1963 5.5 evinrude

[Emerald-star]

Hey Everyone, Emerald-star here. My last post on May 6 had numerous questions that got very good repies. Well, now I am stuck again. I cleaned the carb and rebuilt w/new kit. I replaced all the hoses and cleaned out the site bowl. I got her to run but I can't seem to get the slow and fast idle mix right. I followed the manual I bought (Clymer Evinrude/Johnson outboard shop manual 1.5 - 125 hp. 1956-1972) up to where it said to connect a tach which I don't have, I was hoping to at least get it to run smooth. Would I be best to just have the mechanic in my town to look at it, he is real good with older engines. Or am I missing something else to try?

Thanks in advance,
This site is awesome,
E-star

 

[rolmops]

Re: 1963 5.5 evinrude

In this case ,your ears are the tach.
Start with the low speed needle (On top)and open it about 1 1/2 turns.Start the engine in a barrel with the lower unit almost all the way in the water.Now idle the engine down as much as you can without stalling it.Next,start turning the needle to the right (closing) and slowly turn until the rpm goes up.keep on closing until the engine starts stuttering.Back off a quarter turn and you're good.
The high speed is done the same way but in gear in the water,while running your boat.

 

[Sader762]

Re: 1963 5.5 evinrude

A great website if you haven't seen it yet:

http://outboard-boat-motor-repair.com/johnson/Evinrude%20Johnson%205.5%20HP%201954-1964%20Tune-Up%20Procedure.htm

 

[Emerald-star]

Re: 1963 5.5 evinrude

Sader762,
WOW that is a great web site. I wish I new about it before I worked on the carb. I missed a couple of things. Double gasket at the manifold, spring clip on the needle valve, and the round alum plug. I guess I will be taking the carb off again. Darn it. Learning curve I guess. Even if I have to buy another kit I will be sure to follow more than just the manual.
Thanks again,
Emerald-star

 

[Emerald-star]

Re: 1963 5.5 evinrude

Rolmops,
Thanks for the info. I will use it after I take the carb apart again. After going to the web site that Sader762 gave me I realized that I left/missed some parts. So back to the work table with it.
Thanks again,
Emerald-star

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1963 5.5 evinrude

I would chuck that clymers manual. Even seloc is better. One thing to take in consideration too, is the condition of your ignition system. How new are the coils and are the points clean and gapped properly. There are a few things to consider, when it comes to fine tuning your idle. Jet screws is of course one of them.

 

[jmendoza]

Re: 1963 5.5 evinrude

Don't feel bad, I had the carb off my 5.5 a couple times too. The aluminum freeze plug that covers the low speed jet has to be removed to get that area of the carb clean. Mine was doing exactly what you described your doing until I removed that plug and cleaned the carb again. One would think it could be cleaned by a good soaking followed with compressed air, but the experts were right: remove it to clean!