1953 15 HP fastwin getting it up and running

Greetings,

I've lucked out, I think, by acquiring a new (old) 53 or 54 fastwin the serial # is 15012-26710. I think that places it at 1953 or 1954 and 15 hp. I've done a little cleaning up, and checked for spark. I seems to have good hot spark on both cylinders. I'm moving on to the fuel system and have most of it cleaned up. The tank won't hold pressure so I'm refitting the gaskets on top of the tank and replacing the "O" rings in the fuel coupling at the engine, but can't seem to figure out how to get to the rings. There are two brass nipples, on my sport twin the nipples are threaded and screw out easily exposing the springs and brass rings. However, on this one the nipples appear to be soldered in. Does any one have any tips on how to remove these and get to the O rings.

The other thing I noticed is that the engine seems to be very tight and I have to pull the rope very hard to turn it over. The pistons appear to be in great shape as do the rings whien inspected through the exhaust ports. Is this normal?

Thanks a million!

Re: 1953 15 HP fastwin getting it up and running

Howdy ecoli.

Welcome to iboats.

Scary user name!

Start in the Top Secret File stuck at the top of this forum. Lots of info on getting an old one running, etc.

Good luck.

Re: 1953 15 HP fastwin getting it up and running

Thanks,

Good advice, I went through the Top Secrets but am still lost on replacing the O rings on the fuel coupler.

Re: 1953 15 HP fastwin getting it up and running

If you have the replacement O rings this is how I do it.

Wrap the connector in a rag and put it softly in a vice pointing up. Using a awl or similar tool, press down on the center tab to compress the spring, then use a dentist pick or similar tool to pick the old O ring out. If it's dry and breaks into little pieces it's a b$%ch to get out but it's doable. If it comes out as one you're laughing. Then pinch the new O ring to reinsert, push the center tab down and squeeze it in. It's actually quite easy as long as the old one does not break up.

Re: 1953 15 HP fastwin getting it up and running

Ahh,
Thanks Steve Ill give that a try tonight.

Re: 1953 15 HP fastwin getting it up and running

A crochet needle actually works better than a Dentist pick.

Re: 1953 15 HP fastwin getting it up and running

success is sometimes measured in small increments. I got the O rings out using the dentist pick and a small nail. Vola any thoughts on why the motor seems so stiff?