Chrysler 55 Starter won't engage

[MurDog]

My 1974 55Hp 555BG Serial 3178 hasn't run for a two years. Prior to that it had been submerged and then revived to working condition. After charging the battery, cleaning terminals and reconnecting a loose screw on the neutral switch, turning the key only causes a loud click. Sounds like the solenoid engaging, but the starter does not move. I took apart the starter and cleaned it up but am unsure how to test it. Any suggestions?

 

[scotiany]

Re: Chrysler 55 Starter won't engage

Question, is it a Prestolite starter?

 

[MurDog]

Re: Chrysler 55 Starter won't engage

Yes,it is.

 

[JB]

Re: Chrysler 55 Starter won't engage

Did you clean all of the terminals in the starter high current circuit? <br /><br />As little as 1 ohm resistance in a cable connection can cause the symptoms you describe.<br /><br />Go to Engine FAQ and do the starter circuit troubleshooting in "Outboard wont start".<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Chrysler 55 Starter won't engage

Hello Murdog. When you took the starter apart did you see a lot of corrosion or rust? Are the brushes approx the same size and have a nice curve to them? Look at the brushes closly. If they are pitted or have groves in them lightly file them. Assembling this can be a bear because of the springs connecting to the brushes. Some starters have a cheat hole that you can use a paper clip however I dont think yours does. You may have to use monofiliment line to hold the brushes. One of the brushes should ohm out to the starter chasis and the other to the positive lug. Also before assembling it make sure the armature where the brushes come in contact are clean, After you have it assembled turn it by hand. It should turn smoothly with no noise. If motor spins but spins backwards you have either the brushes connected backwards or the magnets are upside down. Hope this helps.

 

[scotiany]

Re: Chrysler 55 Starter won't engage

Don't know much about starters but, I probably have the same starter. Mine's giving me trouble too. I'm going to bring it in to a starter repair place in Syracuse for a rebuild. I think they were made here. Wish I could be of more help. The Seloc manual for Chrysler has a detailed section on starter repair. But, I wouldn't know where to get parts.

 

[MurDog]

Re: Chrysler 55 Starter won't engage

Thanks everyone for your quick replies. I will have to look more closely at the starter and specifically the brushes. Not sure of the direction the motor turns but might be both ways. I think I cleaned all my other connections but will recheck. It will be a week before I get back to the boat. Many thanks.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Chrysler 55 Starter won't engage

The flywheel on the motor turns clockwise when you look down on it which would mean the starter gear will need to turn counter clockwise when looking down on it.

 

[MurDog]

Re: Chrysler 55 Starter won't engage

Thanks eurolarva. I understand your Minnesocold name after living in "Winterpeg" Manitoba for two years.

 

[MurDog]

Re: Chrysler 55 Starter won't engage

I cleaned the brushes and the starter now works fine. I also solved a long-standing problem sith the choke solenoid not working; it was a bad ignition switch. Many thanks.