Chrysler 55hp help

DiMeng

Cadet
Joined
Mar 4, 2018
Messages
24
Hey guys, gals, I just bought a 1970's chrysler 55 hp outboard, I'm new to boats so I'm not that knowledgeable yet on outboards, after I picked up the 2 motors, one running, one for spare parts, I stopped at a gas station nearby where I picked it up and when I came back out the gas tank and gas lines were gone. Called it in to the police but they pretty much told me they weren't going to bother with it. So I need to get a new tank and lines. My 2 questions are, 1) what size tank would you recommend for this motor? It's going on a 15 foot starcraft Jet, aluminum hull, and 2) what size fuel line goes on the fuel pump to exit the motor? I want to run the line out then put a connector on it so I can change the ball pump part of need be, when they stole the tank it looks like they just yanked on the line and pulled it straight off the pump, any help would be appreciated!
 

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
42,949
Suggest at least one 6 gallon tank, I always like two just incase I'm doing a long run.

Look at the fuel pump and I would guess its would be 5/16, but in any case just measure it. Just bought a 6 foot fuel line with bulb for my 125 Chrysler. Cheap enough, and you can get the complete fuel line as cheap as buying just the ball. In any case you can buy just fuel line and the ball separate. Put together with some stainless hose clamps.

Here is a tank, just need to get the connector for the tank

https://www.iboats.com/shop/seasens...A0EoR88pete2xsTVHutTvcGD_q0Q3LBYaAqDtEALw_wcB
 

kbh121956

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 30, 2013
Messages
486
Go with a 6 gallon like AllDodge stated. You can find your fuel line with bulb cheap on eBay. The new plastic tank you can find local or also online. Sad how people are such thief's, if it was an old metal tank they may have done you a favor though. Your mix will be 50:1. Buy a good grade 2 cycle oil for it, the cheap stuff will give you problems on down the road. Enjoy your new boat! Need help, post your questions here.
 

DiMeng

Cadet
Joined
Mar 4, 2018
Messages
24
Thank you both for the help, got a new hose on the way and picking up 2 tanks tomorrow, now to get this boat restored so I can use it all!
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,112
The older Chryslers and Forces used 1/4" hoses.
The larger will work.
The connectors is where the problem might be?

If they are still on the motor???? try the new hose and squeezie?

The old connectors were famous for leaking and sucking air.
When I bought my boat in 88 I removed the inline connectors and just ran a hose straight from the built in tank.
You can do that but need a connector for the hose and one on each tank.
I used the Johnson/ OMC connectors as they are better.

Oil: any oil that says TCW-3 will work.
The more expensive "AMZOIL" will and the Penzoil will smoke less.
But once you get it going they all smoke less.
I use the WallyWorld brand. Never had a problem.
 

DiMeng

Cadet
Joined
Mar 4, 2018
Messages
24
Ok, there isn't a built in tank on the 55hp, and the connector that is on there looks newer and measured out to fit in a 5/16 hose. I do have one more question, I'm planning on running a shore radio, a music radio, 2 phone chargers, navigation lights, and some led lights inside the boat and maybe a spotlight on the bow, maybe a wired in GPS in the future, what battery should I get?
 

kbh121956

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 30, 2013
Messages
486
Any marine Battery will work fine. I use 2 of them with a selector switch. I hope that this helps.
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,112
2 batteries is the way to go.
One used for the starting battery and the other as a storage battery.
The starting needs to be a regular marine "starting" battery .At least 450CCA
The other can be a big deep cycle or another BIG starting battery 1000CCA

Your charging system can safely charge the regular type batteries.
It can also charge the deep cycle but it's not recommended to do so. It can hurt the system over time.
Get a GOOD switch.
 

baldwibr

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 1, 2017
Messages
128
I just added a two battery system on my boat and I really like it. If you do use two batteries, (one starter battery and one house battery) you can wire them on two completely separate circuits. Otherwise you will wire them in parallel but you're going to want an Automatic Charge Relay between the two batteries to ensure each battery is charged properly from the alternator. I installed a Blue Seas Add-A-Battery Mini Kit that came with all the necessary components to wire up two batteries.

Also, buying a parts list manual online has greatly helped me. Parts are very hard to find on these Chrysler motors and the parts manual helps make sure you get the right parts.
 

wickware

Lieutenant
Joined
Jun 20, 2009
Messages
1,286
Your 1970 55-HP should be basically the same as my 1970 35-HP if you have the long lower unit and 2 carb. Please post a Pic from the shift linkage side with the hood off to see linkages and allow the lower unit to show or more than one pis.. Search Wickware and you should many of my Pics and repairs.
 

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