Convert long shaft to short??

[Rich Snopkowski]

I have a '70 Chrysler 7HP, Mod. #73HA with a long shaft. Is it possible to convert this to a short shaft without replacing the entire lower unit? There is an extension/insert on the external shaft housing that looks like it can be removed, but what about the drive shaft? Thanks in advance for your expert advice.

 

[RRitt]

Re: Convert long shaft to short??

the engine is longer because the midsection is longer. You can swap powerheads and lower units all you want. If it is a long-shaft midsection then you still end up with longshaft engine.

 

[Rich Snopkowski]

Re: Convert long shaft to short??

Thank you for correcting my terminology; I thought the term lower unit extended all the way from the bottom/base of the power head. So again, this engine has removable extension to the midsection that is about 6 in. long and looks as though it can be removed allowing the lower unit to be bolted to the now shorter remaining midsection. I was wondering if the drive shaft also had a removable extension or is the drive shaft a single continuous rod that is just longer than the short shaft motor. Hope this is clearer than my last inquiry. Thanks again for your help.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Convert long shaft to short??

The five inch extension will just unbolt. HOWEVER, The drive shaft is shorter and the lower shift rod is shorter. These must be replaced; it is an easy job if you have the parts. The shift rod unscrews and the drive shaft pulls right out after you remove the water pump. The water tube is a five inch extension that just pulls off, but it may be a bit corroded and require some force.

 

[rc3477]

Re: Convert long shaft to short??

replaced my entire transom and added 5" to avoid the long to short, worked well for me....ha

 

[Rich Snopkowski]

Re: Convert long shaft to short??

Thank you, Commander Frank, for answering my inquiry about parts needed for the conversion. Any advice about sources where I could get used parts, short drive shaft & shift rod. The motor is not worth the price of new.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Convert long shaft to short??

Send me a private message with your email address. I will send photos of a 6 HP lower I have. Not sure if it the same series as the 7 HP. If it doesn't fit, try classifieds at The Chrysler Crew.