Sea King 5

[nainoa88]

I also have a Sea King 5 from Ward.

I had it in the shop a few months back as it had sat around for 30 years or so...

Mech informed me hs installed a new impeller/cleaned carbs, etc.

- Engine starts on first pull, however, I see NO WATER leaving from ANY ports. There are 3 "chevron" shaped openings below the powerhead (as indicated in an above post) but I cannot tell if this is the water departure point I have ensured water entry points (suction) submerged during testing.

- Engine not reliable for more than a few minutes on setting other than idle, or very slow. Upon increasing throttle, engine misses (indicated by popping sound) and begins to stall out unless decrease in throttle immediately applied.

Do I need an new impeller? Or are there other exit posts for cooling water other than chevron-shaped louvres?

I ordered a manual today that will arrive in a few days -

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance!
Scott

 

[nainoa88]

Re: Sea King 5

I forgot to add that it is an early 50's model -

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Sea King 5

Those chevron shaped slots are where the cooling water exits, if the impeller and water tube are doing their job. Does the water jacket stay cool to the touch when running? If not, time to find out where the blockage in the water pump system is. Does it pop or cough when it cuts out? Coughing would indicate the high speed carb needle, the big one, is too lean. Make sure the carb butterfly is just barely open when the throttle advance lever is set at START, and that it opens smoothly as the throttle lever is advanced to FAST...that's often called the link-n-synch. To adjust the high speed needle, turn it clockwise gently until it seats and then back it out 1 turn counterclockwise. That's a good baseline setting. Get it started and throttle up to FAST, turn the high speed needle clockwise a little bit and wait for the engine to respond. If you go too far clockwise (lean) it will start to cough and then die out. Go too far counterclockwise and it will bog down and die. The sweet spot is where it runs best at speed. I've had pretty good luck somewhere between 3/4 and 1 turn out from seated with these little 5 hp's. They are strong and reliable little motors and very easy to maintain. Hope you solve the problem soon. Let us know how it goes.

 

[nainoa88]

Re: Sea King 5

I REALLY appreciate the reply - THANK YOU -

1) When I ran the motor, there was no water exiting the slots in which we are referring.

I did find the motor shaft cover (pardon my lack of official terminology) warm/hot in several locations. I didn't know exactly where to test so I just placed the back of my hand on every part below the powerhead. Heat everywhere - but no too hot to touch.

2) The symptoms you describe regarding the carb are right on the money. It coughs/pops as throttle is increased. **Before I troublshoot the carb, I imagine it would be prudent to take care of the cooling system? I am hesitant to run the motor without seeing water exit from the aforementioned slots...

3) I should have the service manual in a couple days. Is there a generic tutorial available that you could recommend on replacing an impeller, etc? Manauls have gotten me in trouble before and It would be great if there were something else I could read up on prior to troubleshooting....

Again - Thanks so much for the advice!
Scott

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Sea King 5

The manual will show you how to do an impeller change, not much to that water pump except the impeller. If there's not any water coming out of the slots, the impeller/pump is not working...don't run it until you change the impeller. Impellers and other parts are available anywhere they stock like parts from Johnson/Evinrudes of the same vintage. If you can change a lawnmower blade or its spark plug, you can do the water pump/impeller. The carb may need to be cleaned, too...can't remember if you mentioned doing this. They are real simple, too. Just go slowly and lay out the parts logically as the come out so you know which way they go back together. When the pump/impeller is working right, you can pull the side covers off and literally touch your hands to the water jackets on either side of the cylinders. If you run it in a barrel/tub to test/check/set it, don't run it there for long...it will run hotter cause the prop oxygenates the water causing it to lose cooling capacity...it will also breathe exhause fumes there and run poorly after awhile. On the back of the boat is the best place to make the final adjustments once you have the baseline settings made.

 

[nainoa88]

Re: Sea King 5

Excellemt - thank you!
There is no way I would attempt any troubleshooting on the motor until I have manual in-hand (I am not that bright). Although I stated they have gotten me in trouble before; that was due to my own buffoonery at the time...

I have found that some photos, or other tutorials always help when performing maintenance b/c I am new at this stuff. I researched a bit and got some training on the fundamentals/etc of impeller replacement and now await the manual in order apply the applicable procedure to this motor.

*I just found this website the other day and have learned more in a couple hours' browsing than I thought possible -

I'll let you know how it goes once I find the correct part.

Thanks again!
Scott

PS Do you work with ACME outboards? The email response from my ordering of the service manual looks like you?

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Sea King 5

Yeah, I'm an Acme dude...in fact I'm late getting back to the shop. It's cleaning day and supervisor Ted is tired of all the clutter.