1966 FD20 won't start (pull)

[Alsdad]

I bought this motor used a couple of months ago. never saw it run before I bought it but almost had in running a couple of weeks ago. Simply put in new spark plugs and new gas and "almost" had her running. I haven't been able to get to it in the last couple of weeks but when I went to mess with it yesterday, it wouldn't even spin. The pull start was locked up. the propeller would spin, though. Any ideas what would cause it to lock up when it was pulling fine when I left it?

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1966 FD20 won't start (pull)

Take off the recoil starter assembly by removing the 3 screws and see if the flywheel will turn by hand. If so, there's a problem with the recoil mechanism. If not, take off the lower unit by disconnectig the shift shaft and the l.u. retaining bolts, and see if the flywheel will spin then. If not, then water has likely gotten into the cylinders and rusted the rings to the cylinder walls and seized it. If so, take the cylinder head off (carefully without breaking bolt heads off if possible) and replace the head gasket while looking for problems. You probably should replace the exhaust cover gaskets if it's not obvious the head gasket is leaking water. You should hope you don't have rusted crank journals and bearings----if so, it's time for a used powerhead.
Good luck,
JBJ

 

[RadarRick]

Re: 1966 FD20 won't start (pull)

Some motors have lock-out on starter to prevent accidental starting while in gear.

Otherwise, could it have gone for a swim before you got it? Or stored in a humid area? Could be that it has rusted/seized. Rust on exposed steel happens fast.

Here's a sticky at the top of this forum about reviving motors that haven't run in a long time. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158086

 

[Alsdad]

Re: 1966 FD20 won't start (pull)

thanks for the responses...could it be that i had the water in my barrell too deep last time and that would have caused any rusting/seizing? the powerhead doesn't look any different than it did last time when it almost cranked...

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: 1966 FD20 won't start (pull)

No, too much water in the barrel will not cause any issues.

 

[RadarRick]

Re: 1966 FD20 won't start (pull)

You likely wouldn't see evidence on the outside of the power head - there is little, if any, exposed steel.

Go with JBJ's suggestion re recoil starter - rule out the simple things first.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1966 FD20 won't start (pull)

If water got in the cylinder there will likely be droplets on the plugs or even rust staining.
Pull the plugs and crank it over a few times If water is laying in the cylinder it won't pull over
If it pulls over with plugs out you may see water vapor coming out the plug holes.
Check the lockout that won't let you crank in gear It could be out of adjustment or broken.
If you get it freed up check the spark use a spark tester available at auto supply.These older motors should jump at least 1/4 inch with a strong blue snap.
If the coils havent been changed recently they are likely bad.If cracked or discolored they need replacing.