Help with new boat?

[cbob]

OK guys, I am ready to get the first boat I have ever owned, out of the garage and into the water. I purchased a 15'(maybe 16?) 72 Kingfisher with a 55hp Chrylser motor(model 559HA, ser #3485). I bought it last year ago and garaged it. It was sitting out in the elements for who knows how long before I saved it. It must have been a beauty in its day. It has power tilt/trim, a full control panel for lights(which still work), cigarette lighter socket, the works. <br /><br />Well I tried to fire it up today! <br /><br />It was promising...it does not turn over, but the compression is good. Checked the spark to the plugs and the top one had a spark for while, but went away. The bottom plug never did have a spark at all. Checked the coils with a light to verify power and they both were getting power in, but nothing was reaching the plugs.<br /><br />Where do I start with this other than new spark plugs? <br /><br />I am new to boating period. I can handle a boat pretty well, but have never owned one. I am mechanically inclined and have a good buddy that is handy with a wrench. Anyone have tips or pointers for the new guy. I would really appreciate anything you guys have to offer. I was reading the stupid human tricks laughing my head off and was scared at the same time. I know my stupid human days are right around the corner. I want to get my boat on the water and start adding to the list.

 

[btmoyers]

Re: Help with new boat?

Hi there and welcome..I'm new on here too. But already farther along thanks to these guys..Anyhow I have a 55 Chrysler model 559H8K ser # 3418 !!!..Got it a few weeks ago and last week ran it without OIL...Ouch...Anyhow..would suggest Clymers Manual for Chrysler..INVALUABLE...Will be watching what the experts post here with much interest...Good Luck..Can help if you get into water pump replacement as that's what I'm in the middle of now..OK nuff said See Ya..Boat202

 

[norman158]

Re: Help with new boat?

if this is like my 45hp chrysler(456ha)there are points under the flywheel.clean and regap them. also check the wires going to them for breaks. be careful with the flywheel key. these are getting hard to find.and as boat202 said get the manual,replace the water pump if in doubt when it was changed last.<br />hope this helps<br />Rick

 

[cbob]

Re: Help with new boat?

Thanks boat202. I am really excited about this website. It's nice to find others out there that share a love of the water. I just want to be able to get out and running. Where can I get one of those manuals and which one is the best? Did you have to replace your coil when you got yours fired up? Also, I heard it is a good idea to replace the impeller too. Where do you get your parts? Thanks for the good word.<br /><br /><br />Eric<br /><br />Plug 'em up or bail 'em out.

 

[Mike M2]

Re: Help with new boat?

Cbob, check your points! Bet thats where your problem is!

 

[jrbpit1]

Re: Help with new boat?

I have a Chrysler 75 and have had fun with it. I have the Seloc manual for it and it has been helpful. If you need parts for it I would suggest Fairwinds Marina www.fairwindsmarina.com. They have had all the parts I have needed in stock. They have been: impeller kit, head gasket, heat sensor, and thermostat. I got mine running just in time to winterize it. You'll have fun with it they are a simple engine to work on, some say that is a good thing because you'll be working on it a lot, but my engine has been reliable thus far. My only other suggestion is to get a manual and torque wrench and make sure you don't over torque anything.

 

[cbob]

Re: Help with new boat?

You guys are great! I appreciate all of the information. I can't wait to get home to neglect my growing grass in lieu of working on my motor. At the rate I'm going, I will have it ready for winter striper fishing in no time. Thanks for the assist.<br /><br />cbob

 

[btmoyers]

Re: Help with new boat?

Hi cbob, Got my manual at local shop. Clymer Chrysler 3.5 to 140 HP. 1966 - 1984. Usually priced in the 35.00 +/- range. If no shops around, they are listed on most of the Internet Boating type sites as well as the major booksales sites. Also Intertec Publishing....They have a site too.... <br />Will let you know bout the coil after I get the pump done..Stopped troubleshooting until I get the temp down. ...Good luck..

 

[btmoyers]

Re: Help with new boat?

Oh Yeah..wanted to tell you I'm going thru Fairwinds Marina as Jason listed above...Just wanted to add that...later.

 

[btmoyers]

Re: Help with new boat?

sorry..but I wanted te give you this address Boatingsolutions.com...OK I'm done being a pain now...

 

[manowar]

Re: Help with new boat?

check your fuel and see if its fresh no water make sure you ratio your oil and fuel correctly

 

[cbob]

Re: Help with new boat?

Thanks Guys, especially to you Boat202. I have a friend who also told me that I will need a fly wheel puller to get my fly wheel off. I don't have a manual yet, and I want to check my points. I am an amateur's amateur, so I don't want to #$%k anything up. I would hate to make a bigger mess of what I already have. I will try to send some pictures to give you guys an idea of what I am working with. Thanks again.<br /><br />cbob

 

[Backlash]

Re: Help with new boat?

Hey Cbob,<br />Welcome to the board. If you click the link (Manuals) at the top of this page you can get the Clymer manual you need at a competitive price. Plus, you'll be helping the outfit that provides this forum. It's one of those "win win" situations. <br />Backlash

 

[cbob]

Re: Help with new boat?

Not to sound indecisive, but which manual? Selec's or Clymers? I use manuals best when they have detailed instructions. Pictures are good, but a description works better for me. Could I hear from owners of both types?

 

[cbob]

Re: Help with new boat?

I mean Seloc's...

 

[Backlash]

Re: Help with new boat?

Hey again Cbob,<br />You'll get plenty of argument on this one......but my personal preference is the Seloc manual. <br />Backlash

 

[harrison20002]

Re: Help with new boat?

cbob; Here's my two cents worth. First item a guy should get, after his boat is a manual. If you want a Clymers go to the site we're on at the top of the page or you can go to www.clymer.com. Ask for manual B750. It covers 3.5 to 140hp, 1966 to 1984 models.<br /><br />If your not sure of your year model holler for Fone-man. I don't know how he does it but I'll bet he could tell the age of my mother in law.<br /><br />I have two Chryslers [a 6.6 and a 9.9], this thread has walker me through rebuilding a lower unit and the overhaul of a powerhead. I have learned through this site to pay attention to your waterpump impeller. Change it when needed or every year or two. Several other good ideas is to change your lower unit lube, [use "marine" 80 or 90 weight], the auto lube will foam-up.<br /><br />I know this all sounds complicated but this "stuff" just boils down to common sense. Happy boating and welcome to iboats.com Hal. <br /><br />P.S. I didn't mention tuneups but with your "new" manual it's a snap. Just remember a 2 stroke is a different breed of Cat.

 

[cbob]

Re: Help with new boat?

You guys are TOPS! This is the first site I check when I get to work! LOL I appreciate all of the information. My kids are even excited that I finally am working on the boat. I will post some pics of my "project" to get more tips and tricks from everyone. I just wanted to thank everyone who has posted to this site and my question also. <br /><br />Have a great one. For those of you in Texas, enjoy the great day we're having. For those of you not in Texas, I hope the weather is cooperating with you.<br /><br />cbob<br /><br />Rev'em up but don't burn 'em out!

 

[cbob]

Re: Help with new boat?

Thanks Harrison, Backlash, Manowar, boat202, and norman158. I really appreciate the help and information. I can't post my pics for some reason. I'll work on it.<br /><br />cbob<br /><br />"Sometimes it is better to beg for forgiveness, <br />than ask for permission."