I..D a fire pump with a 55hp omc power head

[alcan]

I ran across some fire pumps today. They all had what appeared to be 55hp two cyl. OMC power heads with VRO. These appeared to be military surplus, just guessing. The Units did have a brand name on the shrouds. The model # on the power heads was 55P10A. Does anyone have info as to the year of manufacture. Also would these power heads be suitable for outboard use. Just think twin 55hp fire pumps on your jet sled.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: I..D a fire pump with a 55hp omc power head

the powerheads if you cange the intake can be used on an outboard. they were made by OMC for several pump manufactures. most common was the standard p-250. we used to rebuild 40-50 a year for the coast gaurd.<br /> they would strip them to a short block and send them to us. was gravy money but it got a bit boring.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[alcan]

Re: I..D a fire pump with a 55hp omc power head

Hey thanks Rodbolt<br />These things look interesting. I was looking at the intake (carbs,etc). I did not have time, nor could I see around the shrouding enough to tell exactly what the differeces where. The batch I saw were priced too high for me, for a pig in a poke powerhead.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: I..D a fire pump with a 55hp omc power head

Some of them were set up to run on jet fuel (most common fuel to be found on an aircraft carrier, yes?) so the carbs would be different. Replace the carbs and check the timing and I believe you can run on pump gas...<br /><br />- Scott

 

[rodbolt]

Re: I..D a fire pump with a 55hp omc power head

all the firepumps on the USS Arliegh Burke ran on JP-5 in the early 90's. we started on propane and ran on jet fuel. we carried no gasoline onboard. be careful buying military equipment as some of it looks similar but wont work in the civilian world.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[alcan]

Re: I..D a fire pump with a 55hp omc power head

Thanks for the info guy's. Isn't jet fuel basicly kerosine? I know OMC bulit kero models over the years. I have no intension of running kero, just curious. Because I am such an outboard scrounge,(bottom feeder) deals like this always interest me. I know there is a rear end for every seat, but I can't imagine anyone in civilain life needing a fire pump of this nature. And as I said I feel the fellow that has these for sale is fairly proud of them at this time. They look like they would be a good parts source if the price was right. Jet fuel, can you imagine the bragging rights a fellow might have on the river running a Jet sled on jet fuel. We all know how fishermen like to brag.

 

[orca]

Re: I..D a fire pump with a 55hp omc power head

G,Day. Johnson also made a lawnmower called an Ironhorse, I had one for a while, made in the 70's i believe

 

[kd6nem]

Re: I..D a fire pump with a 55hp omc power head

Interesting. But kerosene & jetfuel have a very low octane equivalent, so there must have been some sort of compensation in terms of lower compression & maybe retarded timing. Aircraft recip engines which accidentally injest jet fuel usually last just until the airplane leaves the ground. Very ugly.<br /><br />Funny, but did you know the reverse has also happened? A fire pump motor became an outboard. (as well as sports car/race motor in Britain) The rare 85 HP Bearcat 4 stroke outboard (circa 1971 or so) was an adaptation of the British Coventry Climax motor. The far more common Homelite 55/ Bearcat 55 of course was derived from the diminutive American built Crosley auto motor. But before that these motors were used in significant quantities by the Navy for gen sets and pumps, I believe.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: I..D a fire pump with a 55hp omc power head

Alcan,<br /><br />Those older kerosene outboards from OMC were started and warmed up on gasoline, then switched over and run on Kerosene.<br /><br />Last year, Bombardier introduced the JP-5 fuel outboards to the military, since no gasoline will be carried about Navy vessels in the near future. They were Direct Injected models similar to the FICHT design. They may be setting up E-TEC style engines because they can be rope started and not need a battery to run.

 

[orca]

Re: I..D a fire pump with a 55hp omc power head

G,day. Mercury have also introduced an optimax motor that runs on JP5. Have a look at their Australian website www.mercurymarine.com.au then check latest news and you will find full description of the motor