1958 Johnson 5.5 hp Sea King - Flywheel Issue

blufrog1

Recruit
Joined
Apr 15, 2019
Messages
5
Refurbishing 1958 5.5. Have rebuilt the carb, replaced a coli, drained, cleaned, inspected and resealed the lower unit, replaced fuel lines and turned the (start, slow, fast ) wroding around so its correct. After tappint the bowl to shake loose the needle valve I have finally gotten it started and high speed adjusted, still working on low speed. However, I have a big snag. When the flywheel rotates at a certain spot it is "grabbing" the magneto base plate and turning it, thrusting the throttle to its lowest setting. While running at slow speed it is very difficult to hang on to the handle to keep it running. I thought this was odd while I was trying to start it and now that it is running it creates an impossible situation. I am hoping someone out there has experienced something like this and has an easy fix. I have looked but for the life of me can't guess what is causing this. Coils are both adjusted back and I can't see anything that is rubbing. I am stumped. If needed I can take some pics tomorrow.
 

oldboat1

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 3, 2002
Messages
9,612
Sounds like there is not enough clearance between the coils and the flywheel. Pull the flywheel again, and check the coil mounting -- lamination edges must be perfectly flush with the machined edges of the mounting posts.
 

oldboat1

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 3, 2002
Messages
9,612
mounting posts look pretty chewed up, or maybe altered with a file. Coil seems pretty tall, but maybe the perspective -- top appears to have some abrasion, as from the flywheel.
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
37,819
It appears to be parts from 3 different motors.----Perhaps more.-----Possibly the wrong flywheel for that magplate.
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,224
Well for one thing, the magnets are rubbing on the coil boot. In fact, it is rubbed away. Wrong boot???? The new coils use a different boot than the originals. Besides, I don't think the coil tower should be that close to the flywheel anyway. Did you get those coils here?
 

Attachments

  • photo310768.jpg
    photo310768.jpg
    124.5 KB · Views: 0

blufrog1

Recruit
Joined
Apr 15, 2019
Messages
5
Update, thanks to all the comments. Went back and readjusted the coils and found that although they were not rubbing one was so close the pull of the magnet drew it around. Once I adjusted them properly they no longer swing the plate and it now runs very nicely, likely for the first time in many years. I did not buy the replacement coli here, no, but probably should have. with an evenrude block and who knows what other mis matched parts, it has been fun. Now to get it out and use it. Thanks again for the help.
 
Top