Late 50's BigTwin Compression release warning!

58BigTwin

Cadet
Joined
May 6, 2003
Messages
26
While enjoying the 35 hp on a new boat, I had an interesting thing happen.<br /><br />The boat seemed to lose power, and I thought it was fuel pump related. As it happened, the engine overheated...big time! I thought it was weeds on the water intake (saw some when I tilted it up).<br /><br />The covers that deflect the gases when the compression release is actuated were smoking, and the lower one was actually melted!<br /><br />Luckily I had the 9.5 kicker and got home.<br /><br />The mechanism that engages the comp. release was stuck and caused the problem, venting compression gases for about 2 minutes, and also melted the hose powering the fuel pump. I have a spare parts motor so I replaced the covers, bypassed the comp. release and the engine still runs great, though is a little more challenging to start.<br /><br />So guys, check the little plastic clip that guides the actuating mechanism on these 35's and 40's (and probably more) OMC's<br /><br />TE
 

oldboat1

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 3, 2002
Messages
9,612
Re: Late 50's BigTwin Compression release warning!

interesting post. I hadn't heard of that. My complaint about the compression release on my '57 is that it doesn't seem to consistently work (has to do with the travel of the little plastic guide at the top of the assembly, I think). Mine is an electric start, though -- would not like to have to pull start that rascal without the compression release, at least when it's cold and not quite ready to fire.
 
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