1958 3 hp Lightwin low speed idle

mikeaga

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Re: 1958 3 hp Lightwin low speed idle

So I put the new float on. Motor would not start and fuel running out of throat. so I took the carb apart again. I decided to take the core plug out. That was a mistake, there is not a plug that fits in the kit . one is too big and one is too small. Now what? I made sure the float was level holding it upside down. Just need to know what to do next. Thanks
 

kfa4303

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Re: 1958 3 hp Lightwin low speed idle

Hi Mike. If the carb had gas coming out of the throat that means it was flooding. It was most likely due to the float need being stuck. You'll need to remove the carb and take special care to see that the float and needle can move through their entire range of motion smoothly. As for the welch plug, don't worry. They're supposed to be removed so you can clean the tiny passages behind them. There should be one in the kit that is just a smidge larger than the hole(s). You put the new plug in such that the convex side is facing upward, you then tap it down flat with a nail punch, or flat head screwdriver. Don't hit it too hard, just enough to make it seat and become level. Hang in there. You'll get it!

5.5 HP Evinrude Johnson 1954-1954 Carburetor Tune-Up Procedure (scroll down about half way for pics and description of the welch plug).
 

HighTrim

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Re: 1958 3 hp Lightwin low speed idle

There should be a welch plug in the kit? It should just barely fit in, then will expand once you spread it out. I use a hammer and an extension from a socket set.

The float should be level and just slightly higher at the unhinged end. This will ensure that the needle fully seats when the bowl is full.

It may be flooding, or it may just be pooled fuel from trying to start it, depends on how long you were trying.

When the carb is off, you should be able to blow into the fuel inlet when the carb is right side up, and not when it is upside down.
 

nwcove

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Re: 1958 3 hp Lightwin low speed idle

how much to small is the "to small plug"? they need to be intalled with the convex side up and "flattened" somewhat to fit tight.
id set the float so it is slightly off level....higher on the unhinged end with the carb upside down, so it seats the needle a bit sooner.
 

mikeaga

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Re: 1958 3 hp Lightwin low speed idle

Thanks for the info. I got the plug figured out. I will test the float.
 

Joe Reeves

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Re: 1958 3 hp Lightwin low speed idle

(Carburetor Float Setting)
(J. Reeves)

With the carburetor body held upside down, the float being viewed from the side, adjust the float so that the free end of the float (the end opposite the hinge pin) is ever so slightly higher (just ever so slightly off level) than the other end. And when viewed from the end, make sure it is not cocked.
 

mikeaga

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Re: 1958 3 hp Lightwin low speed idle

New update. I was Out of commission for awhile. I am back to working on getting this motor running. Worked on the carb some more. i think it is good now. It seems there is no spark. Any suggestions on where to start? I had the motor running but it would not idle. I have a spark gap checker and I do not see any spark when I pull the cord. Thanks for any inputs.
 

HighTrim

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Re: 1958 3 hp Lightwin low speed idle

Number 1 issue no a 50s OMC is the coil. If it is original, it will be dry rotted and cracked and will need to be replaced. You will know by looking at it. If the coils are replaced, dress the points with a points file, set to 020 then clean with acetone and a business card. Also check the conitinuity of the plug wires while you have the flywheel off. Sometimes trimming them back helps, but I prefer installing brand new wire myself.
 

mikeaga

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Re: 1958 3 hp Lightwin low speed idle

I got the flywheel off. Looked at it all and I don't see anything obvious. I guess my question is, If it had spark before, why would it not have spark now?
 

HighTrim

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Re: 1958 3 hp Lightwin low speed idle

Dirty points for one. Dip a business card in acetone and run them through the points, after you verify that they are set at 020 and dressed. Is the ignition all replaced?
 

mikeaga

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Re: 1958 3 hp Lightwin low speed idle

It looks like someone has replaced the coils at one time. i have not replaced anything yet. one of the screws holding one of the coils is different.
 

mikeaga

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Re: 1958 3 hp Lightwin low speed idle

OK, cleaned and regapped points. now I have spark again. Iput it back together to see about a test. It started after a couple of pulls. I was letting it run trying to adjust the high speed and low speed adjustment. water was coming out the port. Then I noticed it was getting hot and no more water exiting the exhaust. It probably ran about fifteen minutes before it quit pumping water. should I just plan on a new impellar, or could the water passages be clogged?
 

HighTrim

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Re: 1958 3 hp Lightwin low speed idle

Drop the gearcase. Hopefully the impeller didnt break apart and clog the passages.

Replacing the impeller is always one of the first things I do when I get another motor.
 

mikeaga

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Re: 1958 3 hp Lightwin low speed idle

We have success!!!!!! The beast is running at high speed also it is idleing almost down to where the slow speed is labled on the housing. I am very excited. Next step is to test it out on the open seas. LOL! Maybe I will find a small lake first. Thank You everyone for all of the help. I have learned alot from this first attempt. I will now move on to a 1986 15hp gamefisher. wish me luck.
 

nwcove

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Re: 1958 3 hp Lightwin low speed idle

congrats mike!! always a good feeling when you get one of the oldies running as it should. ( jmo, but the gamefisher would make a good anchor while yer out fishing with the lightwin!! :lol:
 

mikeaga

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Re: 1958 3 hp Lightwin low speed idle

Just gonna try to get it running to stick it on an old jon boat to sell. Not gonna keep it.
 
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