Need Help Identifying Sea King Model

[gsharpe]

I need help figuring out what model 5 hp Sea King outboard I have. I traded a mini bike for it.
It starts and runs well but stalls after running 2 minutes at slow speed. I have looked under the bonnet and all I found was starting instructions, spark plug, and case lube recommendations. Some of the parts have numbers that begin with 55. I found a photo of one that looks like mine and attached the image. I am replacing the fuel lines and filter. I also plan to change the plugs (two cylinder). The engine fuel line connector takes the Johnson/Evinrude type. My neighbor suggested checking for a worn flywheel keyway. He said he had this problem with a Sea King motor he once had. I'd like to get a manual.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Need Help Identifying Sea King Model

That's an early 60's Gale outboard...the generic/sister mfg. division of Johnson/Evinrude. Post the model/serial number and we can date it for you. You should be able to find both on a metal plate on the top of the transom clamp. Should begin with GGXXXX, then the serial number. If I remember correctly, you reverse the first two numbers in the serial number to find the year of manufacture. On older Gales the reversed year numbers came before the GG in the model number. Nice, reliable motors. Check it top to bottom for compression, spark, lube in the lower unit. It may need an ignition tune up and fuel system cleaning...especially if someone left gas in the carb. Once tuned they are just as reliable and easy starting as an OMC of the same era. Check out the Awakening A Sleeping Outboard thread in the Engines FAQ section of the forum. It'll walk you right through getting it running again.

 

[gsharpe]

Re: Need Help Identifying Sea King Model

Thanks for the info. I looked on the the transom clamp and found the spot where the tag once was. I guess I'll be asking a lot of questions as I work my way through this. I am assuming from that the fuel mis is 24:1. Once I get new plug in her and the points checked I'll report my progress. Thanks again.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Need Help Identifying Sea King Model

It needs Champion J6C or J8C spark plugs gapped at .030.
Point gap is .020, Fuel/oil mix is 24:1
Look for a round welch plug somewhere on the powerhead...serial numbers may be there as well.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Need Help Identifying Sea King Model

Sea Kings after 1963 were made by West Bend which later became Chrysler. Almost looks like one of those from the cowling. Post a pic of the motor without the cowling and that will help at least identify it as a Gale built or a West Bend built.

 

[gsharpe]

Re: Need Help Identifying Sea King Model

I plan to use this motor for back trolling so it needs to run smooth and steady at low speed. Do you recommend the hotter J8C plug? What are the pros and cons? What is a welch plug? Does this motor take oil anywhere other than the fuel mix and lower unit? Sorry if my questions seem simple. I am a newbee when it come to marine engines. I'll take a bunch of photos tonight and post them to the forum.

BTW: You guys are great.

Greg

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Need Help Identifying Sea King Model

the only oil it takes it in the lower unit besides what you mix in the gas.

 

[gsharpe]

Re: Need Help Identifying Sea King Model

I put in new plugs tonight and the motor runs much better. I let it run at a fast idle for over a half hour. Anything slower and she'll stall out in a few minutes.
Since I've never had this motor on a boat I'm not sure how slowly I'll need to run it for back trolling. Generally we use a 35 lb thrust electric motor. When the wind gets up to 20 knots the electric has all it can do to hold the boat still. This is when the gas motor will be used.
I have attached the photos I took. Once again thanks for the help and advice.

 

[gsharpe]

Re: Need Help Identifying Sea King Model

Let me send a little larger size photos.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Need Help Identifying Sea King Model

Worked on an identical (same year) Gale 15 hp recently. I wondered why it wouldn't run right throughout the throttle range...opened the carb and found out why: so much gunk from old gas that I wondered how it ran at all. Cleaned the carb and reset the high and low speed needles and it was a real champ...hated to trade it off, but a guy had a really nice 58 Bigtwin 35hp that I wanted. It was a good trade for both of us.

 

[gsharpe]

Re: Need Help Identifying Sea King Model

In the past I have cleaned out old gummed up carbs by boiling them in a solution of TSP Trisodiunphosphate and water. This has always worked well for small engine carbs. I've never had any seal damage and I don't have to break down the carb.

gsharpe

 

[F_R]

Re: Need Help Identifying Sea King Model

That motor was built by Gale somewhere between 1960 and 1963. Not much difference between years.
If it idles for a few minutes then dies, it probably has a bad fuel pump or a leak somewhere in the fuel line between the pump and the fuel level in the gas tank. Even a pin-hole will admit air and kill the fuel pump suction.

 

[gsharpe]

Re: Need Help Identifying Sea King Model

Assuming that F_R is correct, Are the points the same part number for all these years? Where can I get a set?

Thanks

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Need Help Identifying Sea King Model

Assuming that F_R is correct, Are the points the same part number for all these years? Where can I get a set?

Thanks

he's been doing this since the motor was new. I think he is correct. the points for all the Gale motors will be the same unless you get something real old. They will be the same points for like year JE motors.

 

[gsharpe]

Re: Need Help Identifying Sea King Model

Great. Where can I get the points and what is the part number?

gsharpe

 

[F_R]

Re: Need Help Identifying Sea King Model

http://www.iboats.com/mall/partfind...&gd_poid=111576&gd_row=7&**********=138595412

 

[methusalah]

Re: Need Help Identifying Sea King Model

any tips for refinishing seat boards in old sea king? Also, are they teak...i think my boat is a '56 but am not sure...are the first two numbers of the serial # the model year?

 

[F_R]

Re: Need Help Identifying Sea King Model

You should post this as a new topic under the Boat Topics, not engine related, forum.