help with old Clinton 5hp

heathcom

Recruit
Joined
May 20, 2008
Messages
5
I aquired an old Clinton motor, has k500 on it. Had been sitting out for quite some time. It wouldnt pull either. When I took the spark plug off, there was water there. I know thats not a good sign. I emptied the water and flooded it with 2 cycle oil and sprayed the carb end with WD40. Than I was able to pull and actually feels like it has good compression. Than I took the carb apart, it was a bit nasty. Quite a bit of that white lumpy build up and somewhat corroded and the reed valve is corroded through too. I know that is not gonna work.
I called my local boat repair and asked if they had parts for a Clinton motor. They said "Clinton?" Than I went to a backwoods boat repair guy and he actually had one out back. Gave it to me for 10 bucks. This one was locked up solid but when I got it apart the carb was in alot better shape and identical to the other one. The only difference is the reed valve. The corroded one has a star burst shape to it and the one I just picked up has a pyramid shape design. I got all the carb parts soaking in gas and sea foam now.
My question is, will a different reed valve work?
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: help with old Clinton 5hp

If it fits. I'm not so sure about the rest of the motor though. Ugh.
 

CATransplant

Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
6,319
Re: help with old Clinton 5hp

If the reed valves were corroded enough to be useless, and the cylinder was full of water, I can pretty much guarantee that the crankshaft is in the same condition. I wouldn't put a penny into that engine. Instead, watch your local Craigs List or local classifieds for one that works. They're finicky enough when they do work. Don't waste your time on this one. Better yet, watch for a nice 5hp johnnyrude. That's worth fixing up.
 

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: help with old Clinton 5hp

Absolutely, your allready $10 to far in.These are noisy,they vibrate,are somewhat underpowered and fussy.Have been out of business for some time.
From what little I can tell it looks like the mount for the intake is similar on both crankcase types.You better give the interior a good look before you go any farther.Some models have roller bearings,some plain bearings.It would appear the water got in through the crankcase;not good news.
 

heathcom

Recruit
Joined
May 20, 2008
Messages
5
Re: help with old Clinton 5hp

hmm, well it doesnt look bad up inside the crank and piston. I've seen worse up and running. It does have good compression and a good spark. I think with the reed valve replaced and a carb, I bet it will go. Thing is, both carbs are beyond repair. All the jets, needles and floats are useable. Any old Walbro carbs out there? Its an LMB 179
 

itsjb5

Recruit
Joined
Aug 24, 2008
Messages
2
Re: help with old Clinton 5hp

have a complete PROPULSION RESEARCH INC (Marine jet division) outboard jet troller engine. P-500 clinton engine. This has been garage kept since new. Nice shape. This is a jet adapted engine, prop engine same. 1962-1964????
 
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