Start 115 Chrysler without L/U?

[imported_rick]

I bought a 19' cuddy, trailer and a Chrysler 115 for $600.00 a few years ago.
The floor and stringers were rotted. I replaced them. The motor was seized. I rebuilt that (new block, head crank, pistons etc).

I'm at the point where I'm ready to start the motor for testing, the problem is that the lower unit is not installed yet. The question is - Can I start the motor without the lower unit attached? I only want to start it to make sure it will indeed start and run for a few seconds. No high revs or anything.

The reason the lower unit isn't installed yet is because the boat is in my garage and there's not enough room at the rear of the boat to put the unit on. (it was removed when it was outside) Over the years a bunch of crap had somehow accumulated under the boat and would require a bit of time to clear and then back the trailer in just to pull the boat out to attach the L/U. Afterwords, I would need to put the boat back in the garage and put it back on blocks because the trailer is too long for the garage.

Is there anything wrong with starting the motor without a lower unit attached?

Thanks,
Rick

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Start 115 Chrysler without L/U?

Absolutely no problem! The impeller is in the lower unit so you don't need to worry about ruining it due to lack of water. Running the engine for a few seconds or a bit more more will not overheat it but if you want to do any extensive testing, just stick a garden hose on the brass water tube. Then you can run the engine for a bit to test all systems.

Just realize that the exhaust chest is water cooled and there is a stainless plate inside it. This plate will warp from heat if it is exposed for too long without water to cool it. If you rebuilt the block, you probably saw it.

 

[imported_rick]

Re: Start 115 Chrysler without L/U?

Thanks Frank.