Re: Help desperately needed with 1950 Chris Craft Challenger

[joemallon]

Thank you guys very much for your help and advice! I decided to tear the motor back down and I am glad that I did, When I pulled the exhaust manifold/water jacket (correct me if my terminology is off) I found that it was utterly caked and clogged up with 60 years worth of carbon buildup and sludge. I honed the gasket surfaces back to true flat as they were pretty warped and gave it all a good thorough cleaning with a toothbrush, some B-12 ChemTool and good old fashioned elbow grease. Luckily, with the exhaust manifold plate off there is a clear and open passage to the bottom of the powerhead that should make it a piece of cake to line up the water tube with a curved pick and some patience. I am going to use a mechanics scope to check the water tube grommet before I install the lower unit. I will post some pictures of my progress shortly.

Thanks,
Joe