Picked up a spare motor for parts, should I try to get it running and sell it?

[AuSable Junkie]

My boat runs well with the 1969 Chrylser 55 hp that came with it. I put new lower unit seals and impeller in since I bought it. Last weekend, I came across an older guy with a yardsale sign that had 5-6 outboards on a utility trailer for sale. I picked up a 35 hp Chrysler that he said "Had no spark". I haven't checked the year yet, but it looks like it is very close under the cowl (and on the outside) to my 55 hp.

I got the controls and key too. The prop on it had no nicks in it at all!! Just some missing paint on the leading edges. The one I was running on my 55 had some meat missing off of it along with several cracks near the leading edges of each "ear".

The like-new condition of the prop made the $50 price tag worth it right off the bat.

My dilemma, keep it for parts, or try to bring her back to life and get a couple hundred bucks outta it. Are there any "tests" i can do to see if expensive parts are needed to breathe life back into it? If its gunna cost more than a $150 to get it running, then its a no-brainer; a parts motor.

The only things I checked before handing him the cash, was if the motor was seized up and how many splines the prop had to make sure I coud use it. I turned the flywheel and the pistons moved like they should and there was good compression.
*Will try to get some pics up tomorrow morning if it helps*

 

[wickware]

Re: Picked up a spare motor for parts, should I try to get it running and sell it?

Put that Monster in a barrel and Fire-It-up!! If it?s a matter of popping the flywheel and servicing or replacing the points vs ?Other STUFF?. You might have a good ?Spare Motor? if you are OK with the 35 HP. 25 years ago I wished for a 50 ? 55 HP. My 35 HP Chrysler has ?Always Been Nice To Me And All I Need Now?. From my model # 3555 and serial # 2365, the engine has been reported as a 1968 ? 72 from different sources (with no problems finding the few parts I have needed).


Joe

 

[Turn4fun]

Re: Picked up a spare motor for parts, should I try to get it running and sell it?

I have a '67 35 hp and recently picked up a power head from a 55 hp of similar vintage. I swapped them out to get the hp gain. All of the parts between the two (well aside from pistons) will fit. If your 55 is complete and running, and assuming the 35 isn't in need of major attention, I would pull the flywheel, clean & gap the points and try to start it. I think you would be better off selling a complete running engine rather than holding on to it for spares.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Picked up a spare motor for parts, should I try to get it running and sell it?

Believe it or not, with Chrysler and Force engines, parts on ebay will bring more money that a complete running engine.

My problem is that everytime I pick up a junk engine for parts, I want to get it running so I still don't have extra parts.

 

[AuSable Junkie]

Re: Picked up a spare motor for parts, should I try to get it running and sell it?

I think i'm gunna take Frank's advice and part it out. Like I said, the prop was the reason I bought it so everything else is just a bonus. I'm sure that a hunt on craigslist or local rummage sales would turn another one up if I need cheap parts again.

But first, I will try a minimal effort to get it to run. If cleaning the points and plugs doen't do the job, its ebay time. If it runs, to the end of the driveway with a "for sale" sign on it.