'68 Chrysler 55hp Questions w/ Float adjustment and idle adjustment

[robrileyw]

I have a 68 55hp Chrysler model 5571 and I'm wondering where I can find a float for my carburetor? I was also wondering by any chance if anyone knew the correct float adjustment heights for right side up and upside down? There's a plastic float in there now, which I know is better than the old cork floats, but the plastic float has a plastic tab that can't be adjusted for the float height right side up....this worries me since whenever I go WOT it takes the boat a while to get up to full speed and seems rather boggy...I'm wondering if it could be related to improper float height w/ the plastic tab???

Also, whenever I'm out on the water with it after having it run for a good while and sitting...whenever I go to start it, it won't completely crank over and run until i adjust my idle speed up a bit, it does seem to run better with idle speed turned up but then causes to jump into forward gear rather rough...I'm wondering why this is and to be honest I haven't changed my lower gear unit in about three years so what would be the best lower unit gear for this old Chrysler?

Any help at all to my plethora of questions would be greatly appreciated...and just to mention Im new to boat engines in general, but have done quite a bit of work on cars.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: '68 Chrysler 55hp Questions w/ Float adjustment and idle adjustment

I never bought a rebuild kit, but I guess a float comes with it. If you can't find a kit at iboats, try an outboard site. Floats were the same for ALL Chrysler and Force larger carbs. If you can find an old carb off anthing from 35 on up to 150hp, Chrysler or Force, the float will fit and work. Most used the black foam type float and some used a white plastic. SO: On line you could look for a rebuild kit (if you only need the float) for a Force 50 through 150 hp engine. If you want a specific float or kit, try franzmarine@aol.com.

Now: When you invert the carb, the float should be set so it is parallel to the casting body. Right side up, it should be set to drop and stop so it clears the brass high speed jet. While the drop can not be set on the plastic floats, there still should be a metal tab at the needle that can be bent to set inverted height.

If float height is too low, the engine will run lean which could cause performance problems and damage.

Some of these engines are a little fussy to start, especially if out of adjustment. Your statement that you need to raise the idle speed to start tells me that you do not know correct starting procedure. To start cold or when the engine is fussy, you first pull out the silver knob on the control box. This locks out the shift. Then you advance the control lever as far as it will go. This advances timing a couple of degrees and cracks open the throttle. This is called warm-up or high idle. For cold starts, pust the key in and hold while turning to start position. This chokes the engine. For warm starts simply turn the key to start. After the engine starts and is warm, pull the control back to neutral and push in the silver button. Now the engine will shift as you push forward the control handle.

 

[robrileyw]

Re: '68 Chrysler 55hp Questions w/ Float adjustment and idle adjustment

Man, I feel like an idiot..i've been wondering for a long time what the silver knobs function was..and the float is definitely not parallel to the casting body once upside down (it seems to be at a 80 degree angle instead of 90 degrees)...either way i will make the adjustment and I really appreciate all of the knowledge you shared. Thanks again!

 

[LT_Dan]

Re: '68 Chrysler 55hp Questions w/ Float adjustment and idle adjustment

Hey Rob, did messing with the tab on the float fix your motor running too lean or too rich? i have a '67 chrysler 20 hp and mine seems to be running rich, it idles fine just the carb keeps spouting fuel out of the overflow.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: '68 Chrysler 55hp Questions w/ Float adjustment and idle adjustment

Lt dan, your needle seat is not set up right.
http://rapidshare.com/files/453372553/Force_Outboards_1984-99.pdf Here's a manual link that should show how to set up the carbs.
If that link doesn't work.send me a PM with your e-mail and I'll send it.

It should also give basic carb settings for initial starting.

 

[willieandralphsdad]

Re: '68 Chrysler 55hp Questions w/ Float adjustment and idle adjustment

When you refer to silver knob on the control box, are you referencing the knop that has 3 settings and is connected to a white black and red wire assembly w/ a round ring at the end of the red wire? If so, where does that ring go, and where should the black and white wires touch?

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: '68 Chrysler 55hp Questions w/ Float adjustment and idle adjustment

Start another thread with pics.
The silver knob is on the shifter box.It's not connected to any wires.
It's usually pulled out so the shifter can be advanced to raise the idle without putting the shifter in gear.

 

[willieandralphsdad]

Re: '68 Chrysler 55hp Questions w/ Float adjustment and idle adjustment

I don't seem to have that silver knob. I think what I was referencing above connects the battery to the running lights. I have another thread where I've been posting but Franks advice here caught my eye. Ill post some photos on the other thread if I can.