86' 55HP SEAHORSE PROBLEM

[wcraige12]

ive just bought the boat: its a 14.5ft sur bass boat with a magic tilt trailer and an 86' 55 johnson seahorse, and sh'e dark green. i paid 500 for her. i had it on it's second voyage today. anywho the problem. it fired right off ran like a champ. reversed outa the cannal, then put her in foward, she plained off, started haulin ***, id hate to run it at below WOT, not even to the first bend in the river and the buzzer starts screamin. so i instantly turn it off. wait five min, glad i drove up the river. it cranked right up again,oh and the buzzer goes off in neutral, whe i put it in foward it was fine untill a quarter throttle, then the buzzer started again. i put it on the trailer and brought her home. the motar pissed the whole time even in idle. also the previous owner i know took apart the controll box wheree the shifter and buzzer are. somthing about the shiffter cable coming loose. where do i start looking? did i get ripped off? i thought i was getting a deal. please help im ready to hunt the seller down. thanks in advance. im tool savy so i'll be doing work myself but im kinda a novice at this outboard motor thing.<br />GARRETT

 

[steviecops]

Re: 86' 55HP SEAHORSE PROBLEM

I'm by no means an expert, but here's my thoughts anyway ;o)<br /><br />I suppose it could be the wire for the buzzer shorting out when the shift lever is moved to a certain position, but you could tell for sure by turning the ignition switch on and moving the lever throuh it's full range of movement. If the buzzer goes off, you've found the problem.<br /><br />However, I would still check to see if the engine is overheating or not. Feel the area on top of the head after the engine has been running about 5 minutes. If you can rest your fingers on there for a couple of seconds before having to pull them off, the engine probably isn't overheating. It would still be worth checking with a heat sensor or melt sticks though, just to be sure.<br /><br />If the engine isn't overheating, but your buzzer is still going off, you can take the switch out from behind the head cover and test it to see if it's operating at the correct temperature.<br /><br />If the engine is over heating, but it is pumping plenty of water, it's probably either a faulty thermostat or blocked water passge causing it.<br /><br />Good luck<br />Steve

 

[wcraige12]

Re: 86' 55HP SEAHORSE PROBLEM

i puled the shifter box apart buzzer looks good.<br />checked motar temp. it was to hot. how do i clear a blocked water passage in the motor?

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: 86' 55HP SEAHORSE PROBLEM

Do you have any records of the last time the water pump was changed out? Even though the water is flowing, it doesn't necessarily mean you have adequate flow. If you don't know for sure, just get a manual, buy a kit and replace it for peace of mind. Then test it out and if it still overheats.... go from there. Thats what I would do first thing. Again, unless you know for sure.... change it out. They get a set in them and the water volume may not be what you think it is. <br /><br />My nephews balked at the idea when they bought a used Merc 80. Said it had water coming out and it was fine. I said.... you know absolutely nothing about this engine. Change it out and have peace of mind... start from square one and KNOW its ok. They did and later admitted to me the difference in the force or volume of water being emitted from the tube was night and day.

 

[steviecops]

Re: 86' 55HP SEAHORSE PROBLEM

Can't argue with that Gil.<br /><br />However, if the water pump doesn't cure the problem, I'd change the thermostat next.<br /><br />If that doesn't cure it, suspect a blockage, in which case you'll have to at least take the head off. To get to all the water passages, the powerhead will have to come off so you can check the flow from the top of the water tube.<br /><br />It might be worth trying to back flush the engine while the lower unit is off when you replace the water pump.<br /><br />Good luck<br />Steve

 

[wcraige12]

Re: 86' 55HP SEAHORSE PROBLEM

i ordered the manual, and im going to head you guys advice and change the pump. i'll let ya know what happens.<br />just out of curiosity did i make a bad purchase? i couldnt find a value for the motor in nada.

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: 86' 55HP SEAHORSE PROBLEM

Can't get hurt with a purchase like that. With a little DIY elbow grease and that manual I bet you will be running in no time. There is one thing you could do right away while waiting on the manual...... put some orange and blue on it anywhere.... probably raise the value 25% right away!

 

[wcraige12]

Re: 86' 55HP SEAHORSE PROBLEM

i couldnt agree with u more

 

[Scaaty]

Re: 86' 55HP SEAHORSE PROBLEM

The motor is worth more than $500! You will be fine.

 

[wcraige12]

Re: 86' 55HP SEAHORSE PROBLEM

ok i couldnt wait so i took it apart the water pump looks all shiney and new and the impeller doesnt look bad, but i can see whe it looks like the seals were not put on right. looks funky compared to another seahorse outboard that i replaced the water pump on. so ive ordered new impeller and all gaskets and seals. when they get here i'll let ya know what happens.

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: 86' 55HP SEAHORSE PROBLEM

Peace of mind is worth the price and the further you get from shore the more its worth. Trust me.