1968 Chrysler 55 HP Timing Question

[scooterbunky]

I’ll be as quick as possible. I have, what I believe to be; a 1968 (Model 55771) Chrysler 55HP I’m trying to get back up and running. I’m at the point of timing the motor so here are my questions:
1. What is the point gap for this motor (.020 or .015)?
2. Where should the line on the fly wheel be pointing when motor is at top dead center (TDC)?
3. Should the lines on the points/condenser plate and base line up at TDC or 32 degrees below TDC?
see pictures below.

 

[wickware]

I have 1970, 35 HP Chrysler that is said to be the same as a 55HP with short leg and single carb. Pleast check the carb info that will be listed.

1. The major differences are piston, bore, stroke and carbs.
2. If you will search Wickware you should find all of this info shared from Frank (deceased) and Nordin (not on the board lately).
3. All of the info on points and timing will be there from the Clymer Manual (.020 on points and 32 deg timing sounds correct).
4. “Lightly oil the point’s wics. My problem was too much oil contaminated my points vs not ever burning them.
5. My 35HP had coils under the fly wheel vs as yours. The flywheel can be a Bear w/o d good puller. Flywheel torque should be listed in info.
6. I know or hope you have checked the oil and impeller in the lower and know to stay from the “Pivot Pin Screw vs oil drain (I covered mine with silicone).
7. I’ll hope to look back for any questions that are not in my info shared from Frank, Nordin and my Clymer manual. Please mention if it will be days later.

 

[scooterbunky]

W.W.,
Thanks for the quick response. I just set the points to .020 and still no spark. I did change the starter and she’s turning over like new. How would I test the condensers? I used the pencil in the top cylinder trick to get TDC or close to it and counted out the teeth to get roughly 32 degrees BTDC (8 out of 83). I did have to convert the motor to a short shaft for my boat so i installed a new impeller and seals...

 

[jbuote]

Absolutely NOT a pro here, but one thing stuck out a bit.
I'm going to guess you did, but just to ask the question anyway.

Did you also clean the points when you set them?
fine file or emery cloth?

If points weren't cleaned off, they may not be working even if proper gap is set.

I'm sure you knew that... LOL

$0.02

 

[scooterbunky]

I cleaned them with a small thin piece of cardboard

 

[jerryjerry05]

Cardboard?
You need an abrasive.
Even 100g sandpaper will work.