is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

[Krs1]

ok i tried posting in the faq section but wasent allowed for some reason. my question is i want to do maintinece on my motor myself but timid i will foul something up cuz the motor runs great just want to do general stuff. carb kit, water pump kit, lower unit flush etc. i read the awakening thread and was helpful but i have never done any of this. i have a maintinence book which is very detailed but over my head. is there a book for dummies on these motors or a better thread somewhere? im not a mechanic so is this over my head and if so how much should i expect to pay a mechanic to do this for me? thanks again for all the help

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

First, don't panic! You have a very good ol' motor there and relatively easy to work on. You are right in being cautious, but, don't be afraid to try stuff. There's all kinds of help and advice right here on Iboats. If you have the manual, you're already a mile ahead of someone who doesn't and the more you read it, the clearer it will become to you. All you will need for tools are some basic, homeowner type stuff, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

That's right Krs1. You can/should do as much of the work for yourself aS posible. We can walk you through just about anything. The good news is that you know she runs good now, so at least you're dealing with a fundamntally sound engine. Start with the small stuff. I'd start by learning how to "rebuild" the carb. It's one of the most basic and useful skills you can acquire. It's not as bad as it sounds. You're not really "rebuilding" anything, just cleaing and replacing the bits that can ware out. A good clean carb is probably the single best thing you can do to keep her runnin's smooth. Don't be affraid. If I can do this stuff, anybody can. Keep us posted

 

[Krs1]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

Sweet! I'm gonna give her a whirl today or tomorrow then. I really appreciate the positive feed back from everyone and it boost the confidence level! I will give an update soon.

 

[lindy46]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

My philosphy is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". I have a '57 Lark which required some lower unit work when I first got it. I put new seals in and a water pump impeller. But the dang thing ran so good, I didn't mess with the points, coils, condensers or the carb. That was three years ago and she still runs like a champ. I almost feel guilty not tearing the carb down, but I'll hold out until she gives me problems.

 

[Krs1]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

i totaly agree with if it aint broke dont fix it! my thing is its55 years old and i have no clue when and if the last tune up was done. it runs strong , starts on the first pull and ithink if iclean it up it will run more smoothly. so should i start with the carb?

 

[Steve A W]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

Krs1
Here's a link to a series of articles about old OMC motors.

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/07/columns/max/articles.htm

I learned a lot from these articles. That generation of OMC motors
are designed for the "Do IT Your Selfer"
Good Luck with Your motor.
Steve A W

 

[kfa4303]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

cleaning your carb is great place to start basic maintenance and may help smooth out the engine as well. cleaning and rebuilding the carb is simple and to be expected every couple of years. get a can of aerosol carb cleaner from any auto parts store, the proper carb kit and take your time. it's not hard and the carb kit only costs about $20 or so. "rebuilding" the carb really just entails cleaning it thoroughly and replacing the old gaskets and washers. plenty of people and posts here to help.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

If it starts on the first pull I would not touch it. Most folks don't have engines that start on the first pull and would die for that! It cant get any better if it's already starting on the first pull so I wouldn't worry about it. If you really want to do something, change the impeller if it has not been done since you've owned it. It's a regular maintenance item. And I have the 15014 parts manual if you don't have it, PM me your email address and request if you want it.

And unless i's miss firing or something I would not open up the ignition either. Let sleeping dogs lie!

Only if you were considering going on a long trip or somewhere where it had to be extremely reliable would I start tinkering with it.

 

[cr2k]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

I agree, let it be. Just do an impeller and change your lower unit gear oil.

If you do go further now or later just be very careful of the glass fuel bowl. If you break this you may never find another one.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

I don't think you'll have to mess with that carb either. It wouldn't be a bad idea to rebuild it, just so you'll have the newer float in it, but if it's working good, just go with it. I'm betting that this motor is in nice shape, if it runs that good huh?

You can check things over though. Just remove the starter assembly and you should see a small access plate on the flywheel. Item number 4 on this link. Remove the 3 bolts on item number 3 and lift it off.

http://www.marineengine.com/parts/v...evinrude-johnson/FORM_2104/FORM_210400001.htm

By removing this plate, you should see the ignition system and see what condition it's in. Look at the coils and let us know if the coils are cracked, or if you see nice shiny coils there. The hole in the flywheel is there to enable you to set your points too.

One other good check point, is the oil in the lower unit. Remove the lower plug and see if water comes out, or if creamy colored oil comes out. If the oil comes out, looking like oil, then you're good.

Water pump impeller: It wouldn't hurt to get one, but if you see a nice full stream of water coming out of the back of the motor, then keep the new impeller in safe keeping, till you need it.

 

[Krs1]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

The pee hole spits lots of water but not in a stream more so like it would come out a hose if your finger was covering it. There's a bunch of screws on the shaft and I see the oil drain and fill cuz there's a label but which ones are to get to the water pump? Do I need to rip the shaft apart or is it relatively simple?

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

On the side of the motor leg, you'll see an obround plate. Remove that and then remove the bottom screw on the shift rod coupler. It has to be removed completely, in order for the shift rod to separate. Then remove the 5 bolts that attach the lower unit to the leg. That's it.

Once you remove the lower unit, you'll see the water pump housing with 4 screws holding it down.

 

[Krs1]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

Can you please specify what the leg is? Are we talking about the shaft? Lower or upper, I just don't know all the lingo yet? Oh also are impelers all universal?

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

the leg is the shaft housing that goes into the water. The impeller is available here at iboats.

 

[jasper60103]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

Can you please specify what the leg is? Are we talking about the shaft? Lower or upper, I just don't know all the lingo yet? Oh also are impelers all universal?

 

[Krs1]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

so from those 2 screws i can get to the impeler?

 

[garzilla]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

Nope.....under that plate is the coupler for the shift linkage.....the lower bolt inside, and the handful of bolts around the lower unit are what holds it together....impeller housing is inside once it's apart....

exploded views of parts will help....they did for me..

 

[jasper60103]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

Nope.....under that plate is the coupler for the shift linkage.....the lower bolt inside, and the handful of bolts around the lower unit are what holds it together....impeller housing is inside once it's apart....

exploded views of parts will help....they did for me..

^^^

 

[samo_ott]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

As I mentioned earlier, I have the 15014 parts manual which has the exploded views of everything. PM me with your email and request if you want it.