Sparkplug information on 64 Johnson 5.5HP

[Ownsbud56]

Hello,<br /> I have a 5.5HP 1964 Johnson that is in need of repair. The recoil spring broke after six pulls when I tried to start it. That didn't give me enough time to tell if it wasn't getting spark or if it wasn't getting fuel! After purchasing the motor I found an extra fuel pump and two NGK sparkplug boxes under the hood. The NGK sparkplugs installed in the motor were B6S. Is this a suitable replacement for the Champion J6C? Also after trying two start the motor it discharged milky lower unit grease out of screened area on the lower unit. I imagine new seals are in order? Any help on all of the above conditins will be appeciated! I did purchase this motor knowing it was a rebuild. It will be my first project on my own!<br /><br /> Thanks!--Ownsbud56

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Sparkplug information on 64 Johnson 5.5HP

That's what the NGK site recommends. But I think your motor will prefer the Champions in the long run....Probably unburned fuel is what your seeing leaking out....If in doubt, drain the lower unit and inspect the fluid....

 

[Ownsbud56]

Re: Sparkplug information on 64 Johnson 5.5HP

I am pretty sure that the lower unit grease will look like chocolate mile upon draining! A local boat dealer advised me to go to a heavier weight lower unit grease after changing. His reasoning was that new seals would not solve the problem of leaking because of shaft wear. I don't belive the motor has had that much use, just parts failure due to age. Thanks! Ownsbud56

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Sparkplug information on 64 Johnson 5.5HP

Thicker oil will not make your lower unit healtier. Replace the fill/vent plugs and fill with the proper HiVis or other brand of 90 weight outboard gearcase lube. If you still detect leaks, replace the seals. They're not expensive or hard to replace. Gears, bearings, and the spring clutch are expensive though.<br />Shaft wear can be corrected by placing the seal slightly off of where the old one rode, or by installing a speedi-sleeve.<br />Keep the B6S plugs for emergency spares.

 

[Ownsbud56]

Re: Sparkplug information on 64 Johnson 5.5HP

Thanks Rick and Paul,the information is appreciated! I am sure I will need much more when I start the rebuilding project on this motor. It will be a mechanical rebuild only, as it is cosmetically okay. Other than sun fading on one side of the engine cover, the paint,prop,decals,and everything else appear as if this motor was taken care of and has not had much use! Thanks again! Ownsbud56