Question on Chris Craft L type engine

pegjr · Post by **pegjr** » Wed May 19, 2010 12:36 pm

Seems this engine is a litle obscure and I dont see alot of technical data on it such as for torque specs,etc. Mine has a auto lite distributor and I was wondering if anyone can advise where I can buy the ignition parts for it?

drrot · Post by **drrot** » Wed May 19, 2010 2:08 pm

What is the part number on the distributor?

evansjw44 · Post by **evansjw44** » Wed May 19, 2010 3:05 pm

In my collection of historical knowledge, perhaps untrustworthy, an L was a smaller bore M. Herculese had several versions of their engines that started with a basic block and then had bore and stroke mods to give different HP products. I've seen some early '40s boat offered for sale that had Model L engines. That gave me a start since I know about Ks and Ms and nothing about Ls. But an L is a smaller bore M. Seems to be rated around 120 HP.

Wood Commander · Post by **Wood Commander** » Wed May 19, 2010 4:00 pm

I believe Jim is correct. Most of the different Hercules engine families in the Chris Craft line used the Hercules "D" bore size- a 130hp "M" was a Hercules JXD block (a 145 hp ML would be a JXLD- L meant long stroke. "K"'s and KL's were QXD's and QXLD's). I'm assuming the actual Chris Craft "L" engine might have been the Hercules "C" bore size, perhaps a JXC?

I have the different bore sizes in books in my collection, which are unfortunately about 2200 miles away from me right now.

pegjr · Post by **pegjr** » Wed May 19, 2010 5:38 pm

Hi I dont have the distributor number and will get it off the unit this weekend. As for the Hercules block series I believe its a QXD.In the runabout specification sheets and or option sheets I have the L is mentioned as an option engine in the 1936 specifications book.

Brian Robinson · Post by **Brian Robinson** » Wed May 19, 2010 8:22 pm

pegjr-

What 1936 Specifications book are you referring to?

My info is showing the earliest L-series (#8000 serial number series) installed in some early 1937 models at the end of October 1936.

This is the predecessor to the M-series and shares many parts in common.

pegjr · Post by **pegjr** » Fri May 21, 2010 3:53 pm

Hi Brian, I will have to check the booklet copy I have at home tonight. I thought it was one of the sales brochures..again I have a copy. Nice to know that the L shares many parts in common with the M. Its just funny its never really mentioned in many publications.

Brian Robinson · Post by **Brian Robinson** » Fri May 21, 2010 4:46 pm

The L (and LA, LB etc.) was really only installed by C-C in some models for 1937, '38, and early '39. Then they tried to sell the remainder off by themselves when the M became popular.

There are a few more L's around than the venerable "H", the predecessor to the K from 1935-36.

pegjr · Post by **pegjr** » Sat May 22, 2010 9:01 am

Hi Found the mention of the L in the 36-37 Master parts book. You are right it looks like it was offered for the 37 models. Mine, a 516 model would have had a Chrysler Crown but that is long gone.

Brian Robinson · Post by **Brian Robinson** » Sat May 22, 2010 11:49 am

Yeah, the M1 Crown like your boat would have had originally is a seldom seen piece. Chrysler only built 346 of that particular version. At least the L you have now is "period correct".

pegjr · Post by **pegjr** » Wed Jun 09, 2010 5:37 pm

Hi does anyone know what the dwell angle of the points should be? Also any idea of timing for this motor?

pegjr · Post by **pegjr** » Mon Aug 23, 2010 11:16 am

Just gettng back on this subject of the distributor # which is an autolite 1GW 4148A. Can anyone tell me where to purchase points, rotor,condensor,cap? Also would like to know gap and dwell angle if anyone knows? Also what would be the proper period sparkplug?

Question on Chris Craft L type engine

Question on Chris Craft L type engine

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