Adding Tilt/Trim to 1965 Sea King 50 hp Outboard (Chrysler)

[Jaker41]

I recently purchased a 1965 Sea King 14' Fiberglass Runabout. It is in great shape and came with a 1965 50 hp Sea King and is loaded on a 1966 Sea King Trailer. I am wanting to change/add a couple things and was hoping for some help. I want to convert the current cable/pulley steering system to a rack and pinion and need some suggestions on what I will need. The other change would be to add power tilt/trim to the unit. Any suggestions?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Adding Tilt/Trim to 1965 Sea King 50 hp Outboard (Chrysler)

Most of these early midsized engines came without power tilt/trim so they are not designed to have it. Power tilt/trim can be added but it will be very expensive--more than the engine is worth--and a LOT of work. You would need to find a tilt unit from a later Force engine, swap out the steering yoke and transom clamps, and attach the tilt cylinders and pump.

Better and easier to buy a CMC power tilt plate, but again, expensive.

A standard Tekeflex rack and pinion or rotary helm with the correct length cable will convert the steering. You will also need to buy a transom mount for the steering cable. The cable itself should bolt right up the the nose of the engine where the current pully system is attached. There should be a center hole.

For less than 200 bucks, the steering upgrade is well worth it but tilt/trim at over 300 is really not-- you will never get back the money you spend if you decide to sell the boat.

 

[Jaker41]

Re: Adding Tilt/Trim to 1965 Sea King 50 hp Outboard (Chrysler)

Thanks for the help. I found a trim unit used for $150. Not sure if it will work or not so waiting on that for now.
This motor has not been started in a long time. Where do I start? Can I just hook up a battery, mix some gas and give her a go? Is there anything particular that may need some attention. I don't want to start replacing things without knowing what is needed first.
Thanks
First Outboard
Trying to resurrect a oldie

 

[mrcrabs]

Re: Adding Tilt/Trim to 1965 Sea King 50 hp Outboard (Chrysler)

I think that CMC unit is they way to go if you can deal with the transom back set, but the new price is a deal breaker for most of us, check the all of craigs list search type engines nation wide and you might find one a bunch cheaper....my 4 cents...sorry about the inflated price on blabber

 

[jim j geezer]

Re: Adding Tilt/Trim to 1965 Sea King 50 hp Outboard (Chrysler)

This motor has not been started in a long time. Where do I start?

1. Make sure the flywheel rotates. See #4.
2. Pull the plugs and inspect them. In my [limited] experience I've found that 'bottom' plugs are more prone to show fouling than 'top' plugs.
3. Got plug fouling? Pull the head(s) and check head gaskets.
4. Squirt a bit of fuel mix into each cylinder, then give it a few hand cranks. ITEM: Bend up some copper wire that will hold when inserted into the spark plug boots, and ground those wires. The object is to inhibit sparking and starting a fire.
5. Check each cylinder for ignition to its respective plug. PROTIP: Get an 18" length of solid copper wire and solder on a cheap battery clamp at each end. With that tool you can bend the wire and position the plug away from the head and in a place where you can see if you get spark.
Cheap battery clamp
6. ASSUME the points are dirty and possibly mis-set.
7. Which leads to a wheel puller:
Wheel puller