johnson seahorse 5.5hp, hasn't run in 20+ years

[tbone303]

Re: johnson seahorse 5.5hp, hasn't run in 20+ years

the reason why i am getting this one fixed is not only sentimental but we have another one a 1.2 hp tanaka, that some years does not run right but at 15 lbs it's nice to carry around. To be honest the mechanic i took it to said he might fix it for FREE because he has never done something like this before and would like the experience. Yes i did find it fun just taking pieces off and checking stuff. Like what was said earlier " bringing grandads motor back to life priceless...sorry mastercard"

 

[levi_tsk]

Re: johnson seahorse 5.5hp, hasn't run in 20+ years

im the same way tbone ... to put your hands on something this old you cant help but wonder "who had it?" "what has it been through ?" "where was it bought?"

 

[tbone303]

Re: johnson seahorse 5.5hp, hasn't run in 20+ years

Okay i got news from the mechanic $350 with the parts and labour, so i said no, compression was 45 pounds and only one spark plug had a spark. So with a compression of 45lbs is it still able to be fixed or is there a piston problem?

 

[tbone303]

Re: johnson seahorse 5.5hp, hasn't run in 20+ years

I am going to go to napa again tomorrow and try to get the parts. Is the 45 pounds compression good though or should i just forget about it? it's suppose to be about 100-120lbs

 

[nwcove]

Re: johnson seahorse 5.5hp, hasn't run in 20+ years

if i read correctly, you removed the head from your motor? did your mechanic replace the head gasket before the compression test? (head gaskets....and most other gaskets are not reusable!)
was 45psi the number for both cyls? and what happened to "fix it for free labour?
dont give up on it yet! and dont abandon it at your mechanics shop! ......or you just might see it out on the lake running fine, ....with the same mechanic at the helm.

 

[tbone303]

Re: johnson seahorse 5.5hp, hasn't run in 20+ years

oh crap yes i did so that means the low compression could have been by the gasket that i took of and put back on, 45psi on both cyls, about the free labour maybe they figured out it was a bigger job than they thought. so should i go ahead and get the parts?thanks

 

[tbone303]

Re: johnson seahorse 5.5hp, hasn't run in 20+ years

about the carb float where can i get one? and can i use the 1980 one from the iboat store?

 

[nwcove]

Re: johnson seahorse 5.5hp, hasn't run in 20+ years

id go with the head gasket first, if you can get your numbers up to even 60psi or a lil bit better (10% difference from cyl to cyl, im told you should be ok to procede with moving to the next step.) have you tried using the part numbers from sierra? napa uses those numbers. ( i called my local napa, and just gave them part numbers for some gaskets and a water pump, didnt mention what the parts were for. it all showed up on their system as the parts i wanted).

 

[Monte1961]

Re: johnson seahorse 5.5hp, hasn't run in 20+ years

One thing you will want to do for sure. Take 220 grit sandpaper on flat surface such as glass, And move the head back and forth a few times then check for high and low spots. Repeat in till smooth with no high/low spots. Remember, you can take it off, but you can't put it back on. Post back results.

 

[tbone303]

Re: johnson seahorse 5.5hp, hasn't run in 20+ years

nwcove when you got your parts did the store have them on hand or did they have to order them, i will do the sand paper thing once i get my parts

 

[tbone303]

Re: johnson seahorse 5.5hp, hasn't run in 20+ years

i used the sierra #'s but i think i used the dash example 18-7043 for the carb kit, but when i go to napa again i am going to print the pages with all the parts so they will know what to look for i think the number should have been 187043, and it should work.

 

[nwcove]

Re: johnson seahorse 5.5hp, hasn't run in 20+ years

napa had to get the parts from new brunswick, but they had them the next day. the part # you mentioned. 18-7043 is exactly what i ordered, and exactly what is printed on the package, the dash -, is there. the float is not included with that.
if i were you, id just get the headgasket and as monte said, check the head for warpage, .....install the gasket, torque it to specs and check the compression, a small bit a fuel/oil mix in the plug holes is a good idea....not much tho. i wouldnt go out and spend money on other parts till you see reasonable compression.

 

[tbone303]

Re: johnson seahorse 5.5hp, hasn't run in 20+ years

i checked the head and there was a slight warp but the sand paper now how scratched evenly, but won't a carburator cleaning and tune up increase compression?

 

[tbone303]

Re: johnson seahorse 5.5hp, hasn't run in 20+ years

ordered the gasket seal today was $7 and there was none in quebec but there were 4 in cambridge, Ontario. It should arrive saturday or tuesday. The number that worked was the part# with no dash and 3 digit line code. I will keep you guys updated. Thanks for the help.

 

[LindenLongRods]

Re: johnson seahorse 5.5hp, hasn't run in 20+ years

For 1st genbird, I also have an old motor early 70's maybe 15 hp, but I don't want it. It ran last time I used it maybe 2 years ago. do you know anybody who would be interested in it, half of what you suggested

 

[jmendoza]

Re: johnson seahorse 5.5hp, hasn't run in 20+ years

Great engine, it's either a 1954 CD-10 or CD-11, or the 1955 CD-12, take a look at the picture below: I added a Mikuni pump to mine as i did not have the pressure type fuel tank, and got decals and paint. I put in a new float, carb kit, coils, plugs, waterpump, gearcase lube and drain/fill plug washers, new points, and I surfaced the head and replaced the gasket. Mine runs great, one sweet little outboard, just not alot of power. Be sure to use 25:1 oil ratio.

 

[tbone303]

Re: johnson seahorse 5.5hp, hasn't run in 20+ years

i just checked mine is a CD-12, 1955, the same color as yours but yours is in way better condition. Where did you get your carb float, part #?

 

[nwcove]

Re: johnson seahorse 5.5hp, hasn't run in 20+ years

a carb kit and tune up wont increase compression if the motor has excessive wear, but with the new head gasket, and the bit of time you spent reworking the head, it should help alot! once you get your head gasket, make sure the bolts are tightened in the right pattern, and not over torqued. and yes, plz post back with the results.

 

[nwcove]

Re: johnson seahorse 5.5hp, hasn't run in 20+ years

i think its a safer bet to mix the fuel for those motors at 16:1, they still run fine, just a lil bit messier....my cd 14 runs like a top at 16:1 and it keeps it well oiled. plugs are cheaper than powerheads!

 

[StarTekh]

Re: johnson seahorse 5.5hp, hasn't run in 20+ years

tbone303: where in quebec are you, if your close . i might have some options for you to get your motor up and runing