Chrysler I/O

[QC]

What's the story/history with these things? This one is supposedly hanging on a 1981 boat. I have seen one of these somewhere, but can't recall. What's the story? Just curious, nobody needs to worry, I am not gonna buy it . . .<br /><br />

 

[olbuddyjack]

Re: Chrysler I/O

Chrysler 300. They started making them in 78 and only made them 3 years. They came in two varieties, an "A" and a "B". The shift is in the upper and use a cone clutch like a Volvo. No water pump. Exaust exit is above the prop through the cavitation plate.<br /><br />They used a huge transom sheild for the said reason that you could repower any boat with one and not have to rebuild the transom, just cut the hole bigger. No rear engine mounts either, the bell housing fits snuggly into the sheild.<br /><br />They replaced the Volvos that Chrysler used on earlier models in the Conquerors and CV223/250. They may have found their way into other boats as well.<br /><br />Replacement parts are impossible to find. Mercury was the last known source.<br /><br />Q, is that one getting junked or for sale? I could use some spare parts.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Chrysler I/O

Jack, last time I cked. Marysville Marine in Marysville Mich had parts for the old chrysler units

 

[QC]

Re: Chrysler I/O

jack,<br /><br />This one is still attached to the boat and is on eBay. Sleek on eBay <br /><br />I love these old 23' Sleekcrafts and would like to restore one someday.<br /><br />

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Chrysler I/O

nice boat

 

[QC]

Re: Chrysler I/O

Yeah, they are pretty. Check out this restored one: <br /><br />

 

[olbuddyjack]

Re: Chrysler I/O

Originally posted by Laddies:<br /> Jack, last time I cked. Marysville Marine in Marysville Mich had parts for the old chrysler units

Hi Bob, Thats where I found some stuff I needed. The guys there were very helpful, after telling me they would check and get back to me, they actually did! They didn't treat me like I was looking for a flux capacitor or something. What I should have said before was Mercury was the last know manufacurer. The part I got from Marysville had a Mercury part tag and number on it.<br />Another good source is Dave Kain at www.chryslercrew.com<br />Hes supposed to be getting in some 300 and jet drive parts soon.<br /><br />Q, Thats a nice looking boat, dont think he'll be parting it out though <br />Thats a pretty interesting set up with the Harmin Chevy and all. Most Harmins I've seen were hooked to jet units and jets were popular in that neck of the woods. Makes me wonder if someone swapped the jet for a prop or it was originally fitted that way.<br />The restored pic is very nice, makes be want to place a bid...just kidding, honey!

 

[QC]

Re: Chrysler I/O

jack,<br /><br />Yes, lots of Hardins and jets here. Especially in the '70s. This boat probably was built with the I/O as the age is correct and jets fell out of favor in the early '80s due to fuel scare in late 70's. Also, the jets were almost all big blocks and of course mounted a little further forward which makes that interior design unlikely. The red one has a Volvo and is a '79.<br /><br />Hardin now owns a bunch of car dealerships here. They used to build boats here too, I think they were called Carribeans . . .

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Chrysler I/O

There was a complete Chrysler NOS drive on eBay a couple years ago.. New in box...<br /><br />sounds like it was a good setup... wonder why it was abandoned<br />maybe ahead of it's time as the repower for all the OMC stringers with an oversized transom plate