Timing 55 hp Chrysler

[jaboatman]

I hope someone can help me I have a 55hp Chrysler outboard and after many looks at it and much help from people who know more than me I believe that the timing is off. It is so bad I am told that one cylinder is not firing, anyways how do I time this engine and do I need special tools? I have found many posting on this but they are all written in mechanics language I just need simple instructions if there is such a thing my engine does have a timing mark still on it. Thanks everyone.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Timing 55 hp Chrysler

We need the year or model# and ser#. If it's not firing on one cylinder it's probably not out of time but needs a tune up.Points and condenser.Possibly a coil.
Do a compression and spark test.Post your results.What cylinder isin't firing?
Top or bottom.
Fill out the profile,you might be close to someone who can help.
While your at it check out the fuel system.Ethanol is a BUGGER.J

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: Timing 55 hp Chrysler

Since you didn't list your specs.
I'm just going to assume you have a 1970 Chrysler 55hp (Just like mine).

For timing (points) adjustment.

1. Disconnect your battery.
2. Remove flywheel
3. Rotate engine by hand
4. You'll see a small cam (on the shaft where the flywheel was) where the point open and close.
5. On this cam you may have a mark. If you don't use the highest point of the cam.
6. Put your engine at full throttle. (WOT = Wide Open Throttle)
7. Rotate engine till the Points follower is at this mark or highest point.
8. Set to type of engine you have.
   1. .020 for magneto engine
   2. .015 for coil engine (someone double check this)
9. Rotate engine 1/2 turn to the 2nd Point. Set as above.

Without the actual timing tool for these engines, this is how it will be done.

It was stated earlier, you need to find out if you are sparking on both cylinders. If you aren't or it's intermittent. Then you have a coil, point or condenser problem. If the points looks good (file then before you get the gap) my bet would be the condensers.

 

[wickware]

Re: Timing 55 hp Chrysler

My 1970, 35 HP Chrysler's Magnieto System points have worked well with minimal cleaning since 1985. If I ever see they are pitted/burned vs grime that will sand or file off, I?ll change them. I?ll usually clean them w/o removing them but I will check the gap. The cleaning will usually take care of minor problems (hesitating from a burst, poor idle, lack of or dropping WOT, etc). I have owned the motor since 1985 and h/n touched the timing. I did establish timing marks and used an inductive timing light ??? in #1 plug?s circuit to if the timing was advancing and it was. This was "For Kicks" since the motor was running OK and I had no specs.

Pitted or burned points usually indicated a condenser problem during my 1970s VW Days if the gap was set correct.

JOW

 

[jaboatman]

Re: Timing 55 hp Chrysler

Thanks for the help guys

The motor has spark on both plugs but I believe only one cylinder is firing if I could get it to run long enough I could tell you witch one. When it does run good I only seem to get half throttle or speed not very technical I hope that makes since. I thought it was a gas issue but I have cleaned the carb and fuel pump and rebuilt them both and it is doing the exact same thing. I noticed after checking things out that the shear pin was broke I replaced it on the prop and someone was telling me that if the engine took a hard hit then the timimg might have gone off a bit making it run like it is. Thanks any advice is greatly appriciated. PS someone else checked my compression for me as I do not have a gage and told me that they were o.k. I don't have numbers though.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Timing 55 hp Chrysler

If the compression is good(you really need numbers) and it has spark,you don't need to remove the flywheel. Then I'd check the diaphram first.Then the reeds and finnaly the fuel recirc system.
Have you set the low speed air screw and the idle?J

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: Timing 55 hp Chrysler

Check for spark.

2 ways..

#1 (fun way)
Get a case a beer and have some fun,
Pull the upper spark plug wire. have a buddy put his finger over the spark plug boot, Crank the engine. If he yelps, your good. Do this on the next one...

All kidding aside.

If you have a timing light or access to one. Clip it to the plug wire. Crank and try to start. The light should flash. Do this for both wires.
If you don't have a timing light, Pull the wire and stick the end of a screw driver into the plug wire boot. Holding the plastic handle, hold the screwdriver shaft about 1/4 inch away from the spark plug. You should see a spark jump.

Which ever wire doesn't have spark is your suspect cylinder.


Do this in water, barrel or lake.

While you are trying to start, have someone squeeze the primer bulb and make sure your fuel tank vent is open.

 

[jaboatman]

Re: Timing 55 hp Chrysler

Hey Guys Thanks Again

I have spark on both plugs when pulled and laid againt metal. I don't know if that is good enough I have set the carb idle screw to 1 1/4 turns also tryed 1 and 1 1/2 with no differene. The fuel pump may be messed up but I don't know how to test that theory. All I know for sure is that the motor starts hard and only runs at half speed. I thought fuel issue but after cleaning carb and fuel pump twice with rebulding kits and no difference I have no idea.

Thanks,

Someone said timing so I don't know when it does run it sounds like maybe one cylinder is down I am not sure just doesn't sound right.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Timing 55 hp Chrysler

With out a good compression test and a good spark test.We are only guessing.
Spark gap testers $5.99 at Auto Zone Compression testers $22 at Auto Zone.
Get a comp tester that screws in.
Ethanol is delaminating the rubber in older hoses.It might be a problem.J

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: Timing 55 hp Chrysler

When the motor dies, is there a puddle of fuel sitting on the inlet of the carb?
Could be flooding out. Carb rebuild.

Might want to buy a new fuel pump kit. I've heard of people having distored gaskets making engine running funny. Could even have a tear into it...

Lets test the tear theory.
Shake up your fuel tank. Pull a bit out and put it in a spray bottle. When it's running at 1/2 throttle. Cut to idle, when it starts to die use the spray bottle and spray in the carb. If the engine fires up, it's probably a bad carb or fuel pump.

If it doesn't make a difference, then you have an ignition problem.