50's johnson seahorse 5.5 hp fuel system

[mwreynolds]

I have an early to mid 50's johnson seahorse 5.5 hp motor. I do not have a gas tank for it but I need to get one. From what I have been told, I need to get a pressure tank because it has a 3 prong valve on the motor. I was told I might be able to retrofit the motor with either a fuel pump and/or electric fuel pump setup. Is this necessary or should I just try and find a decent fuel tank? Any and all help and information anyone can give me is very appericiated. Thanks!

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 50's johnson seahorse 5.5 hp fuel system

Personally, I would just get a pressure tank. They're quite common and not too hard to find. They turn up on eBay all the time. I'd start locally, inquire at your local marinas as to who in your area might handle outboard salvage parts. Many marinas have a back shed or attic with lots of old stuff tucked away.<br /><br />Rebuild kits for pressure tanks are available through VintageOutboard.com.<br /><br />Also, check the ads in the AOMCI.org webvertise section, as tanks come up there frequently, too.<br /><br />The pressure system is a good, reliable system and there are still thousands of them in use - nearly 50 years after the last motor needing them rolled off the assembly line!<br /><br />- Scott

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 50's johnson seahorse 5.5 hp fuel system

Welcome to iboats.<br /><br />Those pressure tanks pop up at garage sales and on eBay. It's simplest to go that way. Parts to repair or rebuild are still available. Installing a fuel pump would be safer and the tank would no longer be a problem, but there's precious little room for one under the hood. I'm not a big fan of the electric pump idea because most put out way too much pressure.<br /><br />Your best bet might be the antique outboard motor club. They have chapters in many communities and they're sure to have a few in Indiana. They hold Swap Meets and one of those is sure to have a few for sale. I've even seen them at Car swap meets. Check here...<br /> http://www.aomci.org

 

[mwreynolds]

Re: 50's johnson seahorse 5.5 hp fuel system

Thanks for your help. That is the way I was leaning also. I have already found a tank w/ a valve and a rebuild kit. The motor got totally rebuilt about 4 years ago because it got dumped in a lake, but it hase not been used since, just sitting in my fater in laws shed. He said it is not froze up, but I was wondering if I need to have it looked over before trying to run it or if there is anything special I need to do to it since it has been sitting all this time. Please forgive my ignorance, I know little about boats but I am trying to learn. Thanks!

 

[TTravis]

Re: 50's johnson seahorse 5.5 hp fuel system

I don't have my 5.5 project completely written up yet but I expect to complete it soon. Take a look at http://www.outboard-boat-morot-repair.com and see what I do with mine.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: 50's johnson seahorse 5.5 hp fuel system

Tom, <br />Your URL Dyslexia strikes again<br /><br /> http://www.outboard-boat-motor-repair.com/ <br /><br />Perhaps I'm wrong and you really DID want to mention Morot the painter. In that case, you can find him here Morot

 

[TTravis]

Re: 50's johnson seahorse 5.5 hp fuel system

A word of caution about pressure tanks. I've been mulling over whether or not to repair my pressure tank. The more I learn about them, the less I like them. I hate to buck the trend here but you should check out the following?<br /><br /><br /> http://www.outboard-boat-motor-repa...tboard Boat Motor/Pressureized Fuel Tanks.htm

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 50's johnson seahorse 5.5 hp fuel system

No system is perfect. There are MILLIONS of pressure tanks out there. It was a very simple, reliable system. I have several of them myself and with proper care, they remain a solid fuel delivery system.<br /><br />Problems that can develop with a pressure system can also develop with a fuel pump system.. Ever opened up a single line tank on a hot day? Gasoline expands and it WILL build up pressure in any properly sealed tank. Ever had an o-ring in your fuel connector deteriorate or tear? Happens with both systems. <br /><br />Do not be scared off by a few isolated incidents. I think you'll find that many of the problems that involve pressure tank systems are a result of poor maintenance and care, which can be just as much of a problem with a fuel pump system. I can't begin to tell you how many of those plastic filter caps on the fuel pumps I've had to replace over the years because they've developed cracks and leaks. No system is perfect, and cobbling together a retro-fitted system often leads to a more imperfect system. Danger is not unique to the pressure system - it's inherent with ANY system using gasoline. All any of us can do is minimize that danger by making sure all safeguards are in place and working properly. <br /><br />Rebuild your pressure tank with new gaskets, diaphram and hose, install fresh o-rings in the fuel connector and enjoy your motor! <br /><br />- Scott