54 Elgin 5hp cooling question

[Steve Mahler]

I have a water cooled 54 elgin 5hp that I am restoring. I had a new impeller made, and last night got everything assembled and fired up for first time. The good news is that it runs great, but I am afraid it is not cooling - there are a series of small holes half way up the leg, I assume I should see water peeing out - there is nothing.

I only ran it about a minute, but my hand on the block test makes me think it is running hot. I had a heck of a time getting the cooling tube into the right hole when assembling the leg, so I am suspicious that it is not connected right.

Any help?

 

[steelespike]

Re: 54 Elgin 5hp cooling question

Did you rotate the impeller in the direction of rotation as you installed it?
Water probably does mist out those holes.
Can't speak for the Elgin but sometimes it helps to assemble it upside down.
Perhaps you could isert the tube in the top and into the bottom after as you assemble it.

 

[F_R]

Re: 54 Elgin 5hp cooling question

Did you rotate the impeller in the direction of rotation as you installed it?
Water probably does mist out those holes.
Can't speak for the Elgin but sometimes it helps to assemble it upside down.
Perhaps you could isert the tube in the top and into the bottom after as you assemble it.

Which type impeller do you have, the rubber-finned one or the sliding vane one? I suspect the rubber one. The pump's bottom end plate might not be seated correctly.

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: 54 Elgin 5hp cooling question

thanks for the help - took it all apart, back together - pumps fine- strong mist out of the little holes. two follow ups

1) anyone have a good technique for threading the shift cable down through the leg, I tried tying fishing line to pull it through but it still got hung up on the tiny tiny hole it needs to move through.

2) though the motor runs smoothly at all speeds, the carb is dripping gas like crazy. I will be pulling and cleaning carb anyways, but is this a function of a stuck float?

 

[F_R]

Re: 54 Elgin 5hp cooling question

thanks for the help - took it all apart, back together - pumps fine- strong mist out of the little holes. two follow ups

1) anyone have a good technique for threading the shift cable down through the leg, I tried tying fishing line to pull it through but it still got hung up on the tiny tiny hole it needs to move through.

2) though the motor runs smoothly at all speeds, the carb is dripping gas like crazy. I will be pulling and cleaning carb anyways, but is this a function of a stuck float?

1. Nope

2. Stuck float, or gas got inside the float, or dirty float valve, or worn float valve, or somebody plugged the bowl vent. The float valve needle is horizontal and wears quite a bit as it rattles around in there. Once they start leaking people get the wise idea to jam a toothpick in the bowl vent. That doesn't work, and it sure makes for a troubleshooting mystery.

 

[2stroke junkie]

Re: 54 Elgin 5hp cooling question

you might have to replace the gaskets on the float bowl. also when you disasemble the carb keep the float in tact. turn the carb upside down. the flost should sit paralell to the carb with the float needle in. at least that is my experience with 2 stroke bikes. I have just started my journey for my first 2 stroke outboard. good luck