

 

[~Nickolas~]

Re: 77 Chrysler 135

I took my prop off this morning and counted the splines and I have a 15 spline shaft. You didn't mention this number so what about a 15 spline shaft for props? I thought this was going to bring up the original message but it didn't. Way back near the beginning we were talking about splines and props. A 17,18 & 19 was mentioned but I got 15.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 77 Chrysler 135

Yeah! The one piece lower unit has 15 splines. As I said, props are available for this one and you have some leeway--see my post on aftermarket props. Some Mercury props will fit with no modification if they are for the small gearcase mercury lower unit and others can be modified. So, you have a lot of choices.

Also, notice that I have a Bronze mercury racing prop on the 140 with the blue mermaid.

 

[~Nickolas~]

Re: 77 Chrysler 135

Some Mercury props will fit eh? I would love to put a four blade prop on here if possible. I've experimented with a lot of props with my other boat as in different pitch. 3-4 blade, stainless, composite, etc.. and the four blade was superior indeed. I actually like the Comprop a lot it surprised me with its performance. Now if I can get a four blade on this motor I'll really be happy but I won't get my hopes up too much...

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: 77 Chrysler 135

When you replace your boat's floor...be sure to remove the old one...don't just cover it over.

You might find a real mess under there.....and a lot of water-logged foam that has to come out.

You don't want a few hundred pounds of water under there...it'll make those 50+ MPH speeds a lot harder to attain.

Like I read on here once...removing all that weight is like kicking two fat chicks off your boat

Chuck