NewBie and a 1967 Chrysler 45 outboard

[BoatLib]

Well, I've been suckered into owning an old fiberglass runabout with an equally old Chrysler 4571 (I believe it is a 1967 model). I don't know much about outboards, and my previous experiences have not been good. But, an old gentlemen just mentioned that he was giving a boat away in front of my three boys (10, 14, 16), and they hounded me until we towed it home.

Apparently, the thing has been a decent starter and fairly reliable, but it hasn't been run in over two years. It looks clean, but it has sustained some trauma. Somehow the starter casting was broken off and a bracket was fabricated to hold the starter in place. This seems to look fine.

I don't know how to start the thing. I jumped it with my car and tried to get it to start spraying gas in the carb and the starter turned the crank but no firing occurred. The starter does not engage the flywheel all that cleanly - there was some whirring noises. Is this normal? Also, I wasn't sure on the controls - does the button go in or out during starting? should the throttle be forward or neutral? is jumping it such a good idea?

Well, we burned up the negative end of the jumper cables that were attached to the outboard, and threw a spark once. 15-20 minutes of trying to get this started and we quit in order to forestall any lasting damage. It does not seem to be that the engine is seized, and it could be just my ignorance. But, are there any of those Master Chief Petty Officers out there who know what to do? How do I start it? Should I just take it in? Is there any hope shy of a small fortune in repair bills?

The boys want to head out on the lake for walleye this spring. Please help a father fulfill their dream (and his too, for that matter).

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: NewBie and a 1967 Chrysler 45 outboard

First of all, it is not possible to throw cubic money at that engine for repairs because no one will work on it. Parts are available but you must do the work yourself.

When running, the 45 is a sweet small engine and since they are relatively easy to work on, a little TLC goes very far. Just don't get discouraged and take things a step at a time. Running properly, on a smaller boat, your kids will be able to water ski and wakeboard BUT as they get more skilled, older, and heavier, the engine will prove to just not have the steam they need.

1. The starter mount brackets were a weak point on these engines and the top bolt hole tended to break. Chrysler manufactured a steel plate to reinforce this area but as far as I know, they are no longer available. If you are at all handy, or know someone who is, make your own. It doesn't need to be steel. Good hard aluminum will do and it is way easier to cut and drill. Look at the casting and it should be obvious what you need to make.

2. To start, you pull out the silver knob and advance the control lever as far as it will go. This disengages the shift and advances the throttle and timing slightly. Then you turn the ignition key and depress it to choke the engine. Assuming spark and gas, it will start and run in fast idle to warm-up. If you do not do this, some of these engines are cranky and just will not start--even if in perfect running condition. Once running, pull the control lever back to vertical (neutral ) and push in the knob. Now, moving the control handle will shift the engine into gear and accelerate it. Do not "ease" the handle forward into gear, thinking to be kind to the engine. Proper technique is to quickly move the lever forward about 1/3 of the way to engage the gears, then accelerate.

3. pull the spark plugs and check for spark while cranking.

4. Do not spray starter fluid into the engine; It is lubricated by TCW-3 outboard oil mixed with the gasoline at 1 pint per six gallons of gas. Starting fluid washes off the oil and is harmful if continuously used. Do not use regular auto oil. It is also harmful.

If no spark, we need to know whether the engine is magneto ignition or points and coils. If two coils, they will be mounted against the engine block.

In either ignition system, points are a weak spot. They carbon up or pit and burn, then you get no spark. New ones are available for about 36 bucks a pair.

However, you must first pull the flywheel which on these engines can be difficult. A gear puller just will not do it. Unfortunately, you would probably need to make your own. You use the three bolt holes where the hand starting collar attaches to the flywheel. Set new points to .020 open on the high spot of the cam. Be certain to tighten the flywheel nut properly--95 foot pounds--or the first time the engine fires it will break the flywheel key and go out of timing.

Once you get the engine to fire, before you actually run it, replace the water pump impeller in the lower unit to prevent overheating damage--probably around 20 bucks-- and replace the lower unit oil

For more help, try The Chrysler Crew. For parts, try old outboards or franzmarine.com.

If you don't get discouraged and work methodically, this is a good winter project. Some corroded bolts may fight you but all in all, the repairs are simple and satisfying. It is a good bonding project with your sons too.

Well, that's a start. Don't be shy about coming back and asking anything you have a question about.

 

[BoatLib]

Re: NewBie and a 1967 Chrysler 45 outboard

Thanks, Frank, you've inspired confidence in me. We'll work on this through the cold winter. We may even try to paint the topside of the boat.