58 Johnson that can't be pull started

[gmarshall43]

Hello Experts<br /><br />I have a 1958 5.5HP Johnson that I can not pull the rope on. I believe that the pistons may have siezed up. The motor started up find. It also ran find for about five minutes than the motor started to sputter. Thinking that it wasn't getting gas I turn the throttle up but it still sputtered and got worst. Than the motor abrutly stopped. Now I'm unable to pull the rope. The motor seems to have froze up. The motor had sat for a year. I had started it in a tank and ran find. Than I put it in the lake last week and than this happen. What do you think the problem is and what would have cause this? <br /><br />Thanks,<br />Radar

 

[Merc Man1635]

Re: 58 Johnson that can't be pull started

if it all of a sudden STOPPED...then id say it locked up...but its hard to say...1958 is getting old though...maybe it would save some time (and possibly money) to go a little more modern. a mid-80's model wouldnt be overly expensive...i would look around and see what one could find...you never know!

 

[gmarshall43]

Re: 58 Johnson that can't be pull started

That would be the obivious thing to do but I was wondering what would have cause this. Any ideas?

 

[Outrage 19]

Re: 58 Johnson that can't be pull started

Did you have a good gas oil mix? Was water spitting out of the exhaust just below the power head? I have a 55 7.5 I love those old engines. It sounds like lack of lubracation or lack of cooling.

 

[gmarshall43]

Re: 58 Johnson that can't be pull started

Yes I'm sure the water pump was working as I know I saw water coming out the back. As for the mixture I'm sure it was mixed at about 25:1. I haven't torn it down yet so I'm hoping the cylinders are still in good shape. I too have a few older motors and this is the first one to do this.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: 58 Johnson that can't be pull started

If you haven't done so yet, shift it into neutral (make sure the prop spins freely by hand), disconnect the plug wires, and try to turn the flywheel clockwise by hand. If unable to turn the flywheel, remove the plugs and try it again. If unable to turn the flywheel, listen (and feel) for metal-to-metal binding. It might be the rewind mechanism (top of the powerhead), for example, or the lower unit gears. You could have something tightly wrapped around the driveshaft --binding might not be at the powerhead.

 

[gmarshall43]

Re: 58 Johnson that can't be pull started

No I haven't tried that yet. I'll give it a try this weekend and get back to you. <br /><br />Thanks