Old Johnson Sea Horse project **FINISHED**

[F_R]

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse fuel question *PHOTO*

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse fuel question *PHOTO*

Oh, it is the 5.5 we are talking about. I lost track. Anyway, there are about a zillion possibilities to guess at. But spinning the prop doesn't prove much because the prop shaft will spin without turning anything other than the shaft itself.

I still say separate the sections. Just removing the powerhead will at least isolate the problem.

Want an educated guess? The shock absorber in the lower unit. Let us know how good a guess that is.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse fuel question *PHOTO*

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse fuel question *PHOTO*

The shock absorber. That's the spring-loaded part that seals the drive shaft under the power head?? I will take a look at it. What should I look for? What could be wrong with it? Can it get jammed up in there?

 

[F_R]

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse fuel question *PHOTO*

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse fuel question *PHOTO*

No, the shock absorber is in the lower unit and serves to protect from hitting underwater obstructions. If the shock absorber spring breaks, the assembly "grows" in length and becomes too long to fit in the space that it goes in, locking the motor up. It is accessed by removing the water pump and the bearing plate under the pump.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse fuel question *PHOTO*

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse fuel question *PHOTO*

Okay, thank you FR. I got the powerhead off and at least it's okay. It spins freely when removed from the leg. I've got water in the LU oil. Lot's of water. Obviously one of the seals I replaced didn't seal. Not sure what this means as far as the condition of the LU now. I'll tear into it and see. Maybe this could have broken the shock spring?? I'll let you know what I find. Thanks for the diagram.

 

[F_R]

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse fuel question *PHOTO*

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse fuel question *PHOTO*

Very often when the absorber breaks, it breaks the bearing plate under the water pump. Result: Major oil/water leak.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse fuel question *PHOTO*

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse fuel question *PHOTO*

FR, man you're good. Here is a picture of the broken spring.

I'm assuming since my book doesn't even show this spring that I have to buy the whole shaft to repair it. I'll look into that tomorrow.

BTW, here it is running before the spring failure, so I have something to look forward to.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse project **FINISHED**

Well here she is, the final product. I decided not to paint it because the original paint is still in pretty good shape. I doubt my poor painting skills would look any better. Thanks to all who helped me learn about these old motors, I had a blast fixing it up. It runs perfectly, idles smooth, no mis-firing. Amazing.

This is the best part!

Now the question is, do I keep it or sell it. I don't really have a need for it, but dang, I don't want to sell it just yet.

The 18hp is next, wish me luck.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse project **FINISHED**

i wouldn't paint it. minor scratches shows it truly vintage. great job, be proud.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse project **FINISHED**

Good job.

No one NEEDS a 1954 outboard, but who would be without one!

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse project **FINISHED**

It looks great! That's the same engine my 12-year old bombs around the bay with! He loves his!

Think about it this way... It doesn't take up much space and some day you MAY need a small kicker for some reason. Maybe your kid/grand kid/nephew/whatever wants to learn the water. Perfect motor for that, or you may decide to travel to a 10hp & under limited lake where your 18 wouldn't be welcome. Keep it!

- Scott

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse project **FINISHED**

Thanks guys. I think I'll hold onto it. My son may like to have it some day. I'll probably need to replace everything all over again by the time he's old enough though.8)

Thanks again.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse project **FINISHED**

Great job on the 5.5! Now, what's the status of the 18?