CHRIS CRAFT COMMANDER FORUM ® .......A photo-intensive technical reference file and ongoing newsletter regarding the original fiberglass Chris Craft Commander. Our mission at this independent not-for-profit non-commercial web site is to "have fun and share information" for your individual personal use. Our main reference feature is the ever expanding MASTER INDEX Files which contain exhaustive photo and technical information on the Chris Craft Commander line (like these original brochure scans, featuring the iconic 38 Commander designed by Fred Hudson) , (an awesome collection of Chris Craft 427 tuning and specification information), and a few words about how to use the information in the forum, etc. Be sure to look at the information about the 2009 Lake Erie Chris Craft Commander / Roamer Rendezvous, second year in a row at Huron, Ohio, held in August of 2009 !! If you're a Commander fan, this will be an event you won't want to miss next time around.

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Original Message
  • 350Q Timing response from JRR
      • (Login jrr4948)
      Posted May 15, 2006 10:07 AM

      To All:
      Thank you for all of your responses! To answer your questions:

      The heads were rebuilt not replaced. If there is an indicator or mark on the heads I can check please let me know. The engine was rebuilt in the 80's so it is possible they are not original but I believe they are the same. I had the heads rebuilt about 6-7 years ago. The engines use 4 quarts of oil every 8 hours.

      The distributors were rebuilt last year and when I advance them manually under max throttle I still can not get any more than 3100 RPM's so I would tend to think it is not timing.

      Regarding the timing you said there is a mark for "L" and "R" Am I actually looking for the letter on the flywheel? There are a few dimples, drill holes and or marks which are confusing me. I thought the drill holes might be to weight balance. Sould I be looking for a letter?

      The props were reconditioned this year while the boat was hauled for dry dock. They are actually 15" when the original called for 16". I had them pitched anyway to get more RPM's and will see what happens when we relaunch in a few weeks. Also this boat has not been out of the water for more than a few days in 15 years. This is the 1st time the boat has been dry docked for the winter.

      I noticed both Carbs were connected to the fuel pump via 1/4" copper tubing and a flare fitting. (The original was a compresion fitting). It was always slightly kinked and I replaced it with hose barb and gasoline hose last week. Maybe it is not getting enough fuel.

      There are three filters on each engine and I will replace the 2 external filters. The 3rd is the hard filter in the carb which was replaced last summer when I had them rebuilt. I do not believe the jets were changed. My dad owned the boat since 1987 and it never ran over 3300 RPM's.

      I also noticed in the manual link you sent that the manifold was tilted where the carburator sits. My manifold is flat. Could this be a problem?

      I also changed the alternators this winter that were shot. Is it possible the spark was not hot enough with very weak alternators?

      Thanks for all of your suggestions and help.
      JRR
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