Chrysler 55 Stopped running

Joined
Jul 28, 2003
Messages
15
I was out on the lake running this 1969 55hp chrysler. The motor had been running for about an hour when I throttled down and the motor quit. I tried to restart and turning the key did nothing. I waited about a minute and tried again and I was able to get it started but I could not keep it running without choking it off and on. I waited about 20 minutes and was able to get it running for about 2 minutes before it repeated the problem. First boat so any help would be appreciated. Thanks
 

KelseyK

Seaman
Joined
Jun 25, 2003
Messages
54
Re: Chrysler 55 Stopped running

If you need any parts for this engine let me know I am parting mine out.<br /><br />kelsey.sarah@shaw.ca
 

eurolarva

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 24, 2003
Messages
4,182
Re: Chrysler 55 Stopped running

Welcome to Iboats seasprite2112. The first thing I would check is that you are shooting water out the back when your engine is running. Sounds to me like your water pump impeller might have gone out. When this happens your motor gets real hot and will kill on you. After about 20 minutes it might cool down enough to get it started but will still be real hot. Give it a day to cool off. Hook up water muffs or put it in a garbage can full of water or take it to the lake and start it while on trailer with lower unit in lake. Look out the rear and see if you see water coming out the water hole about 6 inches below the power head. If no water comes out after about 30 seconds you have a problem with your water pump.<br /><br />It could be something else but this has happened to me with my chrysler. If water is coming out the back chances are there could be a fuel problem or an electrical problem. My guess is fuel and the fix will probably be under 50 bucks. After you check that water pump find this post and give us your results. Someone will be here to help.
 
Joined
Jul 28, 2003
Messages
15
Re: Chrysler 55 Stopped running

Thanks, I had this hooked up in a garbage can and water would be coming out of the hole, however it wasn't coming in a steady stream but kind of an intermittant spray. I took the cowl off when I was on the lake and didn't smell anything like a hot motor. Thjis boat sat for about 5 years before I got it so I was thinking its a carb problem or fuel pump. Another question <br /><br />I can't figue out where to attach the muffs, I don't have what I consider intake holes anywhere on this unit. The only thing I found is after I take it out of the can there is a hole almost on the bottom of the lower unit that has water dribbling out . Is this it?<br /><br />Thanks
 

scotiany

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 3, 2002
Messages
749
Re: Chrysler 55 Stopped running

IMHO, if anything sounds like a fuel problem, this is it. You could have bad fuel tank, bad hose, bad fuel pump, and/or gummmed up carb. I'd guess that less than $50 worth of parts could cure your problems.
 

eurolarva

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 24, 2003
Messages
4,182
Re: Chrysler 55 Stopped running

scotiany has the same motor as you do. My 45 has a different intake for water. Dont know how you hook up muffs. <br />I would rebuild carb and fuel pump. I believe the NAPA numbers are 18-7806 for the fuel pump ($8.69) and 18-7037 carb kit ($14.88). Get new plugs while you are there Champion L82C ($1.85 each). These plugs replaced the L4J plugs that no longer exist. Might want to put new fuel lines on all connections at a buck a foot. Dump all gas and mix fresh. Make sure when you are not using your boat you keep vent screw on tank closed and use stabilizer when storing over winter. Also make sure you fog motor before putting it away for winter. I did all this to my motor and what a difference. Ran like brand new.<br /><br />scotiany will need to tell you about the amount of water coming out the back and how to hook up muffs.<br /><br />Good Luck
 
Joined
Jul 28, 2003
Messages
15
Re: Chrysler 55 Stopped running

Thanks for the help. I ordered the parts today and will get them tomorrow. I have decided to replace all the fuel lines and the tank as well. I figure this will solve this issue and if it doesnt then I can at least take these factors out of the equation. By the way what do you mean by fogging the engine.
 

scotiany

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 3, 2002
Messages
749
Re: Chrysler 55 Stopped running

I don't know where you'd get muffs for that engine.I borrowed some back in the '70s- they were homemade. I just use a garbage can. At idle, the water should be sort of like spitting out. At cruise, it will be a small variable flow. Remember, at cruise most of your exhaust water is going through the motor leg. The water pump is a positive displacement pump at low speed and a centrifugal pump at high speed.<br />Another part that will improve performance is points. They're under the flywheel. Not too hard to replace. I got a complete set( with condensers) at boatingsolutions.com .<br />Walmart had 6 gallon tanks for $15. They also have the male and female hose QDs. Use some teflon tape when installing QD into new tank.
 

Fouled Plug

Ensign
Joined
Jun 29, 2001
Messages
935
Re: Chrysler 55 Stopped running

Seasprite, marine shops carry an aerosol product called 'fogging oil' for storing outboards. When you're ready to put it up for the season, grab a can and follow the directions. It protects all of the expen$ive bits inside from corrosion.
 
Joined
Jul 28, 2003
Messages
15
Re: Chrysler 55 Stopped running

Thanks<br /><br />What a great website, I have experience with 2-stroke motorcycles from years past but was a little leary about working on my outboard. Thanks for all the great advice.
 

eurolarva

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 24, 2003
Messages
4,182
Re: Chrysler 55 Stopped running

When you go to iboats.com click on chrysler. There will be all kinds of areas of past posts concerning your motor. I bet I have spent at least 20 hours reading them. They give you ideas you never thought of and help you understand your manual better. I went to fleet farm and bought a can of marine fogging oil for about 3 bucks. Do a search on chrysler fogging and you will find out how to do it. It will be your last voyage of the year and it is easiest to do it on the lake once you have disconnected your gas line while your motor is running.
 
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