frustrated !!

[gain11]

I got a new diaphram for my 54 pressure tank because it was leaking fuel back out the primer shaft although it was pumping gas just not holding pressure. I have rebuilt it 3 or 4 times now. the 1st time it still leaked but was pumping fuel. alcan has be advising me on this and he said to redo it and use gasket sealer. he has been a great help. but since the first time I can't get it to pump fuel now. I've checked and rechecked and everytime it does't pump?! My clymer manual is not much help.has anybody had this problem? I hate to give up and take it to my local boat shop. Thanks!!

 

[alcan]

Re: frustrated !!

Hi Gain<br />Lets use this post to get you fixed up here. Just keep responding here and it will bump the post to the top of the board automaticly. The best thing about that is it gives everybody a chance to help out. You won,t necessarly have to wait on me. Also some of the other fella's are a whole lot better writters and explainers than I. I sent you a blow-up of the tank with the names of all the parts. Use this when refering to what you have done, or are doing. This will help everyone understand better. Don't worry we'll get you going here.

 

[gain11]

Re: frustrated !!

thanks al. don't know how to thank you but oneday maybe I can return the favor. i'm downloading right now. i don't give up to easy. i'll keep you posted.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: frustrated !!

Gain.... If that diaphram setup is the type that incorporates two flat washers that curve away from the diaphram at their edges, I would strongly suspect that they are rusted/corroded away near the shaft area.<br /><br />That would allow air/fuel to leak past the diaphram to travel up the plunger shaft area.<br /><br />There is also a rubber cap type seal and spring in that unit. Check it and the metal sealing surface for wear.

 

[alcan]

Re: frustrated !!

Hi Gain<br />Joe brings up some valid points, be sure to check this out. If in fact you have assembled everything exactly as the picture shows and everything is clean and clear it should work. You do realize that you will need to either connect the hose to the motor or remove the hose from the tank, or polk a small item in the fuel side of the connector to allow flow. Be carefull polking the connector open as you can easily get an eye full of gas. Once you have the tank top assembled correctly, you can opperate the primer before installing the top on the tank. You should be able to hear and sort of feel it working. This being your first tank repair my last statment may not be so evident. Keep posting, and give details.

 

[gain11]

Re: frustrated !!

I didn't check the plates for corrosion but I will tonight or tommorrow. what gets me is that it was pumping with the old diaphram and it pumped the first time I rebuilt it it just leaked so I did it again. yeah Joe it does have the rubber cap that sits in a washer that has a spring under it, that seems fine. I can even feel suction at the filter screen, I just don't know if it is enough!? i took the pick up tube off and there is suction at the lower diaphram housing w/o tube connected. Only thing that makes sense is that it is picking up air somewhere. but what a bout that check valve in the pick up tube, is that right? I have learned through other mechanical feets that sometimes after doing something a few times it ends up working, so I'll try again.

 

[gain11]

Re: frustrated !!

well I blew it! literally!! I figured out the problem with my tank, I had the diaphram backwards. I got it running and it ran for about five minutes then..... I threw a rod. dang it man. It locked up and the tiller arm hit me so hard i thought I might cry! I removed the head and the lower piston pulled right out, the rod in pieces. Once i removed the piston and rod the crank still turns fine. Can I fix this engine?

 

[alcan]

Re: frustrated !!

Hi Gain<br />Sorry to hear of the disaster. I also do not remember which motor your working on. I am thinking 50's model 5.5hp. These are fairly simple little motors. If the damage wasn,t too great and you can find a good used rod. You should be able to fix it. It may end up cheeper and better to just buy up another old 5.5hp. This time try to find the nastiest looking one. Remember the ugly stuff sells cheepest. Since your looking for parts it is what is on the inside that counts. It's funny most of the old nasty part motors I buy end up being better than the motor I was going to fix.

 

[cajun555]

Re: frustrated !!

I hate to see these old beast die a quick death. You might start hitting old marinas. A lot of these old places just don't throw anything away. I just picked up a 1962 28 hp rude for nothing. Lots of the parts will work on my 1956 30 hp Johnson. I lived in AR., those people don't throw anything away. Just keep beating the bushes.