1958 Sea King GG8977A

[johnsewe]

Hi All,

I recently aquired a 1958 Sea King GG8977A. I need some pointers on the next steps to take.
Here is what I have done so far:
Replaced spark plugs, cleaned carb, replaced fuel lines, drained and refilled propeller lube

I have a few questions.
First is the fast and slow knobs. The problem I have is that the slow knob hole is stripped, so I need to somehow replace it. I know that to properly start it, the knobs have to be turned to the correct number. The second problem is that I have no idea where position "1" is. When I turn the screws that go into the carb, there is no stop, it just keeps rotating, so how do I determine where the "1" position is. Since I assume that these determine the richness of the mix that goes in?

Second problem. I have been able to start the motor for at longest 10 seconds, then it dies. If it turned out to be a bad fuel pump, how do I replace it? Do I have to somehow hunt down the old parts? Or are there modern parts made for it?

Thanks for any ideas, especially on the fast slow knobs.

- John

 

[F_R]

Re: 1958 Sea King GG8977A

The nest steps should have been the first ones. Unless you did and didn't mention them. #1 check compression to make sure you have something viable to fix. Then pull the flywheel and service the ignition. Unless somebody has already replaced the coils, you can bet the farm that they are cracked. THAT probably is why it won't run more than 10 seconds.

As for the knobs don't get all worked up over the numbers. Back the slow speed needle off 1-1/2 turns from lightly seated, and the high speed 3/4 turns. It will start at those settings, and you can fine tune them for best settings once it is running on a boat on the lake. Once you are satisfied with the settings, put the knobs back on at mid-scale, and more or less forget about them.

I'll check, I may have a set of knobs.

EDIT: Yeah, I got knobs. Send me a PM if you want them.

 

[johnsewe]

Re: 1958 Sea King GG8977A

Hi F_R,

Thanks for the reply! I did not check any of those things that you mentioned. I will have to look this afternoon. I tried to PM you, but it wouldn't go through because of too many messages in your inbox.

- John

 

[MrMartyr]

Re: 1958 Sea King GG8977A

Hey John,

Congrats on the Sea King.

Back before Thanksgiving I aquired a '59 Sea King 35hp. If it turns out to be a good motor (lokks it it will,too) I hope to be able to use in on my '56 Lonestar boat.

Those Sea King motors are built by OMC, the parent company that also built Johnson and Evinrude and the Sea Kings vertually identical to J and E. Good parts avaliability.

Welcome to the Iboats forums, there is a tremendous wealth of knowledge and very willing help here.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1958 Sea King GG8977A

Hi F_R,

Thanks for the reply! I did not check any of those things that you mentioned. I will have to look this afternoon. I tried to PM you, but it wouldn't go through because of too many messages in your inbox.

- John

Yeah, I see my mailbox was full. It's ok now, I cleared out a bunch of old stuff.

 

[johnsewe]

Re: 1958 Sea King GG8977A

Thanks for the welcome! The motor that I have was my grandad's, and it sat in a barn for my whole life. I got into old motorcycles, and decided to give the old sea king a shot!