Figuring out new (to me) very old 10HP --- gas leak???

[jrunger]

Hi,<br /><br />I was given a circa 1960 Seahorse 10hp --- I want to see if I can get it going and use it on a 14ish foot john boat. I attached the gas tank, primed the bulb, and found gas leaking out of the little hole in the very top center front of the lower unit --- semms pretty weird to me --- any ideas what this could mean? By the way, I was able to get it to crank for a little bit, with the choke pulled out, the center screw a few turns out from all the way in, and the bigger knob turned all the way to the left. I am intrigued by getting this to work (always wanted to take apart/fix a small motor), so if anyone likes to talk with a semi-rookie, feel free to email me at jeffunger@insightbb.com --- I would be glad to call (my dime) to learn a few things. Thanks in advance.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Figuring out new (to me) very old 10HP --- gas leak???

Most likely, you have a stuck needle and seat or a defective float in the carb, causing the carb to overflow and leak fuel. It could also be a leak in a hose from the fuel connector to the carb, or anywhere else fuel passes inside the cowling. Try pumping the bulb while you watch to see where the leak is coming from. This could also be due to a bad fuel pump diaphragm sending fuel into the crankcase, where it finds its way out to the exhaust and down to the lower unit.<br /><br />A carb overhaul is probably in order. Get the kit from a Johnson/Evinrude dealer...it has the new style plastic float. The one from Sierra Marine does not.