1954 johnson 5.5 water pump issues

[jimken82]

I have a 5.5 johnson that doesn't seem to pump water at higher rpms. I was wondering if this is normal or if the impeller is bad.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1954 johnson 5.5 water pump issues

I have a 5.5 johnson that doesn't seem to pump water at higher rpms. I was wondering if this is normal or if the impeller is bad.

Certainly not normal. Are you running it on a boat or in a bucket?

 

[jimken82]

Re: 1954 johnson 5.5 water pump issues

I have done both and it seems like it stops pumping from half to full throttle.

 

[jimken82]

Re: 1954 johnson 5.5 water pump issues

when I slow it back down it takes a couple of seconds and then it starts pumping again

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1954 johnson 5.5 water pump issues

Is the motor deep enough in the water?

 

[F_R]

Re: 1954 johnson 5.5 water pump issues

A plugged bleed hole in the water pump housing can cause that. The bleed hole keeps the cavity around the drive shaft filled with water so exhaust doesn't blow down through the shaft hole and kill the pumping. At idle, the pump is submerged, but at higher speeds the exhaust blows the water out of the area around the pump.

But that certainly isn't the only possibility. Could be a worn out pump housing, a worn out impeller, lack of water supply to the pump, a leak under the water pump plate, running in a small container (too much air from turbulence), not deep enough in the water, a cracked gearcase, and some more.

 

[jimken82]

Re: 1954 johnson 5.5 water pump issues

The motor is well deep enough in the water, it is far heavier than my 2hp suzuki. I will take it back apart and check the bleed hole, I have found an impeller kit, with gaskets and all for $38 but wanted to get some other opinions before spending the money and have it not help. The impeller was worn a little but did not look terrible, but I am no expert.