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    Routing fresh air to carbs.

    Would routing fresh (outside)air into an outboard via large diameter hoses improve performance?
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    What the difference between a regular vs. a commercial motor.

    I have a 55HP Johnson that my mechanic said was a "commercial" engine.<br /><br />What's the difference between a regular verses a "commercial" motor?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Eric
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    Propeller size

    1978 55HP Johnson Model# 55EL78S<br /><br />Thanks to all for the answers on my model number question. Here's another:<br /><br />The propeller that came with my motor is a stainless steel (unknown brand) 11 3/4 x 19p. Very heavy.<br /><br />I have no doubt that this propeller is either too big...
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    What do parts of model number mean?

    Hello, all:<br /><br />I have a 55HP 1978 2-Cyl Johnson.<br /><br />The model number is: 55EL78S<br /><br />I know what the "55" and the "78" mean. <br /><br />Does anyone know what the "EL" and the "S" on the end mean? My clymer manual doesn't list the "S" at all.<br /><br />Eric
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    Parts for inside cowling

    I have a 55HP 1978 Johnson OB. I have sanded and repainted the entire motor using Johnson original paint. After replacing the foam insulation under the cowling, I noticed that both front and back cowling lock assemblies are loose. The rivets are all in place, but some of the round clips, clips...
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    Cowling Insulation

    My 1978 55HP Johnson has the loudest carburetor intake noise I've ever heard. I've owned maybe a dozen motors over the years--some Johnson, some not--and while I understand some noise is inevitable, I think this motor it TOO loud. Upon inspecting the inside of the cowel, I discovered that almost...
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    X-Dimension

    Could someone explain "X-Dimension" to me, please?<br /><br />What is it--exactly--and what is adjusted to affect it?<br /><br />Thank you,<br />Eric
  8. V

    At what % ofWOT should a boat plane?

    Just a minor question, I think. What's a general guide on when a motor should achieve plane?<br /><br />My boat planes fine anywhere from 80% of throttle to WOT. Is that normal, or should a boat be able to plane before the 80% mark?<br /><br />Thanks guys,<br />Eric
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    X-Dimension for SS prop

    Is there a general standard for "X-dimension" using a SS prop?
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    What pitch?

    I have a stanless steel prop on an 85HP johnson motor. The prop is not original (obviously), and it was on the motor when I got it. I am not getting all my RPMs and I was thinking that a change in pitch is warranted. The size of the prop is what the stock prop would be, but there are no markings...
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    nicks and scratches on a stainless steel prop

    I have a Stainless steel prop on my johnson 55HP.<br /><br />Over time, the prop has accumulated a generous portion of tiny nicks and scratches. It still does the job, but I was wondering if I would damage the prop if I sanded down these extremely small flaws and smoothed the blade edges.<br...
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    How far is "too far" when raising motor on transom?

    Hello all:<br /><br />I have a 16 Ft Alumacraft with a '78 55HP Johnson. I recently added a "Dolefin" to the motor to get a little more stern lift. The fin works great; however, as a result, as soon as I put the fin on, I lost a little over 1000 RPMs at WOT. The motor was hitting 5300 Max RPMs...
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    Seafoam

    I have heard that SEAFOAM is one of the best products for decarbonizing an outboard motor. My local West Marine store is sold out of this product, and they say is will be at least three months before they will receive new stock. Does anyone know where else Seafoam can be obtained, and if Seafoam...
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    Seafoam

    I have heard that SEAFOAM is one of the best products for decarbonizing an outboard motor. My local West Marine store is sold out of this product, and they say is will be at least three months before they will receive new stock. Does anyone know where else Seafoam can be obtained, and if Seafoam...
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    Decarbonizing old johnson

    Have a '79 60HP Johnson. Run good as far as I can tell--hits right RPM, idles well, etc. I have had no experience with decarbonizing a motor. What will this procedure do for the motor? I don't mean the big cloud of smoke I've heard about. I mean what is the purpose of decarbonizing? Will it...
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    How do you set timing advance?

    1978 Johnson 55HP 2-Cyl.<br /><br />I have been reading about how to set the timing advance in regard to the rubber stopper just below the flywheel. <br /><br />I have to admit, I'm having some sort of brain-lock on this. The timing marks in the flywheel are clear enough, and I know how to use a...
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    Rebuilding carburetors on a 1978 55HP 2-Cyl

    I have a 1978 Johnson 55HP 2-Cyl Model# 55EL78S<br /><br />I'll give as much info as I can, but I really only have one (2) questions. <br />1. Was my process thorough?<br />and<br />2. Did I leave any parts out?<br /><br />My problem is this:<br /><br />I recently rebuilt my carburetors. They...
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    Carburetor Adjustment on 1978 Johnson 55 2-CYL

    I have a 2 Cyl 1978 55hp Johnson. I have rebuilt carbs, and motor now runs much better after sitting all winter.<br /><br />It idles very badly; however, there are no adjustment screws on my carburetors at all. Do these carburetors have needle valves (other than the float needle--that assembly...
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    Low Max RPMs on 1978 55HP Johnson OB

    Greetings All!<br /><br />I have a 1978 55HP Johnson OB. It is Model# 55EL78S. The motor has always been very dependable, but it wouldn't start after winter storage this year. My son assured my that he ran a fuel stabilizer through the lines and motor before he drained it of fuel completely. I...
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    Wiring for keyswitch on 1978 55HP Johnson

    The control box on my 1978 55HP Johnson outboard was submerged in satwater during a hurricane last year. The motor survived, but the keyswitch in the remote control box was ruined by the saltwater. So, I bought an exact OEM keyswitch replacement. The old switch connections were corroded and...
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