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1957 32b Chris Craft drive and engine questions plz help

gregordale

New member
"I recently bought a Chris Cra

"I recently bought a Chris Craft Commander named Sunshine and I have a few questions for you guys. First off if you read the ad (Link at bottom, hopefully) he says the Chris-O-Matic transmissions are ok except for one shifts a little slower. I have the direct drive that I can go to, but what do you guys suggest and just how intense is changing them out? Also I have a lot of parts for the chris o matics (solenoids and such) that he left for me to pass on to the next guy. Where would I list the Chris O Matics for sale if I decide to go ahead with the direct drives and any thoughts on a fair price}? I thought maybe I could use that money to attack the brightwork. Next! It has the Hercules MCL 175hp engines and they seem to have been burning through coils and I was wondering again how intensive and expensive it would be to switch over to electronic ignition. We bought a new coil hooked it up, had plenty of juice in the battery and we couldn't even get a single spark. In fact it was so bad it didn't even shock my buddy when he just held it, and I was hoping to see him smoke a bit..
) Any Suggestions? (besides don't hold the coil wire) I'm really looking forward to getting this ole gal back to shape. It was featured in the Nov/Dec 1989 Classic Boating magazine and I'd like to get her back to her glory days eventually. Again I appreciate in advance any help you guys may have. I told my buddy I wished we just had a wireless internet connection on Lake Texoma and we'd just trouble shoot and bug you guys..haha Thanks again!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/32-Chris-Craft-Commander-mahogany-cruiser_W0QQite mZ4651924750QQihZ002QQcategoryZ80652QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem"
 
"Hey that's a great lookin

"Hey that's a great looking boat you got there. I love the Hercules motors, there is absolutely nothing that sounds like them, and they are very very durable. If you're burning coils, you probably don't have the ballast resistor properly installed.

Check the grounding on the distributor, at your batteries, at the motor blocks. That should be done as a matter of routine anyway.

Conversion to electronic (Pertronix) ignition is a piece of cake, and I certainly recommend it. Here is a thread that shows how simple it is, and where you can find a set for the big Hercules. This is for a V8, but you'll get the idea http://www.network54.com/Forum/424840/message/1131313926

As for the transmissions, if they are working now, I would maintain them accordingly. Changing to direct drive sounds good too, however, a swap like this is NEVER as simple as you think it might be. I like the direct drive, however, due to the fact that it's more reliable.

regards, Paul
http://www.chriscraftcommander.com"
 
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