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Palmer M-60 not starting

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Richard Redig
New member
Username: rrichie

Post Number: 1
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 09:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I purchased a 1974 Challenger 32" sailboat that has a Palmer M-60 4cyl. engine. I am having a difficult time getting it started. We were not getting spark from the coil, so we replaced with another coil from a NAPA store. The spark is so weak that it won't ignite the fuel. I also replaced the condenser and once again, it was a guessing game at NAPA. I'm going to replace the spark plugs which are Champion D15Y. Does anyone know whether these are the correct ones and what the gap should be set at. The engine turns over without any problems...just won't start. Is it possible there's some sort of safety switch preventing it from starting as I don't have a key for the ignition so I'm jumping it, but I purchased another switch and will install tomorrow.

Thanks
Rich
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Eddie Ross
Senior Member
Username: eddie

Post Number: 157
Registered: 04-2003
Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 04:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

If the ignition key switch is old, replace it. Check the point gap/dwell. Gap the plugs at .035 and don't forget to use antiseize on the threads of the plugs when installing.
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Richard Redig
New member
Username: rrichie

Post Number: 2
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Saturday, August 26, 2006 - 11:32 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Eddie.....thanks for the info. The ignition switch is working fine. We replaced the plugs with Champion D15Y and set the gap at .028 as we were unable to locate any info. on what the gap should be set at. We have run into a few add'tl problems and hopefully you can provide some guidance.

We discovered that the insulators on the distributor that connect the primary from the coil were cracked and that possibly prevented the engine from starting. Tried 6 different marine places and no one had these, so we temporarily used a small piece of shrink wrap as an insulator and it worked. The engine started with the help of starting fluid but the electric fuel pump clicks but doesn't appear to supply any gas to the carb.

Can you tell me what points/kit this distributor (Prestolite 1A-4010A-11E) uses and who might stock them? It's possible we have the wrong coil in there as we tried to match with another DelcoRemy....

The plug wires that are currently on there say MercCruiser Supressor on the wiring.....are these the correct ones?

I did find on a previous message the point gap of .018-.020 for points.

I don't think we're getting the full spark necessary to start this engine....buts its better than before after using a shrink sleeve as the insulator.

Thanks for your help.
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Eddie Ross
Senior Member
Username: eddie

Post Number: 158
Registered: 04-2003
Posted on Saturday, August 26, 2006 - 01:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Check Moyer Marine for fuel pump. Talk to a good automotive parts house about distributor insulators. I'm on the road 'til Tues 8-29-06. Ignition parts are available from auto parts shop. I have part no.s on file at home. Will get back to you.
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Ken Tucker
Member
Username: ktucker8

Post Number: 11
Registered: 07-2006
Posted on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 06:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Richard- I encountered the same problem looking for a source for points,condensor,cap and rotor for my 34 Columbia with a Palmer M-60. Here is the link you need to buy the stuff- Marine engine.com-------http://www.marineengine.com/I got all my stuff there at a good price.Palmer
Parts for Contact Controlled Distributors
1954-71
IH60, M60, M-60, PH 45, 134
Distributor - IAY-4010,A
Contact Set CS 725A Sierra part:18-5307
Cap AL 110 Sierra part:18-5355
Rotor AL 104 Sierra part: 18-5427 -I can't remember the Condensor number but if you need it I can get it off my invoice when I get home- I believe I just looked on thier application chart and got one for a 4 cyl Prestolite Distributer.Hope this helps Ken
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Richard Redig
New member
Username: rrichie

Post Number: 3
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Thursday, August 31, 2006 - 11:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks for the information on the parts. I now have }two more serious problems and perhaps someone can provide some divine guidance.We placed my Challenger 32 sailboat with the Palmer 60 engine in Lake Michigan at Kenosha to motor and sail to Waukegan, IL, about 18 miles. We got out about 1/2 mile and turned around due to 5-7' waves. After we parked at the dock, we checked the oil and noticed some foaming and very tiny droplets of water on the dipstick. Now we're wondering whether this is a serious problem or whether changing the oil and filter and adding some STP will possibly get us to Waukegan. Even with this problem, the engine ran like a top at high and low rpm's. We were impressed with the engine performance until we saw the foaming. Has anyone encountered this problem before and what was your solution? My second problem is the transmission kept jumping out of gear about 8 times. We're thinking the control cable may just need adjustment as she was working perfectly.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
Rich Redig
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Eddie Ross
Senior Member
Username: eddie

Post Number: 159
Registered: 04-2003
Posted on Thursday, August 31, 2006 - 11:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

If it's been a long time, you could have collected condensation. The lesser of the failures is a blown head gasket. If it's a bad exaust manifold, you will have to repair it if you can or salvage one from a scrapped engine. there are no new replacements for the exaust manifold. There are new after market cylinder heads and head gaskets.
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Richard Redig
Member
Username: rrichie

Post Number: 4
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Thursday, August 31, 2006 - 11:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

There's a very good chance its condensation. I'm going to change the oil and filter and run it for about an hour. If that's the problem, then I shouldn't see any more foaming or water droplets. If there is, then I guess my next move would be to replace the head gasket. What weight oil would you suggest and brand of filter?

Thanks for your help Eddie.

Ricyh Redig
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Eddie Ross
Senior Member
Username: eddie

Post Number: 160
Registered: 04-2003
Posted on Friday, September 01, 2006 - 01:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Palmer recommended staight 30 weight high detergent oil. Oil filter element is: Fram C235, Baldwin PT135, Wix 53113 or 53115 (memory fading on Wix).
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Richard Redig
Member
Username: rrichie

Post Number: 5
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Friday, September 01, 2006 - 04:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

On the Palmer 60, does anyone know what kind of oil is used with that transmission? And there is a small leak in the engine compartment, is there a known problme for that leak?

Rich Redig
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Eddie Ross
Senior Member
Username: eddie

Post Number: 161
Registered: 04-2003
Posted on Friday, September 01, 2006 - 06:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

That is also 30 weight motor oil but according to a post by Richard Day it's supposed to be non-detergent. My Palmer manual says the transmission uses 30 weight in summer and 20 weight in winter but does not specify detergent rating. Note: This site sells Palmer P-60 manuals and related IH tractor manuals.

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