Looking for pistons, rings and gasket set for 1958-9 Johnson 5.5

solarguy2003

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Oct 31, 2025
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1
It's a sweet little engine and it looks like it doesn't have a lot of hours on it. It runs, but not enthusiastically. The original paint is in decent shape. But it only has 52 psi compression in one cylinder and 48 in the other. I have looked pretty hard and have yet to find a source for pistons, rings and a gasket set. I don't need another wall hanger that just looks pretty.
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 28, 2013
Messages
39,151
Your location ?------Also look at ---aomci---- website.----Locally these parts are not hard to find for me.-----What condition is the head gasket in ?-----Could also be the slip clutch binding.------These motors are NOT a mystery to me.----Have more than one around.
 

Crosbyman

Vice Admiral
Joined
Nov 5, 2006
Messages
5,892
why not try to run it for a while with some decarb product to loosen rings
some like SEAFOAM some don't other products could help before you carck it open.

peak inside.. inspect the walls etc... remove cyl head gaskets are cheap
visit VINTAGE OUTBAORD.com for precise year gaskets especially the base gasket when you dothe water pump and check out the shock absorber
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have you looked into the electricals under the FW... cracked coils and all... bad condensers

fed enough oil these oldys are hard to kill
best book for you !! $20 400+ pages service manaul
on oldies
 
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racerone

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Dec 28, 2013
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Taken a few apart lately.-----Last one I put together I used a new ( 1961 >1979 ) crankshaft and needle bearings on the rod journals.----Took a 58 apart this last spring that also had the updated needle bearing crankshaft.
 

rolmops

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
5,625
I have had very good luck with "Magical Mystery Oil.
Pour some in the cylinders and let it sit overnight. I will more likely than not loosen up the rings. Besides, it smells really nice.
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 28, 2013
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39,151
One site shows 3 new pistons in stock at around $58 each.------Have you checked the pistons and rings ?-----Taken the head off yet?
 
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