5 1/2 seahorse water pump

[redbird]

I'm new here and need some advice/help. I recently purchased a 5 1/2 hp Johnson Seahorse somewhere in the late 50's - 60's. ($40) How can I tell if the water pump is working correctly. I cleaned the carburator and can get it to run, but until I can figure out if it's cooling or not I'm afraid to let it run long enough to get the idle adjusted. I know it doesn't have the weep hole common to newer motors. I am somewhat mechanically inclined, but I am lost on this problem. Thanks for any help

 

[OptsyEagle]

Re: 5 1/2 seahorse water pump

I would put it into a barrel of water and ensure that the water level is at least 4 or 5 inches above the cavitation plate (this is where the water pump sits and since it is not self primining you need to ensure the water gets up to that level) and start her up.

If it is pumping water, you should see it shoot out of the exhaust hole on the back of the leg, just under the cowel. If it doesn't shoot water in about 30 seconds (that motor should do it almost immediately) shut her down and investigate it (meaning drop the lower unit and inspect the impeller).

Good luck.

PS: If you reply with a model number, we can give you the year of manufacture for your motor. The model number will start with "CD".

 

[steelespike]

Re: 5 1/2 seahorse water pump

Its usually recomended to replace the impeller if you don't know the age/condition.

 

[redbird]

Re: 5 1/2 seahorse water pump

model is cd 15. I believe it is a 58' model, based on the info that I have come across. To drop the lower unit I assume I need to remove the four, look to be 1/4 inch bolts, and drop everything down. Do I need to drain anything? I assume the pump impellor is located on the shaft. I am also using a gravity feed system for gas to get it started since I have no tank or hose and attached a line to the inlet on the carb. I read somewhere that you can modify these to work with a standard tank but you need to attach a fuel pump. I was thinking that you could possibly use an electric fuel pump that could be ran from a trolling motor battery. One similar to what is used on rv and marine generators. They are low pressure and can be purchased for about 30-40 dollars. Any more info appreciated. Thanks

 

[OptsyEagle]

Re: 5 1/2 seahorse water pump

Your motor is a 1958 model. Unfortuneately, to drop the lower unit you will need to remove the powerhead. It is held on by about 7 bolts under the pan. Disconnect the fuel line and the throttle connection and it should come right off. You need to do this because the shift rod connection is right under the powerhead and it needs to be disconnected for the lower unit to drop down. After you remove the powerhead, you just unscrew the 4 bolts you identified. That will give you access to the water pump.

I can't give you any advise on your gas delivery system. I would try to obtain a tank and hose, but your method may work.

 

[redbird]

Re: 5 1/2 seahorse water pump

Thanks for the info. I appreciate your time. I've ran it in a small barrell unfortunately it only gets water slightly above the cavitation plate. Before tearing into it I will acquire a larger barrell and try with water up to the upper exhaust and see if I get water out. How much water should I see from this upper exaust? Thanks again.

 

[OptsyEagle]

Re: 5 1/2 seahorse water pump

It should be a pretty good spray. You won't miss it. If you do, there is a problem. Good luck.

 

[lindy46]

Re: 5 1/2 seahorse water pump

You should be able to get a decent pressure tank for $50-75. That's probably cheaper than trying to convert it to a fuel pump.

 

[redbird]

Re: 5 1/2 seahorse water pump

Any ideas where I can find one at that price? From what I've seen on e-bay they seem to be going for more than that. I live in VA if that helps. Thanks

 

[lindy46]

Re: 5 1/2 seahorse water pump

Try Craigslist or AOMCI Webvertise:
http://www.aomci.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?board=Webvertize
They can be found - I just sold one with new gaskets, gas lines and O-rings for $60. Looks like I probably could've got more!

 

[redbird]

Re: 5 1/2 seahorse water pump

Well it looks like I need a new pump impellor. No water coming from upper exhaust when running and submerged almost to that point so it's time to disassemble. Can anyone give me advice on parts that I will need (and a good place to order them) since I need to remove the powerhead and the lower unit (thanks for the prior notice OptsyEagle). Model CD-15 SN 1686579 I do not have a manual to find the parts and descriptions. Would rather not have to wait on one. Carb could probably use a overhaul as well. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks in advance.