Click for Nordhavn Click for Abeking Click for YF Listing Service Click for Abeking Click for YF Listing Service

Starting issues

Discussion in 'Chris Craft Connies, Commanders & Catalinas' started by Ortog, Jan 21, 2013.

  1. Ortog, Jan 21, 2013
    #1
    Ortog

    Ortog New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2012
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    Eeagle Mountain Lake, Tx
    Hello all.

    Been following the forums for a while now but never posted. My father has a Chris Craft 332 Commander. As of this weekend, we started having issues with the port engine starting. When you turn the ignition switch to start, it fires up as it should but as soon as you let go of the switch, it dies. After several tries, I noticed that if you kept the switch in the start position, the engine will run. This is a bad thing though because the starter is still running as well. I was thinking that maybe I needed a new ignition switch so I bought one. Unfortunately, it’s still doing the same thing? Could there be something wrong with the starter or starter solenoid?

    Thank for any advice

    Chuck
  2. Savasa, Jan 21, 2013
    #2
    Savasa

    Savasa Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2008
    Messages:
    167
    Location:
    Iqaluit, Nunavit, Canada
    Welcome. Before you start changing parts willy-nilly, make sure all your connections in the start and ignition system are clean and good. I'm assuming gassers.
    Peter
  3. NYCAP123, Jan 22, 2013
    #3
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2008
    Messages:
    11,205
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Think I'd be looking at the timing, distributor and fuel pump in that order.
  4. Scottbee, Jan 22, 2013
    #4
    Scottbee

    Scottbee Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2012
    Messages:
    54
    Location:
    Okauchee, WI
    What vintage and what engines?

    On old school gassers this problem would typically be attributed to a bad ballast resistor (or ballast wire) or the wiring from the ignition switch to the ballast resistor (assuming the actual switch had already been ruled out).
  5. Capt Ralph, Jan 22, 2013
    #5
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    12,741
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    If it's an old Chris gas motor, Check the ignition ballast resistor mounted somewhere around the coil. Looks like a ceramic block. maybe 2 inches long. Wire on each end (maybe 2 wires on one end). Key off, attach test jumper wire bypassing the resistor. Crank her up. If it runs you found your problem (new ballast at NAPA) , if not, call back for step two.

    Do not use engine with this test strap in place.
  6. RT46, Jan 22, 2013
    #6
    RT46

    RT46 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2011
    Messages:
    1,058
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    I am not totally sure about this, it has been a while since I messed with a gas engine. So check what I am saying below:

    I think you can change the coil to one that has an internal resistor.....

    I think the purpose of the resistor it to increase voltage to the coil during starting.

    Coils with internal resisters are easier to find and are more common, and one less part.

    I used to change cap, rotor, points (if you still have em), coil, wires and plugs every 100 hours. Also check timing and dwell.

    You could also try to bypass the bridge starter by using a remote starter. to help DX your problem
  7. Scottbee, Jan 22, 2013
    #7
    Scottbee

    Scottbee Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2012
    Messages:
    54
    Location:
    Okauchee, WI
    Coil resistors are actually used to reduce the current to the coil during running. This promotes point, coil and condensor life. The resistor is bypassed during cranking in order to give the hottest spark possible.

    Sooo... if you have spark while cranking, but not when the switch is on the "run" position, it's worth the time to see if the ballast resistor is "open" and/or check the wiring from the ignition switch to the resistor.
  8. Ortog, Jan 22, 2013
    #8
    Ortog

    Ortog New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2012
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    Eeagle Mountain Lake, Tx
    You guys have been a great help so far. Yes, it is gas engines. so your suggestions are great help.
    Like I said, I changed out the switch yesterday and did not do any good. Next time Im able to get out there (in a few days) Im going to check the coil and ignition ballest. I will keep you updated as to what I find.

    Thanks

    Chuck
  9. Ortog, Feb 12, 2013
    #9
    Ortog

    Ortog New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2012
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    Eeagle Mountain Lake, Tx
    You guys were a great help. It was the ignition ballast resistor. Once replaced, the engine started right up like there was nothing ever wrong. hard to believe such a simple little thing could cause such havoc.
    Thanks again to everyone

    Chuck