Johnson Seahorse 5.5 cd-15 problem

[woollybugger]

hi guys, i have a problem and im hoping that someone out there can help me out.
I have a Johnson Seahorse 5.5 cd-15, awesone condition that sat for about 10 years. i have had the motor running before, but then it crapped out on me.

it is with the repair guy right now and we are having issues idling at low rpm and running under load.

already completed:
new coils, wires
new plugs
new water pump
new lower unit seal spring
complete carb clean with new float and improved needle

compression is at 89 and 96 on the two cylinders, good spark, and pleanty of fuel.

the repair guy says it seems like it is constantly under some sort of load. he mentioned maybe the "piston connecting rod needle bearing" that may have gotten too dry sitting so long.

does anyone have any ideas??

 

[bktheking]

Re: Johnson Seahorse 5.5 cd-15 problem

Sounds like a fuel issue. Barely idle, pop sometimes and when get just above idle the motor wants to take off, slow speed needle does nothing to adjust it? This still a pressure tank motor or did someone get in there and mess with it? WHen you did the carb did you knock plugs out? Did you replace the packing for the needles. Any small amount of dirt or varnish in a carb can mess with the air/fuel mix causing poor idle, extra air can cause abnormal idle as well. Reeds are rarely a problem but can also cause issues.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Johnson Seahorse 5.5 cd-15 problem

No such thing as a needle bearing in that motor - it has none!

Constantly under load - did your guy check the lower driveshaft? It is a 2-piece shaft and the lower portion has a slip spring in it that absorbs the shock of any impacts. Over 55 years, sometimes they get weak and break of their own accord. When they break, they spread a bit, binding against the upper bearing in the lower unit, creating extra load. Sometimes it's enough to stop the engine completely.

Another thing to check - make sure it's actually running on two cylinders. Start the motor and one at a time, pull a spark plug wire off and note what happens.

Let us know what you find...

- Scott

 

[cougar1985]

Re: Johnson Seahorse 5.5 cd-15 problem

thats a old motor ,after taking in all of BK,S suggestions id also change the fuel lines going to the carb ,etc .if their original they will most likely be toast,you could possibly have a leak.

 

[F_R]

Re: Johnson Seahorse 5.5 cd-15 problem

hi guys, i have a problem and im hoping that someone out there can help me out.


the repair guy says it seems like it is constantly under some sort of load. he mentioned maybe the "piston connecting rod needle bearing" that may have gotten too dry sitting so long.

does anyone have any ideas??

That's an easy one. Your motor has a broken shock absorber in the lower unit. That puts a constant load on it.

 

[woollybugger]

Re: Johnson Seahorse 5.5 cd-15 problem

that shock absorber spring sounds like the cuplrit. i am going to have my guy check that out and see if it is broken.

by any great stroke of luck is this a part that is available?
do any other years work with this one?
or am i going to have to look into buying a parts motor?

 

[woollybugger]

Re: Johnson Seahorse 5.5 cd-15 problem

ok, so the shock absorber spring was broken in half. no the quewst for the part.
aren't the parts for this lower unit interchangeable between a few years prior and post, and even in a few different hp's?
anyone have an idea of the years/hp's that may work for this particular motor?

thanks for all the help so far!

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Johnson Seahorse 5.5 cd-15 problem

Any of the shock absorbers from the 5.5 or 7.5 Evinrudes or Johnsons from 1954 to about 1964 should work. I can't recall when they went to the solid driveshaft, but I think it was when they bumped from the 5.5 to the 6hp model in '64/'65.

There are some 1954 & up Gale 5hp models with full gearshift, too, that will have the same part in them.

It is never a bad idea to have a parts motor (or three) onhand if you want to have and use an older outboard like yours. You'll also often find it is cheaper to pick up a complete parts motor than it is to buy only the part you need.

- Scott

 

[F_R]

Re: Johnson Seahorse 5.5 cd-15 problem

Any Johnson, Evinrude, or Gale 5, 5.5, 6, or 7.5hp that has full gearshift, 1954 up through at least 1965. I'm not totally sure when it was eliminated, but probably 1966. Part number 376073. Try www.sea-way.com

 

[bktheking]

Re: Johnson Seahorse 5.5 cd-15 problem

Mig weld it and put a softer pin in for the prop, that's what I did, worked great. I have 2 motors with this shock so I aquired a good spare but I still welded the one in the 7.5.

 

[woollybugger]

Re: Johnson Seahorse 5.5 cd-15 problem

well, the shock absorber was the problem, luckily my repair guy had a parts motor he was able to take one out of for me.

it runs like a top now! shifts into gear, runs under load, just like it is supposed to.

although when i was done running it in the driveway, i tipped the motorstand over and it landed face down onthe pavement. other than a few new cosmetic blemishes, it seems to have weathered the drop fine. i didnt start it back up again yet. should i worry about if the jar made something go out of alignment, or are these old motors pretty tough?

 

[bktheking]

Re: Johnson Seahorse 5.5 cd-15 problem

Should be ok, they are pretty hardy little motors.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Johnson Seahorse 5.5 cd-15 problem

I would have your old shock absorber tig welded up and keep it on hand. Always good to have a back up.