57 5.5 hp Johnson spark plug wire question: another update

[JasonJ]

I ordered up a set of new coils for my little 57 after having two horrible times trying to do some trolling. I have known the coils needed replaced, since I had scavanged them from my 54 Goodyear SeaBee to get the thing running. They were the original coils from the SeaBee, and they are finally done. The motor is at the point now where it starts, runs good, but as it warms up, it starts to run rough, cuts out momentarilly, stutters, them just dies. After that, it is hard to start, and runs poorly. Let it set, the whole thing repeats itself.<br /><br />Anyway, I want to replace the plug wires as well. Can I just buy two plug wires at Napa, cut the other ends off, and push the ends into the coils (this is how the original wires are installed) or is there some super spiffy plug wires I am supposed to buy?<br /><br />Another question, what is the best plug for this motor? Champion J8C? I ran some surface gap plugs I had laying around from my Merc when I was trying to get it running good yesterday, and it ran a lot better than on the J8Cs I had. I doubt it is an ideal plug, but it worked.

 

[Laddies]

Re: 57 5.5 hp Johnson spark plug wire question: another update

Jason make sure the wire is copper core

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 57 5.5 hp Johnson spark plug wire question: another update

Steel core is also okay..... just make sure it is not carbon core!<br /><br />And yes, just push the wire into the internal pointed prong that exists within the coil.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 57 5.5 hp Johnson spark plug wire question: another update

Champion J6C gapped at .030" is what you want to be running. The J8C is too hot, and I have no idea what the surface gaps will do to it.

 

[TTravis]

Re: 57 5.5 hp Johnson spark plug wire question: another update

Jason,<br /><br />I just went shopping for new plug wires for my 5.5 at NAPA and could not find anything that was long enough. I would up buying a set of plug wires from a place called Tractor Supply and got a set of 4 for around $10. You need to get the solid core wires, not the newer style wires they use on cars. Check out my site at http://www.outboard-boat-motor-repair.com where I am finishing up the documentation on my 5.5 project.

 

[K Hultgre]

Re: 57 5.5 hp Johnson spark plug wire question: another update

Go to a small engine shop(lawn mower, snow blower, repair) they should have the wire on a spool and be able to cut to length for you.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: 57 5.5 hp Johnson spark plug wire question: another update

Thanks for the replies guys, I'll hunt up some copper core wires.<br /><br />Tom, your 5.5 site rocks. The only thing that wasn't there was the carb adjustment, I'll have a load of fun with the high speed and low speed adjustments. I at least need good baseline start settings so I can adjust from there.<br /><br />Also, if you (or anybody) happened to have a faceplate/plenum that fits a 57 5.5, that would be helpful. Knobs as well, thats what I get for paying $60 for a flea market motor, but at least the pressure tank is solid. <br /><br />I have a piece of aluminum cut, shaped, and bolted to the carb to fill the void in the cover (and yes, it does not block the carb, it is spaced a good inch and a quarter from the opening). I worry that the plenum allowed for a fixed airflow and my "free flow" version may make it difficult to achieve the best adjustment out of the high and low speed jets. Or maybe I am over thinking it.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 57 5.5 hp Johnson spark plug wire question: another update

(Carburetor Adjustments - Two Adjustable N/Vs) <br />(J. Reeves)<br /><br />Initial settings are: Bottom high speed = seat gently, then open 1 turn out. Top slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns. <br /><br />Setting the high and low needle valves properly:<br /><br />NOTE: For engines that DO NOT have a shift selection, obviously there is no NEUTRAL position. Simply lower the rpms to the lowest setting to obtain the low speed needle va /lve adjustment.<br /><br />(High Speed) Start engine (it will run pretty rough), shift into forward gear, take up to full throttle. In segments of 1/8 turn, wating for the engine to respond between turns, start turning in the bottom high speed needle valve. You'll reach a point whereas the engine will either start to die out or spit back (sounds like a mild backfire). At that point, back out the needle valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest setting. <br /><br />(Low Speed) Slow the engine down to where it just stays running. Shift into neutral. Again in segments of 1/8 turns, start to turn the top needle valve in. Wait a few seconds for the engine to respond. As you turn the valve in, the rpms will increase. Lower the rpms again to where the engine will just stay running. Eventually you'll hit the point where the engine wants to die out or it will spit back. Again, at that point, back out the valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest slow speed setting. <br /><br />When you have finished the above adjustments, you will have no reason to move them again unless the carburetor fouls/gums up from sitting, in which case you would be required to remove, clean, and rebuild the carburetor anyway.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: 57 5.5 hp Johnson spark plug wire question: another update

Thanks Joe, that will be handy.

 

[Timbertim]

Re: 57 5.5 hp Johnson spark plug wire question: another update

I'm having the same problems with my 15 hp Evinrude, 53 model. Sounds like wires and coils may do the trick. I enjoyed your web site Jason, may have to head up that way on day.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: 57 5.5 hp Johnson spark plug wire question: another update

Recieved my coils yesterday, and after following the directions on Toms website as far as setting gap and dwell, and Joes directions on the carb, the motor runs great now. I still need to do some final tuning out on the water with the adjustments, I had to base my carb adjustments on wide open, no load, in the tank. At least it runs good now, and I can do my final adjustments under load out on the lake. Thanx to all that have helped, now it starts on the first pull and idles like a sewing machine.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 57 5.5 hp Johnson spark plug wire question: another update

It's a good engine that'll treat you well. Torque the flywheel nut to 40-45ft/lbs and it'll purr into the next century.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: 57 5.5 hp Johnson spark plug wire question: another update

Took the little bugger out this last Sunday, ran flawlessly. I did my final tuning on the carb, and it runs sweet. It'll even push my boat almost 5 mph (gps) wide open, which isn't too bad. Now all I have to do is prime it, choke it, it starts on the first pull. Let it warm up for a bit, and its fishin' time. Too bad I didn't catch anything....