Overheating '68 Chrysler 55 h.p.

[ruckerra36]

Replaced the impeller 4 months ago, new plugs and she runs great. Today, she overheated to the point the motor stopped and was smoking. I was stranded in the middle of the lake...

The lower unit is off a 72 motor.

What should I look at?

 

[treemaker]

Re: Overheating '68 Chrysler 55 h.p.

Thermostat.

 

[Skiwi]

Re: Overheating '68 Chrysler 55 h.p.

Replaced the impeller 4 months ago, new plugs and she runs great. Today, she overheated to the point the motor stopped and was smoking. I was stranded in the middle of the lake...

The lower unit is off a 72 motor.

What should I look at?

Whew! if you got it smoking you will need to check multipile items.

Check compression, check head and gaskets, check water flow, check thermostat, check water-pump and impeller.

Does it still turn over? Does it start/run, if so is water coming out the tell-tale?

Sorry if it seems I have more questions than answers, but the more information you supply then more accurate the answers from fellow members is likely to be.

 

[ruckerra36]

Re: Overheating '68 Chrysler 55 h.p.

*FIXED*

Thanks for the help. Before I did a total tear down of the engine before overhaul, I had a stroke of brilliance.

Compression: within 5 lbs between cylinders.

Impeller, I wish I had a camera..... The rubber separated from the brass ring. So, the brass ring would spin and the rubber impeller would just sit there like my old fat ex-wife (not that I'm bitter).

$30.00 Not bad, gotta admit, this is one tough little motor. I spent all summer on this boat and don't even have $600 in it including gas.

Again, thanks for all your help. I'm going to the lake!

 

[wickware]

Re: Overheating '68 Chrysler 55 h.p.

Was the impeller a standard brand? Why do you feel it separated? Is this common to happen occasionally? Thanks for any info to add to my troubleshooting notes. JOW

PS. The EX wife comment was too hard on my laughing!!

 

[ruckerra36]

Re: Overheating '68 Chrysler 55 h.p.

Yes it was a standard brand. I've got a replacement. I've heard from other people that sometimes this happens. But, like grandpa always said, keep it simple and start with the cheapest item first and work your way up if required.

Don't be afraid of an older motor, very easy to work on. Wish my Harley was this simple.

 

[bman1bpm]

Re: Overheating '68 Chrysler 55 h.p.

Don't be afraid of an older motor, very easy to work on. Wish my Harley was this simple.

hahaha, but that would put the dealer out of business because everyone would do their own work!

 

[wickware]

Re: Overheating '68 Chrysler 55 h.p.

ruckerra36, Did you have a tell-tale or will you be installing a tell-tale? I never thought one could be so simple to install and so helpful.. I probably need to shorten my clear tube or use a stiffer tube to force my stream straight out more. JOW

 

[ruckerra36]

Re: Overheating '68 Chrysler 55 h.p.

Dude!!!!

I never thought of doing that!!!!


Fantastic idea. you are DA MAN!!!!

 

[capri1600]

Re: Overheating '68 Chrysler 55 h.p.

Check out the "Sticky" at the beginning of this forum. The Tell-Tale is well documented and once you have one on your engine, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it. It's super simple, super great way to monitor the condition of your water pump. Did I mention what a good idea it is?