priming seahorse 18

[TenE307]

I have a Johnson Seahorse 18 model #FD-12, and it has the two lines<br />coming out of the tank, one for air and one for fuel.<br />It does not have a squeazer on the hose, or a primer button on the motor (that i can see).<br />How does the fuel get to the motor to start.<br /><br />please help someone trying to get a family airlume running.

 

[ICEMAN]

Re: priming seahorse 18

Hi, This motor requires a pressurized fuel tank which has a double hose on it. The primer is a little plunger on the fuel tank. The motor does not have a fuel pump like a newer motor and will not run on a newer style tank. This motor sends air to the tank, which pressurizes the tank, and pushs fuel to the motor. The tank is not available from the manufacturer, but have seen them on E-bay occassionally.

 

[TenE307]

Re: priming seahorse 18

i have the tank, no fuel is going into the motor.<br />how does the tank operate. i see a rotating nob opposite of the hoses.<br />is this a vent of some sorts.

 

[TenE307]

Re: priming seahorse 18

is the line going to the motor supposed to have a squease plunger in it.<br />If it does can i cut the line on the air line and inset one.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: priming seahorse 18

The rotating knob is a plunger. You pump it up and down. PS - make sure the knob rotates independantly of the shaft it is connected to.

 

[TenE307]

Re: priming seahorse 18

Thank you so much.<br />The tank is really dirty and old i will have to give a good cleaning in and out.<br />am i dangering any of the seals if i take it apart.<br />any suggestions on cleaning.<br /><br />Thanks again!

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: priming seahorse 18

There is a gasket between the housing and the tank. There is also the pump diaphram. They may be pretty hard to find. You may want to try just cleaning the tank as described <br /> here. Check the last entry in the list.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: priming seahorse 18

Oh, I forgot to mention, replace the o-rings in the connectors at each end of the hose. You need to make a little hook to get them out and something to push the ball down with. Those o-rings don't last long.

 

[TenE307]

Re: priming seahorse 18

somebody once told me bb's and barrymans.<br />my question is what is barrymans.<br />would alcohol be better.

 

[TenE307]

Re: priming seahorse 18

how does the plunger work.<br />is it the fingertip sized knob opposite of the fuel cap.<br />is the plunger supposed to be turned, pushed, or pulled.<br />it only turns now.

 

[NathanY]

Re: priming seahorse 18

Have you ever used a Coleman Lantern? Same principle. Turn the knob and pump. To clean the tank, dump a box of BB's in it with some berrymans B12 and shake. Use a magnet to get all the bb's out.

 

[TenE307]

Re: priming seahorse 18

i must have to clean it.<br />it turns all the way around both ways,<br />but about broke it trying to lift it to pump.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: priming seahorse 18

Just adding Berryman's is one of those mechanic in a bottle products. Thanks NathanY!

 

[TenE307]

Re: priming seahorse 18

does that mean if i dont have a full tank it will take a long time to prime it.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: priming seahorse 18

No, the pump just pumps gas, like a squeeze bulb. The tank pressurizes once the motor is running.

 

[TenE307]

Re: priming seahorse 18

Thanks Paul.<br />you've been great help.<br />Thanks to all others for your wisdom.

 

[steelespike]

Re: priming seahorse 18

You dont have to lift the button before pumping.<br /> Simply pump it, if it wont pump something is wrong.

 

[TenE307]

Re: priming seahorse 18

do you mean i am supposed to just push on the knob like a kill switch.<br />it is hard and has no squishiness to it.<br />is that the problem.

 

[skydad]

Re: priming seahorse 18

Lets start over from the very beginning. Put some fuel in the tank. Now tighten the filler cap. Pump the little knob next to the fuel quantity indicator on the top of the tank in and out until it gets firm feeling. It will actually come out by itself. You now should be able to get fuel out of the hose or if you loosen the filler cap you should hear air leaking out.

 

[alcan]

Re: priming seahorse 18

Hi Ten<br /> Do your self a favor, go to the library, find a manual on boat motors. There is ussally a section that explains this system in detail. I can send you an exploded veiw of the tank and fuel system if you like. Understanding and proper operation of this system will make a big difference in how well you get along with your motor. This is actually a very simple deal. the problem is it's old school, and you have to think old school. It's real good you have a complete tank, hose and connector. I would strongly suggest that you study up on this. Then completely overhaul your tank and connector, and replace the hose. The parts for this system are available, you may have to do some looking around. A rebuilt tank is usually worth more than the motors they run. There is a proper way to replace the o-rings in the connector,They are a special size o-ring and can't be poked thru the hole, like the newer style.