1983 55hp timing

[eastcoastitalian]

i have a 1983 chrysler 55hp,2 carb set up, with the prestolite cd ignition and i had a few timing question i thought someone might know?i just did a rebuild on the engine so i have to redo the timing.the clymer manual says to put the trigger in the full retard position while cranking with a timing light aimed at the marks and it should be at 2 degrees btdc.question,would full retard be meaning to loosen the the idle bolt on the tower and turn the trigger back as far as possible?also i'm assuming the timing on this engine would be performed with the spark plugs in,the same as you would a car engine?thanks in advance for any help in clearing this up.

 

[Nordin]

Re: 1983 55hp timing

Yes, you should loosen the idlebolt soo you get the towershaft full retarded and no you should not have the plugs in. Ground out the plugs or ground out the hightensioncables. Set the maximum timingadvance to 28-30dgr. This because of the fuel of today. The engine will do better with a timingadvance retard about 2-4dgr as recommended in the 70-80s.
You have to adjust the idlespeed after this and do a link and sync too. Have in mind, DO NOT SET the mixtureneedles leaner then 1 turn out form lightly seated.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1983 55hp timing





Take the plugs out and ground the leads.If you just removed the electronics and didn't completly dismantle the parts. Then you should be real close to the correct timing.
Pics of the flywheel and the hash marks.
I'd like to see a pic of the dual carbs,J

 

[Nordin]

Re: 1983 55hp timing

jerryjerry a question, why do you want a pic of the carbs? I have two of those engine typ, a 1976 55Hp and a 1977 65Hp both with the MAG II ign-system. I also have a spare setup of carbs with manifold and a powerhead with carbs but without the ign.system and flywheel.
I can fix pics if you want.

 

[eastcoastitalian]

Re: 1983 55hp timing


ok,i think i get this.the manual calls for full retard position to be at 2 degree btdc and fully advance to be at 32 degree btdc so in order to get the fully advance position to be at 30 degree btdc instead i should be looking for 0 degree btdc at full retard position intead of the 2 degree? so lowering the full retard position by the 2 degree should in theory lower the total advance setting by 2 degree also?i've tried this with the idle bolt backed all the way out so the trigger assy. is as far back as it can possibly be moved and eeven with the timing adjuster"threaded rod between the red and black bearings" turned out as far as it will go cockwise"which is as far advanced as it will adjust" still puts me at -4 degree btdc?? the only way i can get 0 degree btdc is by turning in the idle screw a few turns to advance it a bit more? the fuel pump is missing in the pic's. i'm waiting on gaskets and valves for it right now should be here in a few days.i have both plugs out and leads grounded,will it affect the timing adjustment because of the fuel pump being removed?? the motor is a model #559v3s. i forgot to add that in the last post.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1983 55hp timing



Jerry: The later versions look like their big daddy. This one is either an 82 or 84--I forget which. Earlier versions looked mor like the single carb 55 with the same 10 3/8 thrust pin props. They were made in 55, 60, and 65 HP versions. They had a 3.375 bore, 2.80 stroke, longer rods, Bigger big end bearings and wrist pins, and a well designed "packed" block. They had separate equal length exhaust runners. Really the epitome of crossflow design and I wish Chrysler had continued this design into the big engines.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1983 55hp timing

The timing at full retard is NOT critical. Best to forget it and time the engine at wide open throttle. THAT is the important number. It should be at 28 degrees at cranking as the timing will advance 2 degrees when running. Running at Wide open throttle, timing would be 30 degrees BTDC. TOO much advance can lead to pre-ignition and detonation which will destroy the pistons.

Timig at idle can vary depending upon the speed at which the idle is set, pitch of the prop, and general engine condition---forget about it because there is NO compensation. Change idle timing and you will change the wide open throttle timing. Time the engine at WOT, then set the idle stop screw so the engine idles in the water, in forward gear, at 700-750 RPM.

How did you rebuild the engine? No pistons are available for it. Did you find a couple laying around in someone's workshop?

 

[eastcoastitalian]

Re: 1983 55hp timing

ok,i will just worry about wot then,it was'nt a complete rebuild,the pistons where still in like new shape,replaced the crank,bearings and seals.there is a place here in FL though that does reproduce the internals for these engines,including pistons. i can'nt think of the name of it off hand,but i'll post back when i find it.thank you for all the help with this.

 

[Nordin]

Re: 1983 55hp timing

The different between my 55 and 65 Hp is the lower unit. I also have had two 60Hp (they were intruduced in 1974, the 55Hp in 1976) and they had the same LU as the 55Hp. This unit is similar to the early 35, 45 and 55Hp. The 65Hp has a lager (onepiece unit) LU similar to the 3 and 4 cyl. engines.
The powerheads are identical.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1983 55hp timing

Looks like the 85 with a cylinder cut off.
Never saw a twin carb 55. Had one with a single.
I might have the manual, will have to go look.
If I do I'll post the procedures.
I see the flywheel only has 2 hash marks.