Have loss of power for my 55 hp chrystler outboard

[cdubwebster]

I hope someone can help me here.

First thing I want to do is explain my experiences with this issue on the water. The first time I had the boat on the water everything ran perfect! After that the next time I thought I had a misfire problem because it was sputtering and sounded like one cylinder was having an issue firing. I replaced the plugs and it seemed to run great the next time it was on the water. Next time I had it out same thing. loss of power and would not run at full throttle with the sputtering not firing correctly cylinder. I just seemed weird to me that I had low end power and not top end with what sounded to me as a misfiring cylinder. ( sorry this is the only way I can explain) The last time I had the boat out I replaced the spark plugs again thinking that may be the issue! Boat ran fine in the morning and then in the afternoon had problems starting. After getting it running again it was fine until I was ready to leave the lake. Again trouble starting and also after running it out and heading back to shore a complete loss of power. Wide open and it was like I had only cracked it open a little bit. Probably going 5 mph with wot. Any thoughts on what is going on? Also In the begining before I changed plugs first time I had oil res on the bottom Cylinder plug, same after I changed plugs. I thought it may have been fuel oil mix so I leaned out on the oil. Last time I was out no res on the plugs but after the boat sat for a few days before I checked the plugs, there seemed to be rust starting on the screw in part of the plug. I'm not sure if that means I have a bad seal on the bottom Cylinder and getting water in the cylinder or not. Please help this is my first boat and not sure where to start!

Thank you!

 

[Nordin]

Re: Have loss of power for my 55 hp chrystler outboard

Check compression and spark at each cyl.
If you have a bad headgasket you lose compression.
If you have water in one cyl. you see it when removing the head.
That cyl. will be clean.

 

[Spartanfalcon]

Re: Have loss of power for my 55 hp chrystler outboard

Nordin is right. I have/had a 55hp Chrysler that I'm removing tomorrow for the exact same problem. You are almost describing my outings to a tea (except that we didnt change plugs, just cleaned/checked). The compressions need to be identical. If they are not then thats your answer it's a seal. OR! A warped/damaged cylinder. Basicly, start shopping because this issue wont go away. Our compression numbers were something like 145 and 136. We thought they were close enough and chased our tails for over a year until we were advised that they need to be within a point.

 

[cdubwebster]

Re: Have loss of power for my 55 hp chrystler outboard

Thanks guys I will have to see if I can borrow a compression tester from a mechanic at work. I also think my water pump may not be working now. Could this have caused the loss of power at all? I just cleaned the float bowl out and the jet on the carb with cleaner. Now that it is home it seems to start fine but now I don't see any water coming out for the water pump. Any other suggestions or help would be great. Anyone who works on boats and lives in south eastern Wisconsin that want to help let me know I'm willing to help so I can learn and willing to give you something for your trouble

 

[tater76]

Re: Have loss of power for my 55 hp chrystler outboard

Compression numbers must not vary more than 10% between cylinders. Spartanfalcon your numbers are perfectly run able. Anything below 100psi start to worry.
First thing that needs to be done to any new to you, or spring wake up motor is a compression check, spark check, waterpump replacement, carb cleaning/adjustment, fresh fuel, etc. There are great threads about how to wake a sleeping outboard.
Do not clean the carb with spray cleaner. It is too harsh and will damage seals, use WD40 to blast through passages and dissolve junk. Set the air screw on the front of the carb one full turn out from lightly seated. You may also want to replace the fuel pump diaphragm, its cheap and easy to do, and will clean up alot of problems.

 

[cdubwebster]

Re: Have loss of power for my 55 hp chrystler outboard

Again I have not been able to check compression yet but trying to find a place to rent one to me! Also was still curious as to if the loss of power the last time I was on the water may have been from overheating. I think my water pump has went out or something is clogged up. Any tips on pulling lower unit for water pump. I don't have tons of money to throw at a problem. Times are tough you know what I mean. Is there other ways of diagnosing the problem? If you put water in through water exhaust spout it will drain out of bottom so from lower unit to exhaust seems to be clear. The little filter at water intake seems to be clear. Is there any bother easy test I can do on the water pump issue? Also any recommendation on a good place to get a water pump rebuild kit fast that would be great! I was on Chysleroutboards.com and you can buy parts there but it seems like shady site. I'm not sure if that is a scam site or not. As soon as you select a part it takes you to a cart check out and wants paypal info but there is no contact information on the site at all.


Also I think the motor is running better after cleaning out the carb! I didn't run it long because I noticed the water pump not pumping the water! Thanks to all so far helping me!

Chris

 

[tater76]

Re: Have loss of power for my 55 hp chrystler outboard

The impeller can be had from this site for roughly $16 to your door. You must inspect the impeller to diagnose the water flow issue. You also really need a manual, but this may help. To remove your lower unit remove the shroud just below the lower pan of the powerhead. I think it's like 4-5 screws if I remember right. Inside you will see a threaded rod, the nuts on this rod will need to be backed off to separate the linkage. Then proceed to under the cavitation plate where you will find (If I remember right) 4 bolts. Remove them, then remove the exhaust snout. Under the snout is a hidden bolt, remove it and the unit will pull off. Then it is a matter of 4 bolts that hold the pump housing down around the shaft. Pull it off and inspect the impeller and housing, let us know what you find.

 

[emoney]

Re: Have loss of power for my 55 hp chrystler outboard

You can buy a comprssion tester at Harbor Freight for $10-ish. Not a bad thing to own. Sounds like you may need to replace/repair/install an overheat horn if yours isn't working or doesn't have one.

 

[cdubwebster]

Re: Have loss of power for my 55 hp chrystler outboard

Sorry guys rookie mistake with the water pump. I guess with the muffs I bOught they do not deliver enough pressure to work effectively. I even put it in the garbage can full of water the first time but did not have the water level high enough to work. Watt pump seemed to be working fine. I did do the compression test and found one cylinder on top was 125 and the bott was 25. I then pulled the head. When pulling the bolts out Of the head I had water come out with 2 bolts on the bottom side. The part that boggled me was the fact that the head gasket seemed to be burned through on the top cylinder. I had good compression on the top not the bottom. Also no water in the bottom cylinder itself witch is good but I don't know why water would have came out with the bolts. Also no scoring on the cylinder walls. So other than replacing the head gasket is there anything else I should do before I put it back together

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Have loss of power for my 55 hp chrystler outboard

You say you have a 55 but don't tell the year or model#
Yes,get some oil/WD-40 on the rusty parts.Rings etc.
It will burn away.
If you even think you might have overheated you need to change the impeller.
If your neighbor thinks you might have overheated you should change the impeller.
So change it anyway!!!.

There is an over heat system on some of the 55's
The buzzer is usually in the shifter sometimes under the dash.
If you have a sensor on the head?
Turn the key on,then ground out the sensor and it should make the buzzer sound off.