1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

[Industrialmaterial]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

Hi all-
It's a year later and the wooden boat is done and in the water. I'm running a 60" Lark 3, but still want to get this 58 Super seahorse running. Van's (in GR) gave it a shot, but said that it wouldn't idle and was running hot with no water pumping.
So I must have a blockage since I have tried all the other tricks. Carb (2x). Fuel pump rebuild. New lines. checked thermostat. new magneto complete rebuild. blew it all out with air. good compression and spark. they even took the head off and replaced the head gasket after looking in.
I'm stumped and would appreciate any expert advice.

 

[Industrialmaterial]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

Hi all-
It's a year later and the wooden boat is done and in the water. I'm running a 60" Lark 3, but still want to get this 58 Super seahorse running. Van's (in GR) gave it a shot, but said that it wouldn't idle and was running hot with no water pumping.
So I must have a blockage since I have tried all the other tricks. Carb (2x). Fuel pump rebuild. New lines. checked thermostat. new magneto complete rebuild. blew it all out with air. good compression and spark. they even took the head off and replaced the head gasket after looking in.
I'm stumped and would appreciate any expert advice.

 

[bikecop1]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

Take the t stat out and try it. Could be faulty. You can leave the cover off too and see if it is pumping up to the head.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

Also, with the t-stat removed try pouring water down into the housing. It should come out of the exhaust port and/or the waterpump housing intake slits. If water is able to pass through freely that means the passage is clear in which case the copper water uptake tube may not seated properly on the top of the waterpump housing.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

On the t stat Big Twins, exhaust/air getting into the pump can be a problem. As well as the t stat, ensure the whole t stat assembly is present and in good working order or exhaust gas will backtrack down the recirc line to the pump, rendering it useless.

Ensure the wear plate is sealed on the underside as well, and the vent on the housing is open.

 

[Industrialmaterial]

Re: 1958 Johnson super seahorse 35 starting problems-fuel system?

Well i took the entire engine apart except for the rings. cleaned and inspected everything. I fired it up and it idled for about 5 minutes then died. started and died after about 30 seconds just like last year. i tightened the head bolts down again after noticing they had vibrated loose a bit and water was coming out near the thermostat. the t-stat is working fine. did all that was suggested and tested it in hot water as well. after all this, i put it away and enjoyed the summer and autumn with the lark 3. it sits in the garage and taunts me everyday i return. i started wondering…will it be enough power to be worth all the work? i love the design of the motor, but will it be a downgrade from the 40hp of the lark 3 and will i just go back after all this work? stumped in michigan.