55 Johnson - a couple questions

[Robert A]

Hi

We've recently purchased a boat and in spite of my best efforts, I'm still preparing to get it ready for our vacation. To give you an idea, I'm currently fighting w/bushings to install the trailer springs I've had re-arched...and the list goes on...

I'm not going to have any time to 'test' the boat out - it's all going to happen on vacation. I did get a chance to try the boat out prior to purchase but the owner started it and he's away currently so I don't have his advice available. BTW: The boat started right away! First time in the year!

I'm in need of your experience to help get me started (please)

Is there a general starting procedure that is pretty much fool-proof or rule-of-thumb. How does the choke work and the fast idle and what do I do if it doesn't seem to want to start. Is there a way to try running the boat from the lane-way without hurting something?

I purchased new spark plugs for the boat and the ones in the motor looked excellent so I checked the gap (.25) and I reset them to .30 - am I going to pay for this adjustment? Should I put the new ones in anyway?

The lower unit was rebuilt and when after trying out the boat, I released some lower unit lube into a pan to check for water. It was good but had some small bits of metal in the lube so I decided to replace it all. Maybe its relatively minor but I find the lube pricey stuff and would like to reclaim this lube as it's brand-new.

I have the bright idea of running it through paint filters and putting it back into the jug. Has anyone tried this before or should I just leave that idea on the shelf and properly dispose of the lube?

Thanks so much for your help.

Robert

 

[wbeaton]

Re: 55 Johnson - a couple questions

What year or horse power is your motor? Metal shavings in the lower unit is never good. Does the lower unit shift/run ok? What did the old oil look like? Also, I wouldn't risk putting the filtered oil back into the lower unit, but that is your choice.

Also, why did it fail in the first place? How big were the metal pieces? And was there lots of them?

 

[Robert A]

Re: 55 Johnson - a couple questions

Hi wbeaton, thanks very much for your reply.

Apparently the lower unit was broken due to hitting a large snapping turtle which I guess is similar to hitting a rock.

The lower unit was rebuilt last fall and the lube that was in it was brand new. The test run of the boat when purchasing was the first time this year so I'm guessing that some residue metal bits escaped flushing or cleaning out. The lube is brand-new actually and the person I purchased the boat from is a bit fussy so I think it would be quality lube. Only because the lube is brand new is why I would consider trying to reclaim it. If it caused an issue down-the-road, it wouldn't be worth it.

The motor is a 55 hp made in 1979. I think the model number is 55EL79C

Thanks again.