Hi all,
Well it's been a while so I thought I'd give an update. I was able to get both cylinders running and got her out fishing. On the way back to the dock something happened and it seemed to slip out of gear at high speeds. I was able to limp her back and got her out of the water.
As I stated in a previous post, the linkage was an issue I was going to address. It was always in forward for whatever reason so I thought it was about time I learn how to rebuild a lower. I got her all apart and the clutch dog wasn't worn which is what I suspected. (keep in mind this is my first ever outboard and I'm learning everything I know along the way). I did run some seafoam through it. Given some of the testing on seafoam by youtuber "project farm" it seemed like a good idea.
The gear oil was milky so I had to find seals to seal it back up. Took a bit of work but I sealed up the gear box and replaced the impeller since it had a broken fin. I was able to reconnect the linkage and it looks like whoever worked on it last didn't set it correctly. Replaced the prop that seems to look like the prop's hub was not in straight so maybe it was spun? I don't know. I'm able to now get it in neutral, forward and reverse. Ran it in the bucket and it was spitting warm water with the new impeller so I think I'm set. Going to get her back on the water tomorrow.
Something I found interesting is that there was a paper seal I didn't replace but it appears to be Part # 27- F286555 , 27-F 286555 , 18-0623, RLO263 which shows as a gasket for 7-15hp lower. I don't know what to make of it but was wondering if it is inadequate to use on a 55. I could use your thoughts on this. I can't get this gasket in Canada, but it looks like it's super cheap in the US. Sadly, the shipping quotes for this 5$ gasket is around 50-60$ which I won't pay. I'd sooner cut it out of gasket paper. Maybe someone would be willing to get it for me and mail it to me? I don't know if that's appropriate to ask.
I have second lower with some repairs on it but it uses a large o ring for the seal instead of the gasket. Maybe I should consider using this?
Anyways, let me know your thoughts on my rambling. I'll let you know how it runs on the water this weekend.
Thanks again to everyone for their help. Still haven't gotten the flywheel off and haven't adjusted or addressed points but both cylinders are firing now so I think it was related to sitting around for a while.
