Chris Craft Challenger Gearcase Question

[fisherman6]

I tried to pull over my Chris Craft Challenger the other day and it wouldn’t pull. I knew the powerhead couldn’t have seized, so I suspected the gearcase had ice in it. I took it in the shop and let it warm up overnight. The next day it was free again so I pulled the drain plug and a couple ounces of water ran out. I don’t have a parts list or any prior experience with Chris Craft motors. I bought this one last fall and was excited to get it. I’ve done a bit of looking and reading but there is still a lot of need to know. The first order of business is the gearcase since it had a bunch of water in it. I have the water pump off but that’s as far as I have gotten so far. I’m looking for some guidance now. Any help is greatly appreciated as always.
-Ben

OldJohnnyRude on YouTube

[mercuryman]

Try Lee Holland – Chris Craft outboard web site

[Buccaneer]

Ben, I went through my Challenger last year.
I got the new prop shaft seal and impeller from
Lee Holland, as well as a couple of bolts holding
the gear cover on. The were already butchered
up looking phillip head bolts, but then I found
out they’re not phillip head…… forget the name,
but Chris Craft, the boating industry, and I think
aviation used them. Ended up buying two 3/8"
drive "drivers for those special screws……as
I put the first one away in a special place……
and never did find it again!
The top photo I had labeled "drive shaft seal",
but I can’t remember if there’s actually one down there!
P.S.- Mine is the best idling outboard I own!

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Prepare to be boarded!

[fisherman6]

I found an exploded view of the gearcase on Lee’s site. That helped some, but I’m still not sure how I should go about getting it apart without messing something up. The water pump eccentric looks like it needs to come off the prop shaft before the water pump plate can come off. It doesn’t doesnt seem very eager to go anywhere, though.
-Ben

OldJohnnyRude on YouTube

[fisherman6]

Thanks for the pictures Buc! That helps me some. Mine, I’m guessing, is an earlier model? I have an eccentric rotor-type water pump instead of a flexible vane type impeller. The main difference I face right now seems to be the eccentric for the rotor that is somehow affixed to the prop shaft. I’ll end up needing some screws also. One of mine is good and the other is pretty messed up. Probably various other items once I get deeper into it. I’ll have to get a picture of mine tomorrow night.
-Ben

OldJohnnyRude on YouTube

[frankr]

They’re called Reed & Prince screws.

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