Chrysler 35hp Starting problems

[Ontheweekend]

I just purchased an old elec start 35hp, was told it was running fine but I cant get it to fire other than a splutter from the exhaust every now and then. The starter is strong and cranks well. Checked the plugs and they were quite muddy, cleaned up and still no change. Checked the plugs again a few cranks later and they were quite muddy again. Using premix 50:1<br /><br />One thing I didnt do was swap the leads, assumed the owner didnt switch them so will try this tomorrow. Other than that there is a small water leak from the exhaust gasket....would this be getting into the cylinders or is it just a water jacket leak?<br /><br />The oil on the plugs is dark but not jet black more very dark grey....is that normal?<br /><br />I do believe the engine was starting and running fine last week....any suggestions? Compression is 105 on both cylinders and kill switch is off.<br /><br />Any help appreciated.<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />Peter

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Chrysler 35hp Starting problems

The motor has a electric choke that is engaged by pushing the key in. When you do this you should here an audible click. That motor is a bear to start without the choke.<br /><br />The water leak you mentioned. Is this coming from the port side near where all the electrical wiring is?

 

[Ontheweekend]

Re: Chrysler 35hp Starting problems

Its a push button start on the controls not key start and only has a manual choke at the front which I pulled out so the butterfly closes on the carb.<br /><br />Peter

 

[Ontheweekend]

Re: Chrysler 35hp Starting problems

The water leak is between the metal exhaust gasget and the other gasket pressed to that on the top of the powerhead. Its only a small leak yes on port side.<br /><br />Peter

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Chrysler 35hp Starting problems

compression numbers seem low but you did it on a cold motor so it may be okay. First thing I would do is buy a set of championL82C spark plugs. Probably about 2 bucks a piece. advance the throttle as far forward as you can get it while it is in neutral and try and fire it with choke engaged. Make sure primer bulb is hard first. If it dont start try spraying gas mix into the carb through the choke butterflys engage the choke and see if you can get it to cough. If no cough I would check for spark.<br />My chrysler you cant reverse the leads very easy from the way they are tied. When spark testing do it in a dark area so you can verify a good blue spark and that you can jump the spark at least 3/8 inch. also look for any arching anwhere else on the motor.<br /><br />The leak you are seeing. Short story. I took my exhaust gaskets off my 37 year old chrysler and three bolts broke. I broke two easy outs and used a half can of pb blaster and could not get them out Had to drill out, use JB Weld and re tap the JB weld. One screw I could not torque down without busting up the tapped JB weld. Ended up jb welding the whole screw to the motor to stop the leak. The gaskets for the port side are cheap about 15 bucks total. However if one or more of them bolts break you are screwed. If motor runs good and compression is good you might want to consider taking it apart.

 

[Ontheweekend]

Re: Chrysler 35hp Starting problems

Will let you know how I go, thanks for the advice mate very helpful.<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />Peter

 

[Ontheweekend]

Re: Chrysler 35hp Starting problems

How silly I feel, swapped the spark leads and it fired first go. Thanks heaps for your help.<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />Peter