Fluids and Fuel and maintenance

[noah4009]

Hi
I have a 1971 55HP Chrysler outboard. Model 557HC serial 3188. I am new to this. Can you tell me What and what type of fluids it needs like oil. Is the oil mixed with the gas? What spark plugs I should use and the gap? I here some units need fluid in the lower unit. Does mine and if so where? Does this motor have an alternator or must I recharge the battery. What is tilt and trim? Does this have tilt and trim? Any info on maintenance would be appreciated.
Thanks
Noah

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Fluids and Fuel and maintenance

The lower unit uses oil about half a quart of oil. You need to buy Lower unit oil for this. I like mercury high performance lower unit oil The lower unit should be changed in fall especially if you are in a climate that freezes. If there is water trapped in the lower unit it can crack when it freezes. Your gas needs to be mixed with a marine grade TCW3 oil at a ratio of 50 to 1. That is 2.6 oz per gallon or regular unleaded gas. Your motor probably does not have a tilt and trim. In order to tilt and trim your motor you pull the lever and pull the motor out of the water. Remove the steel bolt and move it in a different slot then lower the motor back. Chances are when running full speed you will have it in the bottom hole or the second to bottom. The higher holes are if you are in weeds or real shallow and you are going at slow speeds to get to deeper water. I think that motor has an alternator but if you are not leaving it in a lake I would disconnect one of the leads from the battery and put a charge on it each time you use it. If you hook up a trolling motor to the starting battery the alternator wont have enough power or run time to fully charge if the trolling motor is used a lot.

 

[noah4009]

Re: Fluids and Fuel and maintenance

Hi Euro
Man you are a big help. But I have another question. Do I need to put oil in the motor? Or does the mixture take care of that. I know the last person who owned this boat used it in the bays so there is no trolling motor and I prefer salt or bay fishing. Anything special I should do? Thank You Thank you Thank you.
Noah

 

[steelespike]

Re: Fluids and Fuel and maintenance

You really should read up on motors and boating.
Usually A aftermarket service manual has a motor theory section at the begining.A big help in understanding what you have.No oil is put in the motor.
If your going to run in salt you must flush the cooling system and rinse off salt with fresh water after each use after each use.If it has sacrificial anodes be sure they are in excellent condition.I'm no Chrysler expert but I have to wonder if a 71 Chrysler is the best choice for salt use.The salt pros may be along with more info.

 

[noah4009]

Re: Fluids and Fuel and maintenance

What are sacrificial anodes