76 Chrysler 85 help

[Jeepersheart]

Let me preface this by saying I'm new to boats and my search mojo is weak to say the least.

Looking at a 76 Chrysler 85, I'm told it needs a new ignition switch but I have no clue what I'm looking at. I was told the guy who was working on it just stopped and left it like this. There are a few loose wires hangin off the side but I work on cars and don't know what I'm looking at. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 76 Chrysler 85 help

First photo: Grey wire needs to be attached to the + terminal of the coil. The black wire on the - terminal of the coil should attach to the distributor mount where there is already a black wire attaching the distributor body to the mount.

Black and white wire needs to attach to the terminal coming out of the front of the distributor. Anything other than this wire attached now should be removed.

Set the points to .018

Search posts for ignition switches and you should find wiring instructions--You have Motorola Magna-power ignition, NOT Prestolite.

 

[Poncho Villa]

Re: 76 Chrysler 85 help

First photo: Grey wire needs to be attached to the + terminal of the coil. The black wire on the - terminal of the coil should attach to the distributor mount where there is already a black wire attaching the distributor body to the mount.

Black and white wire needs to attach to the terminal coming out of the front of the distributor. Anything other than this wire attached now should be removed.

Set the points to .018

Search posts for ignition switches and you should find wiring instructions--You have Motorola Magna-power ignition, NOT Prestolite.

Here are pictures from my '82 140hp. I hope they help a little.

 

[Jeepersheart]

Re: 76 Chrysler 85 help

So are all of the parts there and just not connected? sorry for the simpleton questions like I said I don't know boat motors but I know cars... I am eager to learn though.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 76 Chrysler 85 help

Right now, it looks like all the wires are there. From your photo, it looks like you only have one terminal on the distributor body and that would be a points distributor. Two terminals (like in poncho's excellent photos) indicate an electronic distributor with nothing to adjust.

 

[Poncho Villa]

Re: 76 Chrysler 85 help

Right now, it looks like all the wires are there. From your photo, it looks like you only have one terminal on the distributor body and that would be a points distributor. Two terminals (like in poncho's excellent photos) indicate an electronic distributor with nothing to adjust.

Hope I didn't cause any confusion with my set up; I wondered why they looked a little different! Thanks for explaining the difference.

 

[Jeepersheart]

Re: 76 Chrysler 85 help

Ok I think I'm overthinking this... Is the ignition switch the same as on a car (the part you put the key in and turn) or is it a part on the motor? I'm confident with wiring so if that's the case then I'm in good shape. Any other advice on this motor or things I can look for/at before buying it?

 

[Jeepersheart]

Re: 76 Chrysler 85 help

Also all the way to the right of the pics there is a new looking round silver part dangling from a red wire, what is it and where do I secure it to?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 76 Chrysler 85 help

I needed to play around with your photo in order to see it: That is an aftermarket capacitor and is not necessary on your ignition system. You can remove it.

The ignition switch will either be in the dash or mounted in the control box and yes, you turn it to start like a car. The only difference is that you push in and hold while cranking to choke the engine. If you need a new one, a standard six terminal push to choke switch is correct. Buy here at iboats store or your local marina.

To start the engine cold, pull out the silver button and advance the control handle until it stops. Then choke and start. let run at high idle for a couple of seconds to warm-up then pull control handle back to upright. Push in the button and the engine will shift and accelerate as you advance the control handle. Do not 'ease" into gear. "Snap" the handle firmly and you will hear a normal clunk as the drive dogs engage.--Like an "in and out" racing box.

 

[Jeepersheart]

Re: 76 Chrysler 85 help

Gotcha when he said it needed a new ignition switch and I saw the loose wires I thought it was a different part inside the motor. I have a tendency to overthink things way too much. It looks like the coil was replaced at some point because that looked cleaner then the rest and he had an old one sitting next to the motor.