1956 5.5 hp Johnson

[hockey103b]

Hi all,

I am a newbie when it comes to outboards and just purchased a 1956 Johnson 5.5hp. Motor hasn't been started in over ten years and I am in the process of restoring it. While I am testing the motor to gauge the progress I am making, is it ok to use flushing muffs to test the motor, even at full throttle, or do I need to start the motor in a barrel of water? So far this site has been extremely helpful in this new adventure for me. Thanks for all the help guys!

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1956 5.5 hp Johnson

You can use muffs, if you have the correct ones. Not likely you do though, they are very rare. Best option is a test barrel of water filled to just below the exhaust relief port. What is the compression on it?

Don't run high throttle while testing.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1956 5.5 hp Johnson

+1. These vintage motors can't be run on normal "muffs". Instead, you need to submerge the leg in a test tank with water filled up to about 1-2 inches below the main exhaust port on the back of the motor. You'll also need to run 24:1 mix along with Champion J4C plugs. Here's a great link that can walk you through a tune up from top to bottom. You can get any routine parts you may need right here at iboats.

5.5 HP Evinrude Johnson Repair and Tune Up 1954-1964
Vintage Evinrude Johnson Outboard Parts & Diagrams - Catalog 376744

 

[hockey103b]

Re: 1956 5.5 hp Johnson

Great. Thanks guys. I purchased a "universal" flushing muff from walmart but obviously that will not work with the motor. I will use the barrel instead. Compression seems fine. 80 psi after a couple pulls before any motor maintenance. I already purchased a carb rebuild kit on ebay and using the link below as a general guideline for servicing the motor. Is there any benefit to trying to start it before servicing? Are there any additional steps I need to be aware of in addition to the link below? Thanks for the help.

http://forums.iboats.com/engine-fre...kening-sleeping-outboard-boatbuoy-158086.html

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1956 5.5 hp Johnson

Hi hockey. There's nothing wrong with trying to start the motor. Just make sure you're in a test tank. If if fails to pump water at any time shut her down so you don't risk an overheat. The link you posted along with the one I posted earlier regarding your specific model, are a great guide to reviving an old motor. The key is to be systematic and methodical. Inspect then repair/replace the necessary parts of a given system, verify that it is working properly, then move on to the next system. I like to start at the top and work my way down. I first confirm spark, then fuel delivery, and finally gear select.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1956 5.5 hp Johnson

No. the '56 5.5 needs 16:1 mix. The larger motors with needle bearings, get the 24:1 So be careful. The smaller motors are all bushing motors. No needles at all. Great motors though. I have 4 of the old 5.5 and nice runners.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1956 5.5 hp Johnson

Good catch! Yup, it should be 16:1 for sure.

 

[hockey103b]

Re: 1956 5.5 hp Johnson

Thanks for the advice guys. I have a question about the gas tank system. The tank is in really bad shape and I'm also not a big fan of using a compressed tank. Is there way I can convert the system into a fuel pump system with a standard gas tank?

 

[Southern Appal]

Re: 1956 5.5 hp Johnson

If you haven't found the conversion instructions yet, they are on one of the sites kfa 4303 posted.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1956 5.5 hp Johnson

HI hockey. Sure you can convert it to a modern, single-line tank. Here's a handy link. There are several brands of aftermarket fuel pumps you can use, but I'd say Mikuni and/or Briggs & Stratton are the most popular. Several forum members have done the job with great success, if you get stuck.

Converting the Old OMC Dual Fuel