1976 55HP Chrysler -- a missing problem.

[turtle1173]

Hello all,<br /><br /> Let me first say how great you all are. You all have been such a great help to me and so many others.<br /><br /> I start my engine up and it warms up nicely. Shift her into gear and she goes good. However, sometimes, as I increase the throttle, it misses, misses, & then misses some more before finally "catching" on the second cylinder. Then it runs great.<br /><br /> Other times it won't "catch" and only hits on the one cylinder. I've got it narrowed down to the bottom cylinder (I think). The other day I was out and was having this problem. After I went to the "bait catching" hole (on both cylinders), I went then to the fishing hole. She wouldn't hit on 2 for anything. Just every once in a while she would "try" for a second or two but then back to 1. I made it to the fishing hole that way. On the way back to the ramp, it continued. Finally I decided to change the plugs. I took the bottom plug out (it wasn't coated with oil or anything) and replaced it. Started her up and ran full board to the ramp with no problem.<br /><br /> I try this frequently with similar results. I wouldn't think my plugs would be going bad every other trip, would they? What gives??<br /><br />Shane

 

[12Footer]

Re: 1976 55HP Chrysler -- a missing problem.

I would check the compression first,Shane.<br />The plugs should give us an indication of what is missing in the gas/air/fire equation...And even tell us if water has entered the equation thru a leaking head gasket or manifold. If the #2 plug looks very very clean,this is not nesecarily a good sign. It could mean water getting into the cylinder. tHis would also explain the effects of sitting (water vaporises,drying-out) and then,firing again. A compression test may reveal the problem.<br />Then again, if you don't find it low, but the plug shows signs of being steam-cleaned, you will want to open the exaust port,and inspect and replace the gaskets. (u have to replace them to check them ,sorry to say).<br />It could be a reed hanging open ,bad coil or trigger too. But we may have a 12-step program going on, so I won't rush the caidance.

 

[Terry H]

Re: 1976 55HP Chrysler -- a missing problem.

Turtle...I would definately be checking to see if the bottom carb is operating properly. If the carb is plugged you could be running lean and possibly do some damage to the lower cylinder. If a compression check is good, then rebuild the carb...just a thought

 

[turtle1173]

Re: 1976 55HP Chrysler -- a missing problem.

Alright, I have checked the compression and at WOT it is 169 & 165 (Top & bottom cylinder). I guess that is pretty good from what I understand.<br /><br /> What should I look at next? Both plugs had some oil on them when I removed them for the compression test. Let me ask you this: Both of my coils are cracked some. Could this be the problem? I noticed one cracked some a month ago but the other one looked fine. Remember this is just looking at the one side of the coil that I can see. Now they are both cracked and the first one looks worse than before. They are both cracked on the same end (where the spark plug wire attaches). It isn't cracked where they plug in but just on that far end. Is there any test that can be performed without a PHD in Coil management?<br /><br />Thought101, this unit only has 1 carb. It would probably idle better with 2 however <br /><br />Thanks,<br />Shane

 

[norman158]

Re: 1976 55HP Chrysler -- a missing problem.

shane puty the water muffs on and run it at night with the hood off while watching the coils for spark jumping from the cracks to ground

 

[turtle1173]

Re: 1976 55HP Chrysler -- a missing problem.

Is that the best way to tell if I am having coil problems? I'll have to try that but that sure will wake up the neighborhood <br /><br /> What about the spark plug wires? Is there a way to tell if they are perhaps shorting out? Do the wires unplug from the coil?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Shane