Clinton Sea King 3.5 hp Help!

[Clinton350]

I need some help. Just bought a Clinton Sea King 3.5 hp 7pk350-6000-SER, 31589. Seemed to run fine the first time out, although I flooded it at one point. Tried to start up later that week and flywheel seemed stuck at half pull. Turned flywheel by hand and very hard to do so. Took spark plug out and turned much easier. Seems like there is too much compression? Some port clogged? Any Ideas?

Thought taking carb apart and cleaning might help. Bought a Sea King manual on Ebay but doesn't cover Clintons. Does anyone know where I can get a Clinton manual cheap and quick? I am tired of stareing at this motor.

Also, accourding to Champion the correct spark plug is a CJ14, but the spark plug I pulled it totally different. Is this the correct spark plug?

Any insight would help. Thanks in advance.

 

[Tom @ Buzzard Bluff]

Re: Clinton Sea King 3.5 hp Help!

<accourding to Champion the correct spark plug is a CJ14, but the spark plug I pulled it totally different. Is this the correct spark plug?>

Please explain how-in-'ell anyone can answer that without the identity of the spark plug you removed!

Call an auto parts seller and ask them what plug took the place of the obsolete (?) CJ14.

 

[Clinton350]

Re: Clinton Sea King 3.5 hp Help!

Maybe I didn't phrase my question adequately. I am asking if Cj14 is the correct spark plug. The spark plug I have in there now is a 174011 which OReilly Auto Parts couldn't find a match for. After purchasing a CJ14 I compared it to the 174011 and it looks different as per my post. The 174011 is about a quarter of an inch longer at the threads.

Hope this helps clarify my inferences. Thanks you for your helpful response.

 

[Tom @ Buzzard Bluff]

Re: Clinton Sea King 3.5 hp Help!

Maybe I didn't phrase my question adequately. I am asking if Cj14 is the correct spark plug.

Many of the air-cooled Clintons & Eskas used the j-12s & 13 which have been supplanted by the CJ-14.

Start by getting a generic manual on order. While waiting for it perform a search in this forum. There are MANY posts on the subject with a LOT of info including one on this page with contact info for the remaining dregs of Clinton that supplies parts.

Perform your own due diligence research and familiarize yourself with your engine. Then contact us with specific questions that we can answer without 1st having to write a primer.

Check to see if the hard to turn syndrome with your motor has disappeared---might have been a partial hydraulic lock from severe flooding. Tom

 

[mrcrabs]

Re: Clinton Sea King 3.5 hp Help!

with out checking! i would guess j-6 j-8 , but i will check or you can. www.sparkplugs.com

Its so hot here 95 at 7:30 pm and Jakey wants to go fishin...

6 yrs old and has! to get his worm wet every day?? I sign of thing to come?

 

[Clinton350]

Re: Clinton Sea King 3.5 hp Help!

Thanks guys for the responses. I do appreciate it.

I have spent many an hour looking at past posts and on the internet trying to find some answers so your responses reasures me on changing the spark plug. I wasn't sure if the 174011 spark plug was hitting the piston (?) and causing the problem with hard turning motor because it was longer then the CJ14. I sprayed WD40 in the engine and let it sit for a few days. I finally got it started today. I added Sea Foam to the gas to try to clean it up a bit. Of course what came out was part of a gasket. Will have to take lower unit apart to replace I assume.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond.

 

[Tom @ Buzzard Bluff]

Re: Clinton Sea King 3.5 hp Help!

<I wasn't sure if the 174011 spark plug was hitting the piston (?) and causing the problem with hard turning motor because it was longer then the CJ14.>

That is always a possibility with the wrong plug but if so it will close the gap on the plug which is readily checked with a feeler gauge. Putting a new---correct---plug in it is always a good first step with an unknown motor for numerous reasons!

<I sprayed WD40 in the engine and let it sit for a few days. I finally got it started today. I added Sea Foam to the gas to try to clean it up a bit.>

2 ozs./gallon is a very good idea with old motors and will help dissolve and rid them of old carbon deposits over time as it is used. Spraying it full strength through the spark plug hole, turning the engine over a few times to distribute it and allowing it to take it's course over several days is best to free sticking rings IF that is the cause of low compression.