1957 35 hp Johnson seahorse won't start

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1957 35 hp Johnson seahorse won't start

Thanks for all of your help. One more thing. When I opened up the exhaust cover there were som scratches on the piston. Does that matter?

If the scratches are light, you'll be fine. Luckily you were able to get the cover off, without breaking any screws. It must be a fresh water motor and never been in the salt. I would completely clean the threads on the block and the screws, before you put the exhaust cover back on. That will make it easier to remove, sometime down the road. Earlier this year, I bought a nice looking '57 Big Twin and when I brought it home, I checked all the screws in areas like that and luckily nothing was stuck. One thing that typically gets stuck are the two little screws on the sides, that hold the lower shroud haves together. These are located right near the shifter and the vertical throttle advance lever.

Keep up the good work. I believe that motor will be a good runner. Thos old 35's are very forgiving and come back to life pretty easily. Check that little rectangular passage and make sure that it's not crushed. If it is, then you will need a replacement head. Chris will likely have one if you need one.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1957 35 hp Johnson seahorse won't start

Im running out of heads! I think Ive had a few members from iboats come get them off me in the last couple months.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1957 35 hp Johnson seahorse won't start

Shucks. Oh well, maybe he'll get lucky and wont need one. Hopefully it is just the gasket, that crushed there.

Actually, I have one, incase he needs one.

 

[nwcove]

Re: 1957 35 hp Johnson seahorse won't start

Picture number five: damage on the left side of the picture to the little square port looking thing. Not supposed to be mangled like that. You might be hunting a new head unless you can get it halfway back into shape and mated well to the block. Built up with JB weld?

Also check the block with a straight edge, where the two cylinder walls are almost touching in the middle can be a low spot, and you loose compression. I've had to lap the block ever so slightly before.

i have to agree with high trim.....no damage to the head, just looks like a piece of headgasket out of place .

 

[Castellina]

Re: 1957 35 hp Johnson seahorse won't start

Sorry I took so long to respond. I don't think there is any damage to the head. I just got the head gasket today and will be putting it on Sunday.

 

[Castellina]

Re: 1957 35 hp Johnson seahorse won't start

So I put the head back on and there is a hissing coming from somewhere on the head. I torqued all the bolts. I don't know if the pressure release isn't working right or what. But tomorrow I will be trying to start it.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1957 35 hp Johnson seahorse won't start

Hissing even when using the electric start?

What is the compression readings now?

 

[Castellina]

Re: 1957 35 hp Johnson seahorse won't start

The pressure release isn't hooked up. I just turned the flywheel by hand and it was hissing. Tomorrow I will test the compression. Maybe the pressure release isn't closing all the way. I don't know?

 

[Castellina]

Re: 1957 35 hp Johnson seahorse won't start

The engine when I went to pull it it actually fired and started to smoke a little thanks all of you guys for all of your help. I appreciate it very much. Tomorrow I am going to hook water up and see if it will actually start. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1957 35 hp Johnson seahorse won't start

Let us know how it goes.

Also interested to hear the new compression readings if you re test it. You should.

 

[Castellina]

Re: 1957 35 hp Johnson seahorse won't start

The new compression readings are:
top cylinder=90 psi with bottom plug in
Top cylinder with bottom plug out = 80 psi
Bottom cylinder with top plug in= 85 psi
Bottom cylinder with top plug out = 80 psi
I may not have time to start it today. But if I do I'll keep all of you posted.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1957 35 hp Johnson seahorse won't start

I think if you run some Sea Foam through it, it'll improve. Those motors are tough as nails and respond pretty good, to ruitine care. My '57 Big Twin was kinda low on compression when I brought it home, but it runs. I need to Sea Foam it too. Nothing else, I'll re-ring it.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1957 35 hp Johnson seahorse won't start

Yeah once she gets running do a good decarb on it, see the FAQS for the instructions.

I was hoping she would come up more than that. How was the head after dressing it? Did it square up nicely? Torqued the head bolts to 220 inch/lbs in increments in a spiralling fashion as shown in the pic?

Be sure to let us know how it goes when you start her up.

Chris

 

[Castellina]

Re: 1957 35 hp Johnson seahorse won't start

I will run some sea foam through it. The head after dressing was good, it was nice and flush. I torqued the head bolts to 15 ft lbs in a spiraling fashion. I'll let you guys know how it runs when I get a chance to start it. Thanks

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1957 35 hp Johnson seahorse won't start

Go around again at 18 ft/lbs.

In ft/lbs it is 18-20. I usually stay on the lower end of the ranges when using old fasteners.

 

[Castellina]

Re: 1957 35 hp Johnson seahorse won't start

Ok I will do that. Thanks

 

[rolmops]

Re: 1957 35 hp Johnson seahorse won't start

Interesting thread.
Put a little bit of oil in the cylinder and do another compression test,I suspect that that will bring it up to 120.
Nobody mentioned it before,but just for giggles,check out if you have the plug wires connected to the correct plugs.

 

[Castellina]

Re: 1957 35 hp Johnson seahorse won't start

Ok thanks for your advice

 

[Castellina]

Re: 1957 35 hp Johnson seahorse won't start

I cannot even get it to start firing now. Maybe I just need to keep pulling because it hasn't been started in so long.

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1957 35 hp Johnson seahorse won't start

Spray premixed fuel directly in the carb throat and see what happens.