Chrysler Crown M7

[Jasper Britton]

Greetings Engine Enthusiasts! Good to find you...

I have an old English wooden boat which I am restoring, with a mighty Chrysler M7 Crown engine, number M 19361 R. The engine has a self-contained cooloing system, running a copper pipe outside the hull as a heat exchanger. There are some issues with the engine, which I'd appreciate any advice on...

I have rebuilt the starter motor, it had a slightly bent shaft and shot brushes etc, now works fine. Engine cranks, and runs, on all six, but mostly for about 10 seconds only before stalling. Twice I have managed to run it for around 10 minutes, but only at around one eighth throttle, as the engine dies if throttle opened beyond half way. There is a mysterious brass cylinder-shaped attachment with a drip tray beneath it, beyween fuel tank and carb on the fuel line itself... From what I've found on the web this may be a strainer or filter, to separate water etc from fuel. Do I drain it? And how? Does it need removing and stripping?

As you can see I am quite clueless about marine engines, being more familiar with my '77 Honda 400/4...

The Chrysler is also missing any meaningful form of air filter, having just a length of metal pipe loosely fitted to it with wire (!) so I need to know if I can get the correct parts, or something modern that will do the same job. I am aware that running without the filter will not do the engine any good and that the carburation will be affected. The carb is probably poorly put together with what look like the wrong sized gaskets. Eek. Again, any ideas on a carb that will fit my engine, even if modern, would be great. The engine is getting a service by a mechanic familiar with it (and the previous owner,) on Monday, and I have a new oil filter for him to fit.

The boat itself is 38', thought to have been part of Operation Dynamo in Dunkirk in 1940, and very beautiful. So I want to bring her fully back to life. I have a Chrysler manual for her, but it's more of a user's document than a mechanic's, so technical details are rather few. ANY help or advice gratefully accepted.

Thanks!

Jasp

[JKWidener]

Your stalling problem sounds like your condensor in your ignition system is heating up and breaking down. Replace the condensor and see if this fixes your stalling problem.

[grub54891]

If the carb is originall I'd keep it. Most mechanics can rebuild them With a kit from the local parts supply store.I've dont many carbs that looked like they were all done.They are not as bad as most think to do.Just follow instructions in the kit you get.Have a clean area,carb cleaner,lay out parts as they come off in order,or take pics to help reassembly.You could even get a similar (junk)carb and take it apart for practice.I belive the air cleaner is called a spark arrestor,not really a filter but an aluminum or stainless mesh cover, It just keeps any backfiring sparks out of the engine compartment.there isnt much dust on the water.it does filter the bigger stuff. Just my thought's, Tom