1957 5.5 johnson

posidon

Cadet
Joined
May 1, 2011
Messages
15
Ok, got my tank and connector, problem solved. Here we go with a new one. I hooked up the tank to the motor, finally get to see how my new motor runs. I pulled my butt off. Nothing. left it set for about 10 minutes. pulled it again and it let out a really loud sharp crack, Im going to assume this was a backfire. New gas, new plugs, took off the glass sediment bowl and filter, cleaned then all up. Getting spark. When I got this motor the guy had taken out the plugs, is it possible that the plug wires are reversed, whee to look from here. Thanks guys.
ALso, the lower lean/rich dial turns around in cirlces, it just doesnt turn from 1-6.
 
Last edited:

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: 1957 5.5 johnson

Very likely that plug wires are reversed, posidon. Also possible that the flywheel key has sheared.

If that doesn't fix it, go to the Top Secret File (read only) at the top of this forum and do some of the troubleshooting offered there.

Good luck, and let us know how you do. :)
 

Vw56German

Cadet
Joined
Apr 24, 2011
Messages
17
Re: 1957 5.5 johnson

Yes it could be possible for the plug wires to be reversed. From what I have seen over the years the top cylinder wire usually has a little metal collar around it. For the mixture knob you will have to look to see how it secures to the shaft from the carb. Some of these had a tapered screw that would spread the split shaft apart to create a friction fit to the knob.
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: 1957 5.5 johnson

Never "pull your butt off" on a 5.5 Johnson. All you will do is wear out the recoil, give yourself a heart attack, and invent some new words. If it isn't running within four or five pulls, something is wrong with the motor, or you are doing something wrong. Stop pulling and figure out what that something is.
 
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