sea king runs when it feels like it

[weezerr17]

info from side plate:
model gg18802a
serial 36x880116
gale products
galesburg, il
montgomery ward

I really know nothing about this engine. Only that it has to be at least a 15hp
and that it runs when it wants to, and until then you just pull at the rope over and over and over. So anything anyone can tell me to try that might be able to fix this problem would be greatly appreciated. Oh also any info on it. thnx Bill

 

[bgbass.1]

Re: sea king runs when it feels like it

first thing you need 3 things to make it run compression, spark,fuel. If it runs eventually i would start with cleaning carb.also check choke to makee sure its working.the other thing to try is take a mixture of oil and gas and spray in carb if it starts you know it a carb problem

 

[weezerr17]

Re: sea king runs when it feels like it

cool gonna go check all that now. few problems i didnt mention before sorry, loose knobs and choke on the carb. is there a quick fix for that or need rebuild kit if there is still one available? nevermind not as loose as i thought. tightened em up too.

 

[weezerr17]

Re: sea king runs when it feels like it

ok update,
motor runs ok now, got new gas 50:1 mix and decent enough spark( it misses in every speed, the plugs are BRAND NEW) very good compression.

far as i can figure this is what i need:
carb, or rebuild kit
new magneto or whatever it is that produces the spark
could really use some new plug wires

If anyone knows where to find these, or a good working substitute please God let me know. this engine has kicked my butt for at least a month now.

 

[bgbass.1]

Re: sea king runs when it feels like it

you should be able to get wires at napa store. trying to find parts ive looked cant find carb. parts i think with that motor may be from 60s you should be mixing 24:1 i believe.as far as carb try cleaning it and make a new gasket on the bowl you ca get away with a good quality sealer.
mike

 

[steelespike]

Re: sea king runs when it feels like it

That motor is a 15 It it is listed in the same section with the E/J 18 and 20 hp. in my after market manual.Should use the same carb kit available right here at iboats or some E/J dealers or NAPA auto parts.carb kit 18-7043,needle and seat 18-7094.plug wire kit 18-5225 .If you get generic wire be sure it is solid core(copper center).If you find the coils cracked/discolored (and you probably will),replace them.
18-5181 fits many models 5-40 hp,49-73.the older coils are prone to fail.
Use 24:1 fuel mix as the bottom main bearing and piston pin are friction bearings.

 

[F_R]

Re: sea king runs when it feels like it

Agreeing with steelespike.
You can almost guarantee that the coils are cracked. That will make it run lousy, if at all.

Most parts are same as 18hp Johnson and Evinrude. But it is a smaller bore size, same as J/E 15hp of earlier years.

Your motor is a 1963, last year of Gale production. You will be amazed at how well it runs once you get those new coils in there. You should also replace the water pump impeller.

Do you want to hear about the weak point on those motors? Well, I'll tell you anyway. It is the lower crankshaft main bearing seal. They go bad and when they do it lets water into the crankcase and destroys the motor. You should replace that seal whether it needs it or not. Part number 303804. http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s311/frankr_photos/12hpGalelowerseal2.jpg?t=1190770757

 

[weezerr17]

Re: sea king runs when it feels like it

wow thanks for all the info! really appreciate it. Well someone went through the engine not too long ago because the coils are very new, pretty much all the electrical is new, wires look a lil weathered. as far as i can figure is that its the carb and my fuel mix. The old float broke but was too saturated to save anyway.(felt quite a bit too heavy) the crank bearing looks good too not cracked or anything.

Anymore info on the motor that anyone can think of or point in the direction of please let me know, ie recurring problems, where i can get a manual, etc. knowledge is power right?

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: sea king runs when it feels like it

Ken Cook, google it, might have a manual. Check/clean all the connections under the flywheel and only use solid core plug wires when you replace them. Once you get that carb clean it shoud run like a scalded ape...I picked up a 62 Gale 15 last fall that only needed the crud out of the carb. They are know for simplicity/reliability.