74 MagnaPower 55hp starter issue

[The69'er]

Ok I have a 1974 MagnaPower 55HP The starter is bad I already did all the tests an checks I just need to know if anyone can point me where to find a new one, everything I read and researched told me to check out different sites and people I have done all that still nothing. The starter is a Prestolite 4002b-12V I have found sites with cross models. I have had the ARCO starter in my hand everything looks great BUT the starter sleeve? cylinder on starter sorry not sure tech name it is longer then mine. Therefor the mounting brackets if used will not line up with bolt holes. And there is no other way to mount it. I am wondering if i should get the starter and just machine the top bracket down so that the bolt holes will line up. This is my very first boat an after puchasing the motor for $200 I found out chrysler was not the way to go. But the motor ran great when I first bought it. starter worked amazing

 

[tater76]

Re: 74 MagnaPower 55hp starter issue

Don't buy into the Bad hype of Chrysler/Force. There are plenty of parts and advice if you look hard enough. If you want a starter look at other similar models, as the block of the 55 didn't change much over the years. I have a 73 55hp Chrysler, a 85 50hp force, and about a dozen other force/ chrysler parts motors. I can tell you my 1973 and 1985 starters interchange, so don't get discouraged just yet If you cannot find one let me know.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 74 MagnaPower 55hp starter issue

Is your 55 a dual carb engine? If so, that is a different starter than any other Chrysler or Force engine. It has several tabs welded to the case and these bolt to the block. If it is and you need one, send me a private message.

OMC used a similar starter but the welded tabs were slightly different and althoug it looked the same, it would not fit.

Yeah, Chrysler engines can be difficult to get parts. On the other hand, most run well, they are cheap to buy, easy to repair and generally a good engine. I won't buy anything for myself other than a Chrysler or early Force engine.

And, by the way: if you do have a dual carb 55, that engine was completely redesigned by Chrysler and is one amazing piece of work. WAY better than the single carb 55 or Force 50.

 

[The69'er]

Re: 74 MagnaPower 55hp starter issue

I was lucky enough to do some research and found out ARCO makes one that will push harder then the prestolite and the only thing i had to do was modify the bottom bracket just slot the holes. And I was lucky enough to find another 55 HP Chrysler not sure the motor but it runs but runs rough, BUT the price is only $75 so I am picking that up for parts and possible back up motor. What does the magnapower actually mean? Frank I seen you were in PA where abouts? I am in NE Ohio near Youngstown. Do you know a lot about these motors, and where you can take the motors for servicing?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 74 MagnaPower 55hp starter issue

I live in the Southeastern part of Pa, near Philly.

Chrysler used the term Magna-Power loosely on a number of different igniton systems, and it is basically a marketing hype. It is an electronic capacitor discharge ignition, (thus CD box) but the one that is acknowledged to be a poor ignition is the Magna-Power II. This has the electronics under the flywheel. It was used on some 55s, 105s and 120 engines. It failed so regularly that Chrysler designed a retro-fit kit to older Motorola Magna-Power ignitions and replaced and failed Magna-Power II systems under warranty.

Since almost no one wants to work on Chrysler and Force engines and since those that will usually don't know squat about them, I do all my work myself. I also rebuild outboards in my spare time for other people. They come to me by word of mouth.

Do I know a lot about these engines? Well, yes. I can practically rebuild a Chrysler blindfolded. Indeed, somtimes when I am concentrating on a knotty part i will close my eyes.

 

[The69'er]

Re: 74 MagnaPower 55hp starter issue

Hmm I think I might have the Magna-Power 2 then when I look under the flywheel I see windings under there... Is that the 1 or 2? If its still the original is there anyhting I can do to change it

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 74 MagnaPower 55hp starter issue

With magna Power II you will not only see windings, you will also see the module which looks solid. It should also say M-P II on the engine cover.If you do not have an external CD box, then it is a pretty good chance you have the M-P II. While they were a trouble prone ignition, some ran forever. So, if yours is sparking and the engine runs, don't worry about it at the present time.

 

[The69'er]

Re: 74 MagnaPower 55hp starter issue

Well I picked up the parts motor on the cover it says electric not magnapower 2 there are no windings under the flywheel just a coil looking deal. I figured for $75 it is worth it for the starter lower unit and the trim fins