1978 Chrysler 140 problem

[blackmouth]

I have a 78 Chrysler 140 hp 2-stroke that was "short-blocked" about 3 years ago. Ran excellent until today when it stranded me. Has magna-power ignition. Saw spark when grounding plug on block, lots of fuel when choked, not even a sputter. The circuit breaker seemed like it had no spring, didn't want to jump it without knowing if I might hurt the ignition module etc. After trying to start it repeatedly (with fuel dripping out of both carbs when choked), noticed fuel/oil seeping out of the bottom unit. Any help out there?

• toml9@earthlink.net

 

[Trent]

Re: 1978 Chrysler 140 problem

If you got spark its not the module. How is the compression? <br /><br />We need more info. Did it just quit running? Or would not start after shutdown?

 

[blackmouth]

Re: 1978 Chrysler 140 problem

Trent, your quick reply is greatly appreciated. Died when idling down to pull the crab pots. Plugs were all clean and wet with fresh gas. I've read about people with no spark when the plug is in(some ground issue). I'm planning to look into it more tomorrow as it got dark and took 4 hours to motor in on the kicker. Assume that compression is ok at this point (50 hours after rebuild).....

 

[jwhite]

Re: 1978 Chrysler 140 problem

It's a chrysler, dont assume anything good

 

[blackmouth]

Re: 1978 Chrysler 140 problem

Do I detect some hostility toward chrysler's. It has been a great motor, except for it's appetite for fuel. Are they notorious for being bad?

 

[Terry H]

Re: 1978 Chrysler 140 problem

Blackmouth...Chryslers were state of the at the time they were built and many are still running, always will be...some people are just ignorant about outboard motors and like to show how much they don't know...just a Thought

 

[12Footer]

Re: 1978 Chrysler 140 problem

White's' comments asside, you should still assume nothing on a rebuilt powerhead. After all, most engines that fail prematurely, fail due to something overlooked in assmbly.<br />The compression test is the logical next step,regardless of manufacturer,or number of hours. Without good compression, the fuel pump wont pump, the engine wont draw enough fuel in of what WAS pumped, and the cylinder charge will not be adequate to provide any power off of what was drawn-in.<br />Sure, it could be a goofy carb,as the motor sat while being rebuilt. Or it could be water from the fuel tanks (which will look like fuel on the plugs).

 

[blackmouth]

Re: 1978 Chrysler 140 problem

Once again, wanting to thank everyone for their input. My compression tester (which hasn't seen the light of day in 15 years) is bad (tested it on my car). To clarify also, the motor has run perfect for the last 3 years,(rebuilt 3 years ago) and this was the first voyage after overwintering. Anyone know what the rpm's should read at WOT? I'll keep you posted on the progress...thanks

 

[rparten]

Re: 1978 Chrysler 140 problem

I have had the EXACT same problem with my Chrysler 115 2-stroke. To make matters worse, the engine seems to go dead only once a day. It will eventually restart and run flawlessly for the rest of each day. It will stop running right before it gets to full operating temp. I am absolutely baffled. I have tried plugs, wiring, starting fluid (I was desperate), key switch, everything. I suspect it's a coil issue as it's intermittant and temperature related. It has always ran perfectly at first. I have even had the boat in the shop but they weren't able to make it give out and they tested the ignintion and said it was very powerful (at that moment only obviously). If Blackmouth and I have the same issue, there must be someone that has solved this problem? Thanks in advance for any input at all.