55 Hp turn over/ won't start

[roadog]

Hi, I'm a new boat owner. I have some knowlege of engines, but could use some help from the experts(I'm pullin' my hair out!) I have a 55 Hp Chrysler (I think 76') outboard that will turn over, but won't start! I checked the plugs, they fire. Changed the gas hose for new, and installed a inline filter (Fram paper filter). Took off hose after fuel pump and turned engine over to see gas running. Took carb off and soaked in sea foam, then blew threw ports to make sure the're clear. It turns over good but won't start (Allmost like it's not getting gas).
Please, any replys will help (I've been at it every night after work)
Thanks in advance!

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: 55 Hp turn over/ won't start

Lets see if it will fire.

Take some one your outboard fuel in a spray bottle, and crank over the engine and have someone spray some of the fuel into the carb, If it fires then you have a fuel issue.

 

[chadderkdawg]

Re: 55 Hp turn over/ won't start

Could try spraying some fuel mixture into the cylinder too... I may not 'run' but it would fire at that point....

 

[roadog]

Re: 55 Hp turn over/ won't start

Thanks for the comments. Just tried spraying some starter fluid in carb for 2 sec than starting..... still just turned over! It didn't fire at all.
I talked to a boat repair /dealer and they said that it could be the timing is out, or blown head gasket! They said remove plugs and place finger over hole, turn fly wheel and you should feel suction (It won't go away till you remove your finger). This is how to be sure you don't have a blown gasket. 9.9 hp runs good and I felt no difference between that and 55hp. Does this sound right???

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: 55 Hp turn over/ won't start

That is not a way to test compression.

You need to get a compression gauge and crank the engine. putting the finger over the spark plug hole is very inaccurate. Low compression can still hold a suction. Also if you stop cranking and one of the valves are open there will be no suction and you finger will lose suction. It's kinda like opening the gas tank and smelling for gasoline to check it's level.


Step back a bit..
Since there is a worry of compression. Get a tester, You can rent them at Autozone or advance auto.

Spraying fuel into the carb doesn't get a pop.
Then you need to double check the spark. See if your spark plugs spark.



On a side note on the starting fluid. If you do use starting fluid, use one that is made for 2 cycle engines. Regular starting fluid lacks the oil and will strip all oils from the cylinders and can cause damage.

 

[roadog]

Re: 55 Hp turn over/ won't start

Double checked for spark....none! What! It was 3 days ago that they fired fine!
Guess it's a reason for engine to not fire up! At this point I'll take anything!
And no more starter fluid, got it!
I'll keep you all informed. Thanks Buzz!

 

[roadog]

Re: 55 Hp turn over/ won't start

With very few (short) times of turning over engine to test for spark... ignition coils are hot. Is that normal? Is there a way to test ignition coils?

 

[rickryder]

Re: 55 Hp turn over/ won't start

All the info you need is in the service manual I PM'ed you. Let us know what you find

 

[fucawi]

Re: 55 Hp turn over/ won't start

you need a proper spark tester attached whilst you crank ? are you sure you have the plug leads on the correct cylinders.? Yes the coils do get hot thats a good sign ..contacts are contacting ....but condensers might be stuffed ..dont usually go in pairs ...have you got the igniton switch wired up right ...do you have supply to the coils whist you are cranking??

 

[roadog]

Re: 55 Hp turn over/ won't start

Ok, Rick pm'd me the manual. After looking at it, I took of the ignition coils (From 91') to test them per manual (Coil B in manual). They tested at 3.6 ohms between - & + terminals, 9000 ohms between - & coil tower. Should be 3.3, and 8.1 ohms. Also, BOTH were cracked! Anyone know the possible cause of this? I'm going to replace plugs and wires while I'm at it. Anything else on the ignition side of things I should be checking for?
Thanks for that manual Rick, a great help!
Can post some pics if someone would tell me how!?

 

[roadog]

Re: 55 Hp turn over/ won't start

you need a proper spark tester attached whilst you crank ? are you sure you have the plug leads on the correct cylinders.? Yes the coils do get hot thats a good sign ..contacts are contacting ....but condensers might be stuffed ..dont usually go in pairs ...have you got the igniton switch wired up right ...do you have supply to the coils whist you are cranking??

Condensers? Please explain? Ignition switch was already wired, but will check. Plug leads go from top coil to top plug, right?

 

[Nordin]

Re: 55 Hp turn over/ won't start

You have batteryign. and causes of cracked coils are that you do not turn of the ign.switch all the way. If you leave the switch in runpos. after turning off the engine you have power to at least 1 coil throuh 1 points and current will flow in the coil.
You heat up the coil and then it cracks and then fried.

 

[roadog]

Re: 55 Hp turn over/ won't start

You have batteryign. and causes of cracked coils are that you do not turn of the ign.switch all the way. If you leave the switch in runpos. after turning off the engine you have power to at least 1 coil throuh 1 points and current will flow in the coil.
You heat up the coil and then it cracks and then fried.

Ok, at least I know why there cracked! Now i need to find 2 more! Can't seem to find them online. Boat parts store is checking into it for me. Any ideas? Web sites?

 

[rickryder]

Re: 55 Hp turn over/ won't start

They are hard to find..... I would try http://www.chryslercrew.com/ they might be able to help you....those coils will be expensive tho

 

[roadog]

Re: 55 Hp turn over/ won't start

Any replacement coils that might work?

 

[fucawi]

Re: 55 Hp turn over/ won't start

your coils are fine you miss read the readings 3.6 ohms and 9000 ohms not 8.2...well in tolerance ...your meter meant 9k not 9 its on a K ohms range ....fill up any cracks with epoxy and check if you have a spark with an old plug or tester ...dont use the coils from a CD that will bugggger your contacts ...the condensers are under the flywheel ...whilst you are under there set the gaps and clean the contacts making sure the contact operating ring is in the right place and the right way up ..buy a new key before you start ....did you check if the plug caps were corroded inside ..may not even be contacting the plugs..

 

[roadog]

Re: 55 Hp turn over/ won't start

Replaced plugs/wires and JB welded ignition coils. Why "Buy a new key"? Engine turns over fine. Spark looks good, but I'm going to see how much a plug tester costs because I wonder if the're hot enough. Rented compression tester, (turned over engine 5 sec. with comp. tester in top plug hole no plug in bottom. Then reverse.) tested @ 135 top cylinder 130 bottom.
So, if you all think this looks good, then next step is removing fly wheel and checking points, condensers, setting gaps, and clean contacts. Removing fly wheel makes me a little nervous because... can I screw up timing? Is there anything else I need to check? Thanks

 

[rickryder]

Re: 55 Hp turn over/ won't start

The crankshaft has a shear key and it's best to replace it while your in there.... they cost about 5 bucks... Just follow the instructions in the manual for removing and installing the flywheel. You will need a puller that you can get from your local auto store....most of them lend or rent the tool.... a little tip.... when you attach the puller and tighten down on it....tap the top large center bolt on the puller with a hammer and the flywheel should pop off the shaft. Be sure the tapered shaft and bore on the flywheel and crankshaft are clean and oil free when you reassemble and torque it to the correct poundage or the key will shear the first time you fire it up

BTW the compression looks good at those numbers

 

[fucawi]

Re: 55 Hp turn over/ won't start

no need to pull the flywheel if you have good sparks..BUT are they timed right ...Find TDC ..screwdriver down the plug hole ..do both cylinders ..ignore existing marks .....then turn over engine ign on with a meter or bulb aacross the coil ..when it goes out thats where it fires..should be about TDC for each cylinder with the carb linkage at idle.....make sure its firing NO 1 at No 1 TDC...if the keyway has gone could be miles out ....

 

[roadog]

Re: 55 Hp turn over/ won't start

TDC is were cylinder pushes screw driver out the farthest, right? If this is true, TDC is at 12 o'clock on flywheel and ignition coil fires at 4 or 5 o'clock...... it's out of timing right? I read manual on flywheel removal, and re-setting timing ... is this easy to understand once I remove flywheel, so I can see what manual is talking about?