1956 Sea King 5hp - Question about Water Pump

[fishguy13]

My sea king is drawing water through the fin above the prop. This is where my lower unit splits. Should there be a gasket there? Can I just use some sealer if so? Am I doing any harm to the outboard running it like this? It should draw water from just above the prop through the inlet, correct?

 

[F_R]

Re: 1956 Sea King 5hp - Question about Water Pump

Say What??? The main water intake is the screen on the leading edge of the exhaust outlet just to the rear of the prop. There is also a rectangular plate on the side, just above the flat cavitation plate. That one is for when running in reverse when the prop is sucking water away from the main intake screen.

I have no idea what you are thinking about plugging up.

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: 1956 Sea King 5hp - Question about Water Pump

I think you may be referring to where the lower unit separates for access to the water pump. If so, there is no sealer or gasket used. The lower unit just bolts to the leg.

 

[fishguy13]

Re: 1956 Sea King 5hp - Question about Water Pump

Thanks for the responses guys. I should have been more clear. My terminology is extremely poor, so you will have to bare with me!

My problem is this... Water is being drawn through the seam at the leg and the boot. I imagine it is also being drawn through the "screen on the leading edge of the exhaust outlet just to the rear of the prop." The problem I have is that if the water line is not ABOVE the seam, the water pump doesn't operate. Shouldn't the water line ONLY have to be above the inlet?

 

[F_R]

Re: 1956 Sea King 5hp - Question about Water Pump

NO! The water pump is in the bulge several inches above the cavitation plate. The pump should be well submerged before starting the motor. Otherwise it is full of air and has to lift water up to it. It is a very good water pump, but a lousy air pump.

 

[fishguy13]

Re: 1956 Sea King 5hp - Question about Water Pump

I ran it several times for less than 30 seconds while it didn't draw water. I hopefully didn't do any severe damage. Thanks for the replys guys.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1956 Sea King 5hp - Question about Water Pump

Is this motor the full shift model, or a direct drive model? The full shift model has the same water pump as the old J/E 5.5's but the direct drives have the tear drop style reciprocating water pump and often bring trouble if not in top notch condition.