CD-13 "Barn Find"

[MarvK]

As some of you have followed, I found a 1956 CD -13 5.5hp tucked away in a garage for the last 30+ years or so. The past week I've replaced the ignition system, rebuilt the carb, replaced the oil in the gear case that had water in it.

I put it on the boat yesterday, and it started up first pull! :joyous: I took it out and it ran perfect for about 2 hrs. Low speed idle was awesome, and WOT seemed OK, although I couldn't get it on plane with only myself in the boat. It has a 3-blade prop on it, so I thought that might have something to do with it, along with weight distribution.

I picked up my wife at the dock to show her how well it was running. Took it to full throttle and it slowly started to bog down. So much so, that it eventually quit, and now I can't get started and keep it running. What gives? I don't know where to even start looking. She wasn't impressed while I had to row back to the dock.

I should also mention that it shifting is a problem too. Shifting into forward was OK at first, but it would slip out of reverse. Now, it's hard to put it in gear at all. :facepalm: I wouldn't think that would have anything to do with the powerhead, would it?

Marv

 

[HighTrim]

Re: CD-13 "Barn Find"

I wonder if the shock absorber is acting up, or possibly now broken. Common problem on the CDS.

Is the flywheel stiff to turn at all?

Have you tested compression and verified spark?

 

[MarvK]

Re: CD-13 "Barn Find"

Spark is good. Compression seems good, although I didn't use a gauge. Feels OK by pulling on the starter rope. It's not easy by any means.

Sounds like I'll have to pull apart the gearcase? I see the clutch assembly on the parts diagram, but not the clutch spring. Page 16

http://www.marineengine.com/parts/vintage-evinrude-johnson/376744/catalog.html?http://www.marineengine.com/parts/vintage-evinrude-johnson/376744/37674400001.htm

 

[HighTrim]

Re: CD-13 "Barn Find"

Part #12 on page 16. The long and short of it is that shock absorber take the brunt of an impact with a rock/shoal, etc... However, when they break they push up on the bearing housing above them and make the motor very difficult to start, if you can start them at all.

When removed, it should measure exactly 6 3/4" long, any more and she is sprung! I can tell now by spinning the crank with the plugs out. When there is a shock absorber issue, the crank is much more difficult to turn than should be.

EDIT: Also if you are going to work on your motors you will need a compression gauge. You simply could not feel a 20 psi difference unless you are spiderman. lol

 

[kfa4303]

Re: CD-13 "Barn Find"

These may help.

5.5 HP Evinrude Johnson Outboard Tune-Up Procedure 1954-1964
Vintage Evinrude Johnson Outboard Parts & Diagrams - Catalog 376744

 

[MarvK]

Re: CD-13 "Barn Find"

If you mean hard to turn over, I don't feel that it's to difficult to pull over. I don't find it any different then when I had it in the barrel last week. I can see how it would effect the gearbox, but I guess I don't understand how this would effect the powerhead?

EDIT***I'll look for a compression gauge.

Marv

 

[HighTrim]

Re: CD-13 "Barn Find"

The additional friction prevents the motor from running.

This is not necessarily your current issue, but just posing a possibility.

Start with a compression test and a spark test with the tester set to 1/4". All of my CDs are in the 75 to 95 psi range, and the spark should jump the 1/4" gap on the tester with a bright blue ZAP!!

Also, did you ever open up the gearcase? Was it sitting the whole time with water in it?

 

[MarvK]

Re: CD-13 "Barn Find"

Also, did you ever open up the gearcase? Was it sitting the whole time with water in it?

No, I didn't. I did try to run it the first day, but it wouldn't run well. Not sure if that was where the water came from. If not, then I guess it was sitting all that time with water in it.

Thanks Again, I'll keep this updated.

Marv

 

[MarvK]

Re: CD-13 "Barn Find"

***Update***

Well, this sucks.

I got ahold of a compression gauge from a co-worker of mine and did a compression test. Top cylinder is about 65 but the bottom cylinder doesn't even register on the gauge. I thought it was a fluke, so I did it 3 times. Same result. :blue: I'm sure it couldn't be something simple like a head gasket. (Which I don't have yet) The way things are going so far, I don't know..........

Now I have to decide if I want to continue. I already have about $150 into it so far with ignition system, carb rebuild, impeller, gaskets, oil, etc...

About what am I looking at to get it back into top shape?

Marv

 

[HighTrim]

Re: CD-13 "Barn Find"

Yeah unfortunately this has happened many times. Money spent on a motor before its overall health was determined.

I would pull the head to inspect and then decide what to do.

 

[nwcove]

Re: CD-13 "Barn Find"

heres a perfect example of why a proper compression test should be first on the list.....before spending a dime on any of the other stuff. now its time to remove the head and a have a look at that bottom cyl. jmo

 

[MarvK]

Re: CD-13 "Barn Find"

heres a perfect example of why a proper compression test should be first on the list.....before spending a dime on any of the other stuff. now its time to remove the head and a have a look at that bottom cyl. jmo

I know, I know. 40 Lashes with a wet pull cord.

At least I can can take my time with it. Could be a fall/winter project. How hard will it be to get the parts I need? I'm assuming most parts will be salvage? Any good places on line I need to become familiar with?

Marv

 

[nwcove]

Re: CD-13 "Barn Find"

remove the head and see what you're dealing with. it may be as simple as a head gasket and related work.....or if its like my "barn find cd-13....avitar is the cowl"......i weighed the options, and decided a " known" good powerhead was the cheapest way to go.
my cd 13 had 70 psi top and 20 bottom...or close to those numbers, but the bottom cyl had water in it , and it was pitted to deeply to be servicable.

 

[MarvK]

Re: CD-13 "Barn Find"

I hope someone else will read this a take a lesson from it. I've read before where you veterans said to "CHECK THE COMPRESSION FIRST!"

Wish me luck.

To be continued...................

Marv

 

[HighTrim]

Re: CD-13 "Barn Find"

Ah don't fret yet, may not be so bad. Pull the head and post some pics. Pay attention to the gasket. Try not to damage it taking it off so you can determine the issue at hand.

 

[MarvK]

Re: CD-13 "Barn Find"

***2nd Update***

I had time to pull the head today and this is what I found;




Blown head gasket. Water in the lower cylinder. Cylinder walls look good, not scored. All I need to do is clean it up. The upper doesn't appear to have an over abundance of carbon. Now all I need is to get a head gasket and hopefully be back in business. :joyous:

Anything I should pay special attention to, or do, while I have the head off? I'll check for flatness before I reinstall it.

Marv

 

[nwcove]

Re: CD-13 "Barn Find"

looks like you might be ok!! clean it up real good and closely inspect the cyl wall. as you mention, check the head for flatness. id smear some two stroke oil over the cyl wall while you wait for the new head gasket . make sure to torque correctly, both in value and bolt sequence.

 

[MarvK]

Re: CD-13 "Barn Find"

Will do. Already wiped clean, at least the rusty water. Is there a specific pattern sequence I need to adhere too, or just alternate from side to side, top to bottom?

Thanks,
Marv

 

[nwcove]

Re: CD-13 "Barn Find"

Will do. Already wiped clean, at least the rusty water. Is there a specific pattern sequence I need to adhere too, or just alternate from side to side, top to bottom?

Thanks,
Marv

spiral out from the center in a pinwheel fashion.....half torque first pass, then full torque on the second pass. there is a pic on the forum somewhere of the sequence.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: CD-13 "Barn Find"

Like so. Final torque value is 45 ft/lbs, but as mentioned, do this in 2 passes. Here is the sequence.