1958 5 1/2 hp will not start ?? fuel problem?

[UpforAllnight]

I have a '58 johnso 5.5 hp that will not start. I purchased this motor about 2 weeks ago. This motor has had two owners the first owned the motor from '58 until 2006. the first owner stoped using the motor because he could not pull the rope any longer, and the second owner aquired the motor because it was attached to the boat he wanted.

My point is the motor sat for quite some time.

I got the motor home hooked up the fuel can, and gave the rope 4 pulls, and it started right up, however when I shut the choke off the engine would die.

So, I started searching on iboats. Awakening a sleeping out board, carb needle vave adjustment, ect.

I realized it was time for some updates on this motor.
1)replaced water pump
2)replaced points and condenser
3) coils they were all cracked
4)new plugs and wires
5)carb kit, soaked in carb cleaner 2 days
6) tested spark with a tester 3/8 gap

I now have the same problem anoter poster has that my engine will only run if I squirt fuel into the carb.

I am waiting on a manual now hoping for some more details.

A question I have regaurding my carb is when you flip the carb uside down to see if it is parallel with the bowl how do you adjust it? should you spacers, or just back off the seat?

Any addition advise would be great!

Thanks,

Jon

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1958 5 1/2 hp will not start ?? fuel problem?

read the TOP SECRET FILE, 1st post in this forum.

 

[UpforAllnight]

Re: 1958 5 1/2 hp will not start ?? fuel problem?

Thanks for the reply. I have read all of the posts in the top secrete files, and they were very helpful.

I'm pretty sure I have a fuel only problem.

I have good compression
Ihave good spark based on it jumps a 3/8" gap with a tester.

so, trouble shooting the fuel system is where I believe I'm at.
I've replaced the fuel in the tank,and bleed out the fuel line, and when I pressureize the tank with out having the fuel line pluged into the engine fuel sprays by the check valves.

The glass bowl under the carb is full of fuel.

?? now woundering if my assembly of the needle and seat valve was done correctly.

Can I check this with out dissasembly?

Thanks,

Jon

 

[wbeaton]

Re: 1958 5 1/2 hp will not start ?? fuel problem?

Can I check this with out dissasembly?

Thanks,

Jon

Nope. You set the float by bending the metal arm that attaches the float to the carb body. Careful not to put pressure on the float needle during the process.

Sounds like you are lean on the high speed jet. When you cleaned the carb did you remove the jets and clean out behind them? Did you blow out all the passages with compressed air? The passages need to be spotless. The high speed jet controls starting and WOT. Revisit the bottom half of the carb to be sure its ok.

 

[Rick.]

Re: 1958 5 1/2 hp will not start ?? fuel problem?

If your compression is good I would also look to the carb. for the problem. Rick.

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1958 5 1/2 hp will not start ?? fuel problem?

Pushing the button on the tank doesn't pressurize the tank, it only pushes fuel into the carb. Your tank may not be holding pressure. If you keep pressing the button on the tank, will the motor keep running? If it does, and quits when you stop pushing, your tank is not properly pressurizing.

 

[UpforAllnight]

Re: 1958 5 1/2 hp will not start ?? fuel problem?

Thanks all

The tank appears to hold pressure, because when I loosen the cap you can here the air leaking out.

Good to know about the float,
I wouldn't have bent that on my own accord.

as far as cleaning the carbs: the only thing I did not do was blow it out with air. Every thing looked so darn clean. I did chase out every opening with a carb spray. I guess it is time to blow out the carb with air.

Thanks,

Jon

 

[UpforAllnight]

Re: 1958 5 1/2 hp will not start ?? fuel problem?

Ok, I bent the tab on the float and the engine starts right up, and sounds pretty good. no choke needed.

Now it appears to be flooding out. I have fuel pouring out the front of the carb? I didn't have the air filter on

 

[Rick.]

Re: 1958 5 1/2 hp will not start ?? fuel problem?

Take a look at the Top Secret File at the top of this forum, "how to adjust my carbs." You shouldn't be getting gas out the carb. inlet with or without the air breather. Best of luck. Glad it's running. Rick.

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1958 5 1/2 hp will not start ?? fuel problem?

Ok, I bent the tab on the float and the engine starts right up, and sounds pretty good. no choke needed.

Now it appears to be flooding out. I have fuel pouring out the front of the carb? I didn't have the air filter on

Sounds like you bent the float arm too far and it is not closing the needle - bend it back a little - should be almost level with the carb body.