Click for Northern Lights Click for Cross Click for YF Listing Service Click for Delta Click for JetForums

32 ft 1953 chris craft express cruiser twin CC MLS

Discussion in 'Chris Craft Connies, Commanders & Catalinas' started by t2doof, Jun 11, 2011.

  1. t2doof

    t2doof New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2009
    Messages:
    14
    Location:
    Chicago IL
    hello.. I've had some problems with my streight 6 engines.. Well not the engines but maybe the carbs. Distributor caps were cleaned. One carb was cleaned.. New batteries.. . The port engine starts to backfire and loose rpms at around 1500.. I messed with the high speed intahe valve and the low idle. It starts and runs great but getting up over 1500 it starts to sputter slight backfire. Had em running good when I first put it in the water. I could run both engines at 2500 rpms with no problem. In neutral I can get the rpms up just fine but now when it's in gear. I have changed the fuel filters three times..

    any thoughts? Sugestions?

    or better yet anyone know a good mechanic in the chicago area I can get to take a look at them.. ??


    thanks!
  2. Steve in SoCal

    Steve in SoCal Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2007
    Messages:
    75
    Location:
    Land locked in woodland Hills
    Have you checked the point dwell?

    Steve
  3. t2doof

    t2doof New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2009
    Messages:
    14
    Location:
    Chicago IL
    the points froze up. I have that taken care of but still not able to get it the maintain the rpms. .. But no I haven't checked them. Sugestions on what to look for?
  4. K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2005
    Messages:
    7,388
    Location:
    My Office
    Hi,

    You mention changing your Fuel filters 3 times.

    Were they full of crud when you changed them?

    Do your engines have a vacuum advance mechanism? If so check this is working.
  5. t2doof

    t2doof New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2009
    Messages:
    14
    Location:
    Chicago IL
    I'm not sure what a vacum advance system is? I can check the mannuals tomorrow.

    if I do have them what and how do I check they are working?
  6. noogaroamer

    noogaroamer New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2011
    Messages:
    11
    Location:
    chattanooga
    dont forget fuel pump

    I replaced both fuel pumps on mine four years ago and one has already gone bad, vent blowing gas. I am now trying to decide if it is the ethanol, I took it apart and it was dryrotted way to soon. If your pump is not keeping up because of rubber rot it would do something similar. Put a gauge on it and watch as you increase RPMs, it should maintian pressure.
  7. Savasa

    Savasa Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2008
    Messages:
    167
    Location:
    Iqaluit, Nunavit, Canada
    Greetings t2,
    Oh my goodness...Hercules flat head 6's...We had two (MRL and MRLO for 12 yeaRS,)
    To the best of my memory, no vacuum advance. Springs ONLY control the ignition advance and it does sound like your problem is ignition.
    Try to find an OLD auto shop with distributor set-up equipment. They should be able to set advance angles (based on weight throw out data) for your distributor.
    I refer you to... http://www.classicboatwork.com/manuals/Instructions and Parts ML MBL.pdf
    for for carb' adjustment (if mod's allow).
    Pretty simple and robust engines.
    Hope this helps...
    Peter
  8. t2doof

    t2doof New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2009
    Messages:
    14
    Location:
    Chicago IL
    hey guys thanks for the response. I'm heading out tomorrow to change the distributor caps to HEI. And replace the plugs. I'm almost 100% sure that this is the problem..

    I'll keep you updated on the outcome.