TrickyRicky
Seaman Apprentice
Thread starter- Joined
- Jul 17, 2012
- Messages
- 37
I just got a used boat in a trade 16' aluminum Lowe .
Has a 1978 Johnson 55hp model 55EL78S
The engine wiring harness is completely gone/ rotted out. I ordered a new one already from CDI electronics.
I did a compression test 130psi both cylinders. OK ? Seems low but at least even.
Here is a huge problem I found while replacing the fuel inlet hose to the pump. The front engine bolt (one of 4 rubber mounts)is broken off flush. Next, I found a chunk of aluminum sitting beside the block. After an oh ship moment, I started looking for a missing chunk. I noticed an area that the repaint on the Block looked funny. After some probing and picking removing epoxy I found a big hole in the lower intake runner. There was marine tex for the patch with a piece of thin sheet metal on top and another thin coat of marine tex to conceal it.
Not sure why a hole would be there. There is no water jacket in that area. It also seems that the upper intake has been patched the same way. I have not even started the engine so I have no idea if it will run. I plan to REPATCH the marine tex and install the harness next week when I get it. I really don't know much about this engine but was told it ran good before it sat for the last 6 years. I did take the carbs off and inspect they were very clean.
Is there a design flaw that causes cracks in that area? Should I look for another powerhead for it or just get a different outboard? Anybody know of a salvage yard I may find a used 78 complete or powerhead? Advise please I am a decent auto/atv mechanic but have only had 2 other boats. Did see powerhead on Flebay but one back mount is broken. Thanks
Has a 1978 Johnson 55hp model 55EL78S
The engine wiring harness is completely gone/ rotted out. I ordered a new one already from CDI electronics.
I did a compression test 130psi both cylinders. OK ? Seems low but at least even.
Here is a huge problem I found while replacing the fuel inlet hose to the pump. The front engine bolt (one of 4 rubber mounts)is broken off flush. Next, I found a chunk of aluminum sitting beside the block. After an oh ship moment, I started looking for a missing chunk. I noticed an area that the repaint on the Block looked funny. After some probing and picking removing epoxy I found a big hole in the lower intake runner. There was marine tex for the patch with a piece of thin sheet metal on top and another thin coat of marine tex to conceal it.
Not sure why a hole would be there. There is no water jacket in that area. It also seems that the upper intake has been patched the same way. I have not even started the engine so I have no idea if it will run. I plan to REPATCH the marine tex and install the harness next week when I get it. I really don't know much about this engine but was told it ran good before it sat for the last 6 years. I did take the carbs off and inspect they were very clean.
Is there a design flaw that causes cracks in that area? Should I look for another powerhead for it or just get a different outboard? Anybody know of a salvage yard I may find a used 78 complete or powerhead? Advise please I am a decent auto/atv mechanic but have only had 2 other boats. Did see powerhead on Flebay but one back mount is broken. Thanks
