53 Sea King Neutral Clutch - Same as Johnson

[JasonAych]

I have a 53 Sea King 5hp, which has neutral and forward. This lower unit is shared by some Johnsons of that era (TNXX models) since the was made by Gale (a division of OMC).

I had it all apart to replace the impellor which included removing the shift cable. The clutch more or less looks like a spring that is engaged by a armature operated by the cable.

My question is there an adjustment procedure?

Basically, i started with the clutch no working. Was always in gear. I just kept adjusting more tension into the cable until it started disengaging and left it at that.

My only real concern at this point is that was all I had to do. Should I have adjusted a little more tension into the cable? I don?t want to cause premature failure of the clutch. Seems like a pretty simple design that I would expect to last forever. Does anyone know if this a reliable setup?

 

[F_R]

Re: 53 Sea King Neutral Clutch - Same as Johnson

I have a 53 Sea King 5hp, which has neutral and forward. This lower unit is shared by some Johnsons of that era (TNXX models) since the was made by Gale (a division of OMC).

I had it all apart to replace the impellor which included removing the shift cable. The clutch more or less looks like a spring that is engaged by a armature operated by the cable.

My question is there an adjustment procedure?

Basically, i started with the clutch no working. Was always in gear. I just kept adjusting more tension into the cable until it started disengaging and left it at that.

My only real concern at this point is that was all I had to do. Should I have adjusted a little more tension into the cable? I don?t want to cause premature failure of the clutch. Seems like a pretty simple design that I would expect to last forever. Does anyone know if this a reliable setup?

Your procedure was correct. Add more "pull" till it releases the clutch when the lever is about half way up. You won't hurt if if it is a bit off. Reliable?? Heck yes.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 53 Sea King Neutral Clutch - Same as Johnson

Yea, I think this model had the same lower unit as the old Johnson TN models. These were pretty good engines and pretty reliable if they're tuned up right and in good running shape. It is, after all, a Gale product. Treat it good and you'll have a reliable motor.