Sea King 12HP

R

Redbarron

Cadet
Joined
Sep 23, 2002
Messages
18
I have a Montgomery Wards Sea King 12HP <br />Model GG9016A<br />Serial 45X563472<br />I was told it was a 1954 from the lady I bought it from.<br /><br />My question is, one of my spark plugs stays clean and the other one is black, I have replaced the plugs and noticed this after running it a little.<br /><br />Also, when I bought it, it had been sitting for some time in a garage, it wouldn't start, so I was told to take the intake off and check the reed valves, one of them was stuck open so I flipped it over, the other one looked OK so I left it alone.<br /><br />I am wondering if both cylinders are firing, why is one clean and one black, the motor runs, it just seems it could be running smoother.<br /><br />Should I replace the reed valves or what would you suggest.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Rick
 
S

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: Sea King 12HP

Usually if reed valves are a problem you can here<br />it through the carb when cranking or running.<br /> Check spark,Clean and set points .020.<br />If motor sat for a while you should check fuel<br />sustem from tank to carb.Check clean and repair as required.Many parts will interchange from evinrude/johnson motors.May not be directly year to year but But a good dealer should be able to help using your old parts and the year of manufacture.<br /> NAPA auto parts should have impellers coils and points and similar generic parts.
 
Chinewalker

Chinewalker

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
8,902
Re: Sea King 12HP

The reeds very rarely go bad on most older motors unless they've been run VERY hard. More than likely you've got ignition problems. By 1954 I think even the Gale Products motors (made yours for Monkey Wards) were using the standard OMC coils, points and condensers - all still readily available. I'd pop the flywheel off and take a look for cracked coils...<br />- Scott
 
R

Redbarron

Cadet
Joined
Sep 23, 2002
Messages
18
Re: Sea King 12HP

Ok, compression test completed...I rented a tester and I am reading 80 PSI in both cylinders.<br /><br />Is that good enough for this motor?<br /><br />Should I continue with checking the points?<br /><br />Fuel system is OK I assume, I have a built in fuel tank with only one hose running to the carb with a shut off valve.<br /><br />I have looked a little for a manual but come up with nothing, I have a photo of the motor if anybody wants a look drop me an email. If anybody knows of a manual that would help me, let me know.<br /><br />I appreciate all the responses..Thanks :cool: <br />Rick
 
S

slow_boat

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 13, 2002
Messages
138
Re: Sea King 12HP

Both of my shop manuals state one should never 'flip' a reed valve over...metal fatique...reed(s) break(s) off, sucked into engine, poorly digested = rebuild.
 
rickdb1boat

rickdb1boat

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Jan 23, 2002
Messages
11,195
Re: Sea King 12HP

As long as the reading were even,it probably OK for a Motor that age. Could be better(120 or so). How clean is the "Clean" plug? Like New or Brown? Is it Wet? Did you check as recommended above to see if you have spark to that cylinder? Check for fire on that Cyl. and if none, check Points! If OK, check coils! Swap coils and see if the Cylinder fires, if it's not now or after you check the Points. Let us Know!
 
R

Redbarron

Cadet
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Sep 23, 2002
Messages
18
Re: Sea King 12HP

Ok, so maybe replacing the reed valves is not a bad idea, although, flipping it over was what got it running, but I see your point.
 
R

Redbarron

Cadet
Joined
Sep 23, 2002
Messages
18
Re: Sea King 12HP

What is the best way to check for spark when I don't have someone helping me? LOL kinda hard to watch the plug and pull the cord at the same time.
 
rickdb1boat

rickdb1boat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 23, 2002
Messages
11,195
Re: Sea King 12HP

There are Spark Testers that you can get cheap at auto Parts stores, but any way that you can ground the plug to the block, a good ground, will work. A LARGE rubber band or bungee to hold it to the block, comes to mind! Hold on to the End of the wire, if you're brave enough! (Kidding on that one) With both plugs out, it should be real easy to pull! You should be able to hold the boot with insulated pliers and ground it while pulling.
 
R

Redbarron

Cadet
Joined
Sep 23, 2002
Messages
18
Re: Sea King 12HP

Ok, I think there is no spark in the bottom cyl where the clean plug is, I tried 2 things, I removed the plugs as you said, I get spark from the top plug none from the bottom, also tried spraying a little starting fluid on the clean plug and got no response, am now going in to check the points, I am a surprised how clean and easy it comes apart for its age, no stuck bolts, the lady I got it from said her husband did all his own maintnence and kept in the garage, heck, I only paid $50 for the motor so the fact that it runs at all is amazing. :D <br /><br />Thanks to all of you, I will keep you informed, hopefully I know what I am looking for when I get into it, I know what car points look like..LOL<br /><br />Rick
 
R

Redbarron

Cadet
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Sep 23, 2002
Messages
18
Re: Sea King 12HP

Ok, I am having a little trouble getting the flywheel to break free, but I can see inside, I see the points, the condensors and these 2 things that look worn. <br /><br />They look like they used to be white maybe, they are now cracked and burnt looking, would these be my coils??<br /><br />Anytips on getting the flywheel off without a wheel puller or do I need a wheel puller?<br /><br />Thanks<br />Rick
 
T

tmcalavy

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 29, 2001
Messages
4,005
Re: Sea King 12HP

You're on the right track. Those cracked things are your coils. Truck on down to the auto parts store and spend about $15 on a harmonic balancer puller or a flywheel puller. Good, handy tool to have for this and other uses. This will pop the flywheel for you. I mess around with smaller hp outboards of slightly earlier vintage, and routinely get a tune up kit (two points, two condensors) for about $12, coils for about $13 each and I always replace the spark plug wires, too. That almost makes it new again, outside of a good carb cleaning, and it sounds like you've got that taken care of. I buy from:<br /> http://boatingsolutions.com/AB1430/webpage.cfm?WebPage_ID=2&DID=6 <br />They're cheap on price and reasonable on shipping, but your local NAPA store or boat guy may be the same or better when it comes to Sierra Marine parts. So it may cost you about what you paid for it to tune it up, but then again it'll be ready to run for another 50 years for you and your heirs. Good luck.
 
R

Redbarron

Cadet
Joined
Sep 23, 2002
Messages
18
Re: Sea King 12HP

Status Update!!!<br /><br />Well, got the flywheel off, points were definately off as far as the gap, one side was pretty much not even opening, as far as replacing the coils, thats getting a little tricky.<br /><br />It appears my coils are attached to the plug wires and must be replaced as a whole set (unless anyone knows different), I am having trouble getting to the screw the holds the bracket that holds the spark plug wire secure. I can lift the coil a little but I can't get any slack in the plug wire to remove it.<br /><br />The screw is in a tight spot, I have tried short handle screw driver, long handle screw driver, screw driver bit and socket, but I just can't get a good bite on the screw..No Room. :confused: <br /><br />Any tips on tools or anything?<br /><br />Thanks<br />Rick :eek:
 
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