1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

[Industrialmaterial]

This forum has been a wealth of information for a rookie vintage outboard guy. Bought a 57 Wagemaker with a 60 Evinrude Lark II. They were built here and are sweet little boats. Got that running for the end of the season last week. Bought a 58 super seahorse on Saturday to fit the boat and it seemd to be in good shape. Been trying to start her. Yesterday I had it sputtering and backfiring with blowing fuel into the intake. The carb wasn't getting fuel through it. Today I replaced all fuel lines. Gently blew out all the intakes with compressed air. Opened the carb and cleaned it again extremely well inside and out. Blew out jets and intakes. Checked float and shut off needle twice. Got fuel flowing. After choking, I pulled the plugs and they were wet so I am getting fuel around today. Likely had the high speed needle too far open for the first cranks (1-1/2 turns) because I could smell the fuel- dripped out the air intake after choking and cranking. Adjusted the high speed and low speed settings per the manual (1 for LS and 3/4 for HS) and waited an hour to try again. No luck. Is it just flooding and I need to wait a while? Or is there something I'm missing? Love to get the motor on the water and run her a while before stripping it down and repainting/ restoring this winter. I appreciate any advice.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

Hi industrial. Welcome to iboats. Great motor you've got there. It's on my bucket list. I love the reverse two tone paint job. As far as the carb goes, it sounds like you've done all the basics, and the fact that it ran for a bit means that the compression is probably ok. However, if it's still flooding, that usually means that the float needle is sticking. Also, did you replace the packing washers, or are they the ones that came in the carb? Are you using a 2-line pressure system, or has it been converted to a fuel pump at some point? Here are some handy links that can walk you through a carb rebuild very similar to yours. You may also want to check the spark just to be sure. It should jump a 1/4" gap. I would also run 24:1 mix using Champion J6C, or J8C plugs.

http://www.outboard-boat-motor-repa...hnson 5.5 HP 1954-1964 Carburetor Tune-UP.htm

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/04/s/columns/max/24/index.cfm

http://www.marineengine.com/parts/v...ntage-evinrude-johnson/377517/37751700001.htm

 

[Industrialmaterial]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

Thanks for the prompt response. It is a single line fuel system. I didn't replace any of the gaskets or packing washers since it seemed "water tight". So you think it's the carb? That'd be fine by me as that is the only thing that I have taken apart in my new journey with this motor. Since the fuel bulb does get hard after three squeezes of pushing fuel into the carb, i assumed the needle was working and shutting off the flow. Am I wrong?

 

[Industrialmaterial]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

PS- fantastic sites! thanks for the links!

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

First check spark. If you have good spark, then invest in a carb kit and properly rebuild the carb, including removing the welch plug on top of the carb and cleaning the idle circuit inside.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

+1. You can get a carb kit right here at iboats for about $20.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

One of my favourite motors, Im sure you will enjoy it. Here is a pic of mine, I have recently aquired the missing chrome from the front of the cowl missing in the pic.

 

[nwcove]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

^^^ is that a restored motor...or as found??? either way... nice one!!!!

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

awesome! I swear they designed all the droids in Star Wars by looking at vintage outboards. Those Javelins are cool as cool can be

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

The '58 Super Quiet above has been painted. The chrome and emblems are original, but paint is not. I wish it was original though. I try to keep alot of originals, but if they are too far gone and faded Ill paint them.

Im not sure which motor I like better, my '56 Javelin, my '57 Javelin or the '58 Super Seahorse, all are beautiful in their own way.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

Oh now you're just showin' off As much as I like the Javelins, I'd have to go with the '58s. I just love the paint scheme that year. It was the perfect transition between the cool old Holiday Bronze and the somewhat less cool White "wedding cake" designs of the 60s. One of these days I'll get a '58 35 hp, which should easily get me to at least warp 2 or 3!!!

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

Like this one?

 

[Industrialmaterial]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

I had a line on a 57' Javelin. Love the "Iron Man"-ish layering of the cowl. But I opted for the 58' Super Seahorse because of that beautiful warm white main paint scheme. It looks amazing with a wooden boat. Spent another early evening trying to get her started before the carb kit arrives. No luck. Way too much fuel getting into the carb during the priming. Will do a full rebuild this weekend and see what happens. I hope I can get it running for one last autumn run on these northern lakes. Thanks for the tips and advice everyone. Including a pic of the new engine. All original so far. Minor scuffs in the gold. Chrome with near perfect surface. Minor scratch or two on the white on the cowl. Some more pitting on the white of the lower unit etc.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

Sweet! She looks great. Do you have all the emblems and chrome?

The '58 SSH is quiter.

 

[Industrialmaterial]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

it was totally complete with all emblems and chrome. i couldn't believe it when i walked into the guys pole barn. i expected a big dent or missing emblem on one side since he only posted limited pix. it was filthy with dirt and grease from top to bottom. i took an evening with mineral spirits and came up with "cinderella". i can't wait to hear it purr. he described it as "runs great, had it tested", but didn't have the cables or ignition system so i couldn't test it there. so was -understandably- a bit disappointed that it wouldn't start after about 6 hours of cleaning and troubleshooting. my buddy who restores mercs reminded me to enjoy the journey...

 

[Industrialmaterial]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

One question: after significantly flooding the carb (as i described in earlier posts) while trying to start it the past two days, some gas/oil would eventually begin to come out of a weep hole near the bolts that mount the lower unit (above the cavitation plate). is this normal or a sign of deeper issues? i had the sense (not knowing better) that this was their purpose, but really do not know. Thoughts?

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

One question: after significantly flooding the carb (as i described in earlier posts) while trying to start it the past two days, some gas/oil would eventually begin to come out of a weep hole near the bolts that mount the lower unit (above the cavitation plate). is this normal or a sign of deeper issues? i had the sense (not knowing better) that this was their purpose, but really do not know. Thoughts?

Normal. It is the unburned gas/oil mix coming out of the exhaust.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

Great sign. When you do not ever see anything coming out of the weep holes, you have a bit of a job on your hands. Little critters build these mud nests in the drainage cavity, blocking the route for the spent cooling water and unburnt fuel/oil mix to exit. Then winter comes, and all that water is sitting in the gearcase because it cannot drain. Spring comes, and you find a split down the gearcase where the water froze and expanded.

I have a long drill bit for boring out those nests. They can be quite hard as well, you wouldnt believe it.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

Sweet looking motor.

I recommend a complete carb rebuild, with the proper replacement parts. Pay particular attention to the setting of the float angle, as it appears yours might be sticking.

I also recommend taking a look at the fuel pump. If it is old, the diaphragm might be going and if so, you don't want a newly rebuilt carb to suffer from bits of rubber spitting out of the pump, into it.

 

[Industrialmaterial]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

Thanks Jay. Recommend a new pump? Or is there a pump rebuild kit/process that is better?
You are likely correct, as I have wondered about bits in the sediment bowl even after replacing all old fuel lines.