If this was your SLOW SPEED NEEDLE....Repair Methods?

[SeaKaye12]

Hi,

Here are a couple of pictures of the slow speed needle from my 1955 Fastwin 15HP. As far as I can tell...new ones are not available through any normal sources. (Part #303945

Can this one be improved? If so....how? I've read about people putting them in a power drill but I don't understand the exact procedure to polish it out.... I thought of twisting it between my fingers with steel wool or similar. What would you do?

If I leave it alone...how much effect will it have on the running of the motor do you think it would have? Maybe I should leave well enough alone? I can't get the motor running well enough to know if this is a significant issue or not.

Thanks, Chuck

 

[nwcove]

Re: If this was your SLOW SPEED NEEDLE....Repair Methods?

you need a needle and seat! yikes. ( maybe look for a complete carb , the needle looks like a complete wright off, and the seat probably is nasty also)

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: If this was your SLOW SPEED NEEDLE....Repair Methods?

Chuck.... As it stands (as pictured above), the needle valve is worthless. The normal taper of a slow speed valve tip would be about 1/2" long, from the widest portion of the valve to the needle point. You can do this by having the needle valve in either a drill press or a electric drill, then lay a good file against it at an angle to obtain the needed taper.

 

[tosoutherncars]

Re: If this was your SLOW SPEED NEEDLE....Repair Methods?

Chuck,

Can you use 303946? (I only ask because of the proximity of the part#s). If so;

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-JOHNSON...709324&pt=Boat_Parts_Accessories_Gear&vxp=mtr

Might be worth contacting the seller, in any case...

 

[kbait]

Re: If this was your SLOW SPEED NEEDLE....Repair Methods?

Tim's outboard 218-682-2331 will have a used/good one. If not: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=438822

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: If this was your SLOW SPEED NEEDLE....Repair Methods?

Thanks guys....

Joe Reeves; from the pics...do you think the drill method would be successful? If so...what RPM of the drill and what type of file? I don't suppose anyone has done a video of something similar?

As far as the seat goes....is it even accessible/replaceable on this carb? I've had it apart and except for removing the freeze plug (which the PO did but I didn't) I don't see access to the seat??? Maybe what is referenced as the "bushing" is AKA the seat?

Chuck

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: If this was your SLOW SPEED NEEDLE....Repair Methods?

tosoutherncars....It appears that the needle you reference above fits (among others) the 18HP Fastwin 1958. I gleaned that information from a post by Joe Reeves on marineengine.com:

"The tip of the S/S needle must be perfect. If the point taper is worn lopsided, you might be able to clean it up by clamping it in either a drill press or a regular electric drill clamped in a vice, then holding a file to it BUT pay atention to the angle/degree of the taper.

The part number of a new needle, if you can find one, is 303946. The barrel is 303947."

I did as you suggested however and asked the seller about it. He promised to research it and let me know.

Chuck

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: If this was your SLOW SPEED NEEDLE....Repair Methods?

^
Can I even access the seat to take a look at it? ....is it even accessible/replaceable on this carb? I've had it apart and except for removing the expansion plug (which the PO did but I didn't) I don't see access to the seat. And; it doesn't appear on my parts list either.

 

[sutor623]

Re: If this was your SLOW SPEED NEEDLE....Repair Methods?

Holy moly. That is by far the worst needle that I have EVER seen!

 

[AlTn]

Re: If this was your SLOW SPEED NEEDLE....Repair Methods?

you may be confusing "seating the low speed needle" for the" needle valve and seat"? As you tighten the needle it does get tighter in that bushing and if you overtighten it will cut a band, or step, in the needle taper. To view the point of the needle you can pop out the core plug <#89> in your diagram and you'll see a small "well" with 3 or more holes which are drilled into the carb throat directly behind the throttle butterfly. These supply fuel to the engine at idle. The tip of the needle enters this well area and adjust the fuel ratio at idle. Looking at marineengine.com it seems 303945 was used in the 1957 18 hp. as well as the '56 15 hp. Were it cheaper I personally would take a chance on it. As kbait suggests, it's worth calling around to see if it'll work and if it's available used.

 

[F_R]

Re: If this was your SLOW SPEED NEEDLE....Repair Methods?

The seat is NOT a separate item and is NOT replaceable!! Fortunately, it rarely is necessary anyway.

The "bushing" is the threads for the needle to screw into/through.

Use common sense. As you screw the needle toward the seat, it closes off the hole (which the idle fuel goes through). Screw it in, less fuel goes through, and the fuel/air ratio is leaner. Back it off and the hole opens, allowing more fuel and a richer fuel/air ratio. In other words, it is nothing but a glorified faucet.

Now, understanding all that, even a damaged needle and or seat will open/close off the hole. The only problem is if damaged, it will be very touchy or very unresponsive. The one in the picture is terrible. That would be next to impossible to get right. Any attempt at repointing it can only make it better, because it can't get much worse. Worth a try.

 

[lindy46]

Re: If this was your SLOW SPEED NEEDLE....Repair Methods?

I have a carb off a '53-54 15hp which has a perfect low speed needle. The Sediment bowl is missing. Not sure if the '55 is the same, but I'd be willing to part with the needle, or the whole carb for a real cheap price. The needle is 4.25" long. PM me if interested.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: If this was your SLOW SPEED NEEDLE....Repair Methods?

Your part #89 is the detail you'll want to have a look at now. I find that an ice pick is the best way to remove the cap. Just don't tap to DEEP through it tho, you've got about a quarter inch below the cap to play with.
You'll see the 'seat' (at least the back side) there inside.

 

[lindy46]

Re: If this was your SLOW SPEED NEEDLE....Repair Methods?

Chuck - check your PM cache - it is full and I can't send you any more private messages until you clear the old. Yes, my 53-54 lower unit is the 4-bolt type, but the innards (gears, dog, shaft) are the same. Let me know what you want to do.