Need help - 59' johnson 5.5 hp - cooling help

[mchin]

I have a 59 johnson 5.5 and while I have replaced the impeller, and I know that it's in right and pumping up water, it's not cooling and water doesn't come out the exhaust. I run water through both holes in the thermostat chamber - so that water goes through the head and out the exhaust and the other way down the leg and out the water inlet area. So it seems the passages are clear. It seems the only time I can get it to work is when I remove the water inlet plate, and shoot water into the access hole with the hose. Any advise would be great, as I am getting tired of having to remove the head every damn time. It seems once water is in the pump housing it works, could I be getting some weird vacume thing going on? By the way the lower unit is totally submerged when I am bucket testing. Could it be the exhaust gasket? Mine is in good shape, but ya never know.

thanks
mc

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Need help - 59' johnson 5.5 hp - cooling help

must be submerged 1/2 way up the leg. gromet on water tube, sure they are lined up???

 

[F_R]

Re: Need help - 59' johnson 5.5 hp - cooling help

If you have it submerged at least far enough to submerge the water pump (deeper is better), then nature takes over and does the same thing you are doing by removing the inlet plate and squirting water in. They don't suck air worth a hoot. And you have an awful lot of air (exhaust) in a bucket.

 

[mchin]

Re: Need help - 59' johnson 5.5 hp - cooling help

thanks, I'll try to submerge the leg farther in, I have several 5.5 and 6hp omc motors and this is the only one that I am having this problem. I know the tube is lined up and gasket is on and tight, the inside of the water pump housing is a little pitted, but not much - could that be it? maybe the I need to check the water tube up the leg to make sure it's seated in firmly to the leg.

thanks
mc

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Need help - 59' johnson 5.5 hp - cooling help

On that engine, replace the entire pump assembly, and be sure to put sealer under the impellor plate. If your pump housing is pitted, it is probably also grooved.

 

[F_R]

Re: Need help - 59' johnson 5.5 hp - cooling help

A worn pump housing certainly will affect the ability of the pump to prime (suck air). The fact that it works OK once you prime it with a hose indicates everything else is OK.

 

[mchin]

Re: Need help - 59' johnson 5.5 hp - cooling help

Thanks, for all the help, I'll be sure to get a replacement in place asap. I have been using sealer at every place from under the plate to the top where the housing sits, I had stripped it up and down at least 4 times and decided duh - I need help.

Thanks again for all the input.
-mc

 

[byronjacobson]

Re: Need help - 59' johnson 5.5 hp - cooling help

I have a 59 cd-16 5.5 hp johnson and cannot get it to pump water either. I've taken it apart twice. the impellar and housing seem to be in good condition. I haven't tried submerging the leg in deeper water yet, but have had it at least 4 inches of water above the impeller. I would think that would be plenty deep. Is it possible you need an absolutely new impeller even though the old one seem s very good and still pliable?