Gamefisher 5HP

[johnmlodynia]

I am new to this forum and it seems like this is one of the only places on the internet with knowledge of this motor. I received this motor, new, with no documentation from my grandfather this year. It has a small crack in the case, no big deal. The motor sat in the attic, untouched since about 1991.

Model #: 255.587503
Serial: 6199

Made by Force or Mercury cannot pinpoint which, contradictory sources.

Questions:
1. I can't get it to idle down to a very slow bump, in neutral. What happens is when I put it in forward it "jumps". Common?
2. The leg doesn't mist water as well in forward like when in neutral.
3. It takes about 5 pulls to get it going. Bad?
4. Spark plug is original. Replace it?
5. I have been told, and am wondering if this is true, that I broke the impeller when I used the engine the first time. Is this possible?
6. Have been told not to use until impeller is replaced. Listen?
6. Is this a freshwater ONLY motor? I used it in saltwater, only 3x.

*Disclaimer: I am very new engines, I have been on a boat since I could walk and my father helps me with the motor. Tomorrow I am going to the Sears Parts place to see if they have any schematics or manuals. I can't find any help with this online. I am attaching pics to show what I am working with. I am using a 50:1 ratio of 87 gas to oil. After use I ran it in freshwater as pictured. Any and all information is appreciated.

 

[Tom @ Buzzard Bluff]

Re: Gamefisher 5HP

I am new to this forum and it seems like this is one of the only places on the internet with knowledge of this motor. I received this motor, new, with no documentation from my grandfather this year. It has a small crack in the case, no big deal. The motor sat in the attic, untouched since about 1991.

Model #: 255.587503
Serial: 6199

Made by Force or Mercury cannot pinpoint which, contradictory sources.>

Review that model #! If it is 225-587503 then it was sold as a 1990 model and built by Force. See: <http://www.discount-marine-parts.com/ob_elgin_force_model.html>

There are only two 'cases' on an outboard---the crankcase and the gearcase. A crack in either is a VERY 'big deal'! So which is it?

Questions:
<1. I can't get it to idle down to a very slow bump, in neutral. What happens is when I put it in forward it "jumps". Common?>

Very common if the RPM is too high! Won't do it long however as you will soon destroy the gears. Fix the idling problems before trying to put it in gear again!

<2. The leg doesn't mist water as well in forward like when in neutral.>

Probably not turning the same RPM since you've already intimated that it won't run at lower revs.

<3. It takes about 5 pulls to get it going. Bad?>

Yup----a well-tuned motor should start within 3 pulls from cold at most. If it won't do so then it's trying to tell you something!

<4. Spark plug is original. Replace it?>

The cheapest thing to throw at any 2 cycle motor when you're grasping at straws is a new plug. While you're at the auto parts store to get a plug pick up a spark tester also and check the magneto function with it.

<5. I have been told, and am wondering if this is true, that I broke the impeller when I used the engine the first time. Is this possible?>

I believe you said it has been stored in an attic for the past 19 years? The Summer temps in an attic would be VERY unhealthy for ALL rubber products. Pick up new fuel line suitable for use with fuel containing alcohol while you're at the parts counter.

<6. Have been told not to use until impeller is replaced. Listen?>

Not just "yes", but "He!! yes'! And while you are installing the new impeller carefully inspect the old one to see if any parts of it are missing. If so you MUST find out where they went before buckling it back up. If they are lodged in the coolant lines or engine cooling passages they will have to be removed unless you wanta cook the motor.


<6. Is this a freshwater ONLY motor? I used it in saltwater, only 3x.>

If it was used in saltwater at all then it's hardly a "freshwater only" motor.

<*Disclaimer: I am very new engines, I have been on a boat since I could walk and my father helps me with the motor. Tomorrow I am going to the Sears Parts place to see if they have any schematics or manuals. I can't find any help with this online. I am attaching pics to show what I am working with. I am using a 50:1 ratio of 87 gas to oil. After use I ran it in freshwater as pictured. Any and all information is appreciated.

If you're a raw 'newbie' then the very best thing you could do to prevent ruining the very nice looking motor you're Grandfather entrusted you with is to go by a library and find a book on theory and practice of small 2 cycle engines. In the meantime get online and find a shop manual for your motor and get it on order. Without some general knowledge and a manual trying to operate your motor in a manner that will see it into a graceful old age is the functional equivalent of target shooting with your eyes covered! HTH, Tom

 

[mrcrabs]

Re: Gamefisher 5HP

your model no. seem wrong, not in the sears database??? looks like a merc.
If you rev the little outboard after setting that long the water pump can just explode due to dryrot, if did be sure to look for all the little pieces,
I don't see why you could'nt use in saltwater just flush it well after, someone told me to use dishwashing liquid in the flush to get rid of 99% of the salt.
You need to get a carb kit and I'm sure and new sparkplug...sure looks like a keeper to me.

OH i didn't notice TOm had answered most of your questions but put them in the between quote brackets< oh well I spent all this time typing, I'm going to post anyway

CHECK THAT MODEL NO AGAIN. I couldn.t find it at http://www.searspartsdirect.com

 

[johnmlodynia]

Re: Gamefisher 5HP

Guys I am attaching pics of the 1. model and serial 2. the crack (I don't know which "case" this is), please let me know how "bad" it is. Thanks.

The gas tank, fuel line and all that (pictured) is brand new. I was only given the motor as is.

The model number I posted is INCORRECT, the correct number is: 225.587503 and I have a breakdown at Sears Parts.
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/getModel!retrieve.pd?modelNumber=225.587503&pathTaken=partSearch
I am calling Discount Marine Parts tomorrow for a manual and bringing it to a Sears Parts center to see if they have any papers on it.

 

[Tom @ Buzzard Bluff]

Re: Gamefisher 5HP

<Guys I am attaching pics of the 1. model and serial 2. the crack (I don't know which "case" this is), please let me know how "bad" it is.>

OK---that clears up the year and manufacturer. It will be as stated in my 1st answer.

The part you refer to as the 'case' is often referred to as the engine 'pan'. It isn't a critical internal part but should be addressed before it gets worse. Do that by locating the extreme end of the developing crack and drilling a 1/16" hole to prevent or delay further cracking. Use very course sandpaper to remove paint and roughen up the inside surface so that the repair isn't unsightly and apply a multiple layer patch with fiberglass cloth or roving using Epoxy resin as the bonding medium. Polyester resin, widely available, is unsuitable for such bonding applications. Apply the patch over as broad an area as is practical in order to reinforce it as much as feasible.

<I am calling Discount Marine Parts tomorrow for a manual and bringing it to a Sears Parts center to see if they have any papers on it.>

Taking the motor itself to the Sears parts center isn't necessary, but the model & serial numbers are.
Good luck----and get your hands on the 2 cycle engine theory & practices primer I suggested. Two cycles are 'different'!