1959 5.5 Fisherman

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

Ok... Just a few questions. I am new to this motor. I am more familiar with the 1955 Fleetwin. First. Setting the high and low carb settings. I took off the high adjustment knob. I seated it gently and then backed it out one and one half turns, then replaced the knob. As for the low speed adjustment, I set it half way between the limits at each end. Is this a good starting point?

I got it to start and noticed a stream of oil coming from a small hole on the lower unit. This very little hole is located,between the front two bolts, where the lower unit mounts to the mid section.... see picture. Is that normal? I never noticed it on the 1955. I just ran it for 10 or so seconds out of water... Any thoughts... Please help.

Also, the previous owner replaced what looks like a fuel line (located on the side of the power unit adjacent to the shift lever. He replaced it with a see-thru yellow tubing. I can see fluid in there but I also see air bubbles or areas where there is air in there too.

Thanks Tom

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1959 5.5 Fisherman

That's just normal 2-stroke gook coming out the hole and you would notice it on your '55 if it's not stopped up in that hole or if you never run it in a barrel. I wouldn't mind seeing a full pic of your motor. Does your motor have a fuel pump added? I don't know if I'd trust that clear tubing as I'm not sure that they make fuel-proof clear tubing that's resistant to heat. I could be wrong. If they do make it I'd like to have some myself.
Later,
JBJ

 

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

Re: 1959 5.5 Fisherman

I am not sure on the "fuel pump".... It is still using the to line pressure tank. As I said, I am more familiar with the '55. The carb is different and the fuel filter is around to the right side rather than directly under the carb body. Do my initial high and low idle settings sound about right to you?

 

[F_R]

Re: 1959 5.5 Fisherman

Personally, I wish they would outlaw that clear tubing. Just my opinion of it. But on to the question: Your high speed pre-setting is way too rich, but if you can get it started it's no problem. You have to readjust it while running on a boat anyway. As for the slow speed, "between the limits" doesn't say much because the limits can be changed. But again, it needs to be readjusted for best idle anyway.

 

[lawnsplus]

Re: 1959 5.5 Fisherman

I use the tygon yellow tubing for fuel lines all the time. Tygon comes on weedeaters and other 2 cycle equipment. I like it because it is readily available in quantities at the small engine repair shop. I also use the yellow line on my remote control race boats all the time. One of the benefits is you can see if fuel is going to carb. Just my opinion

 

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

Re: 1959 5.5 Fisherman

The linkage will only allow you to turn so much to the right ... Can you suggest a better way to get it to a balanced starting point? Thanks

 

[rockpile]

Re: 1959 5.5 Fisherman

Remove the link rod, seat needle lightly as you did on the high speed and back off 1 1/2 turns, reinstall linkage. I too would also recommend not using that clear line. However, the bubbles in that line are an indication that you have an air leak somewhere though.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1959 5.5 Fisherman

Try these as initial carb settings:
High speed...3/4 turn out from gently seated
Low speed...1 and 1/2 turn out from gently seated
After you get it started, let it warm up then run the throttle up and adjust the high-speed knob in 1/8th turn increments. Find the spot where it runs best and then richen it a little (counterclockwise). Same process with the low-speed, idle it down and adjust to find the best idle spot. You can do this in barrel/tub but will have to tweak them again once on the water in the boat.

 

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

Re: 1959 5.5 Fisherman

here is a picture.... what does it do... exactly?

 

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

Re: 1959 5.5 Fisherman

I think the pressure tank he (the old owner) was using was the problem... I think my tank might fix that problem... the old owner said he could not keep it running... might have been the air leak? what are your thoughts?