Should I Upgrade or Update My Engine?

[tntitans21399]

I am going to try and save up about $1000, I'm not loaded so I can't afford to much, but I have a old 1972 16ft Terry Bass. I like the layout, but the engine isn't enough. It starts whenever I need it to but it can only push the boat about 21mph (by myself) and 11mph (with 1 or more people). I think it has the original engine which is a 55HP Chrysler engine. I mapped my usage and get about 1 mpg, so it sucks the gas without the power. Should I take the boat in and have someone work on the engine to get more power, maybe it's not working at all power, and stay with the dependable engine. Or should I use the $1000 and try to go for a 85HP or so maybe 80's used motor? Boat rated for 85 max. The newer engine should have more power (just even if I compared 55 from old to new), better gas mileage, but I run the risk of it not being as dependable? What's your thoughts, should I upgrade to a new more horsepower engine or update mine (which isn't a 100% sure if you can get any more speed or gas mileage from the engine)?

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Should I Upgrade or Update My Engine?

A 16 ft and 55hp should get better than that.You have a tach?
Do a compression test and a spark test.Post your results.J

 

[emoney]

Re: Should I Upgrade or Update My Engine?

That's a tough question and probably entails a little of both. If you can gain enough power out of the motor to make you happy, then I say always keep a known entity over an unknown (the old 1 in the hand vs. 2 in the bush). But, if you're not going to be happy with all you can get, then how about trading your motor for a bigger one with $500.00 and using the other $500.00 to making sure it runs as well and is as dependable as the one you're replacing?
I would think you could find someone willing to make that trade, especially if you find an 85 that needs a little work here and there, and you could almost kill two birds with one stone (especially if they're in your hand not the bush)!

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Should I Upgrade or Update My Engine?

First off, while the 55 is a very nice engine, it is still only 55 HP. That boat, being a flat bottom should go about 25-30 and with a load it should drop to about 22, certainly no less than 20. That coupled with the really crappy gas mileage means the engine is not running well

If you take it in to a mechanic, he will proably either refuse to work on it or charge you way more than the engine is worth.

Simply put, your choice is to do the diagnosing and repair yourself with help from us here on the forum, or buy a bigger engine.

Personally, I would opt for the larger engine since if you start to do anything other than cruising and fishing, that little 55 just won't have the steam.

If you do want to diagnose yourself, start with a compression check then check and reset the points. Gap them to .020 Be certain the correct plugs are installed. Remove and clean or repair the carb. Then see how it runs.

I tried to send you a PM but you can not receive one SO: EDIT Send me a private message.

 

[tntitans21399]

Re: Should I Upgrade or Update My Engine?

I remember doing a compression test a couple of years ago and both #1 and #2 were about high 80's I believe. I dont have a tach on my engine but it is odd that if I add 1 person it drops to 11 mph, but if I add another person (3 total in the boat) or more it doesn't drop anymore and stays at 11 mph. I would think each addition person might lower the mph X mph not fall and then stay.

I'm not sure about the private message. I have it so others can send me messages. I live in Nashville, TN so I'm not close to you.

 

[jason32038]

Re: Should I Upgrade or Update My Engine?

That compression is pretty low. Gonna need some work.

 

[tntitans21399]

Re: Should I Upgrade or Update My Engine?

I'll have to double check and make sure. What is a typical number for a outboard?

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Should I Upgrade or Update My Engine?

That motor with a good guage should be about 150# on both.
But the real thing is have both pistons about the same.A cheapo guage maybe 120 but both close.
Post your results.Check the fuel pump diaphram too.J

 

[jason32038]

Re: Should I Upgrade or Update My Engine?

I'd upgrade to an 85 horse. I have an 84' 15 footer and it has an 85 horse. If it's more speed you're lookin for that's what you need especially if you plan on skiing or tubing.

 

[erikpn]

Re: Should I Upgrade or Update My Engine?

First off, while the 55 is a very nice engine, it is still only 55 HP. That boat, being a flat bottom should go about 25-30 and with a load it should drop to about 22, certainly no less than 20. That coupled with the really crappy gas mileage means the engine is not running well

If you take it in to a mechanic, he will proably either refuse to work on it or charge you way more than the engine is worth.

Simply put, your choice is to do the diagnosing and repair yourself with help from us here on the forum, or buy a bigger engine.

Personally, I would opt for the larger engine since if you start to do anything other than cruising and fishing, that little 55 just won't have the steam.

If you do want to diagnose yourself, start with a compression check then check and reset the points. Gap them to .020 Be certain the correct plugs are installed. Remove and clean or repair the carb. Then see how it runs.

I tried to send you a PM but you can not receive one SO: EDIT. Send me a private message.

This is what I found to be true with Force and Chrysler motors in my area. Not much parts available and mechanics refuse to work on it. I'd buy a new one.

 

[tater76]

Re: Should I Upgrade or Update My Engine?

I have that same motor on a 16ft trihull, and it sucks. It runs great when tuned properly, but doesnt have the guts needed to push my family of three around at more than 20mph (on a good day!). Mine is reliable, and I have no issues with it in general. However, it is just too small for my application, and is nickel and diming me on parts, so its getting replaced with a newer 75 or 85hp. Your gas guzzling is kinda a puzzler. Mine will run on a 5 gal tank for half a day, but thats doing alot of running, tubing, trolling, etc. I know when mine wasn't running right it sucked gas like crazy. Oh, and my compression is 125 and 119.

 

[tater76]

Re: Should I Upgrade or Update My Engine?

You could try pulling that damned hydrafoil off. I had one on mine when I got it and it was even slower. Pulled it off and gained a few mph, really! Mine was not helping the boat plane out anyway, so it didn't hurt my feelings to rip it off. Try that before you replace the motor.