Re: Chrysler Project Motor
It runs!
Earlier this week I received the carb parts, gaskets, fuel pump gasket, etc. from Franz's Marine.
I finished the third carb, mounted the reed plates/intake manifold sub-assembly. I used a very thin coat of Permatex Black fuel-proof sealer on the reed and intake gaskets. I did this so if and when I take it apart again, the gaskets won't stick and clean up will be easier.
Installed new Motorcraft plugs.
I set all three carb idle screws to 2 1/3 turns out. This is what they were set at before cleaning.
(Edit: That 2 1/3 proved to be way too rich. While cleaning the carbs I had to raise the float level on all the carbs. Maybe someone backed the screws out to compensate for the low float level?? I now see in the manual it's quite an involved procedure to set the carbs properly. I lightly seated the needle and backed them out to 1 turn. The motor runs better and doesn't load up now.)
Today, the linkages, new hoses and everything else got put back on. The fuel pump got a new diaphram and gaskets. I tested the check valves and they seem to be working fine.
I made a final check of everything and connected the fuel and battery. With a remote starter switch the motor cranked over, had spark, had fuel to the carbs, timing was as it was the last time it ran (1978), but it won't start.
Checked things over, pulled the plugs and found them coated with the oil I had squirted in the cylinders. Cleaned off the plugs and tried again.
It fired right off! Ran smooth and strong, and smoked like crazy (this was expected).
I shut it off, checked for leaks: none. Fired it up again. Runs and idles fine, and sounds strong.
Next, I'm going to build a test tank and run it for 15 minutes or more, then do a de-carb to clean out the crankcase.
After it's determined the engine has reached a steady state and no problems show up, the carbs are going to be synchronised with a flow meter. See attached photo.
Edit: Attached is a photo of the motor with the cleaned up carbs, reeds and fuel pump. The motor is still a mess from the fire. The cover was destroyed and the melting resin and soot got all over the motor. The CD module looks like toast but still works fine for now. Sturdy stuff they built back then.
Next, the lower end will be removed and scrutinised for bearings, seals, etc., new impeller, etc... Once the overall condition is assessed, the clean up and painting will begin, and possibly rework of the ports to increase the hp.
