tuning a Buccaneer

tmcalavy

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 29, 2001
Messages
4,005
Hey guys,<br />Not too long ago, I purchased an old Gale 5.5 hp Buccaneer (1950-1954) and rebuilt the magneto with new coils, points, condensers. Also reset the carb float and got it running pretty good. Plan to use it as a get home motor on my family fish/ski boat that we take to area lakes. Here's my problem:<br />I took the Buccaneer out for a test run and encountered a problem due to my own ignorance. It started up on the 2nd pull, but I forgot to open the tank vent. It died after a few minutes, and fizzed gas all over the front of the motor where the controls are.<br />Now it is hard to start cold; I have to spray carb cleaner right into carb throat. I can get it to idle well in neutral, but it runs rough and surges when in gear...speed goes up and down. I can smooth it out some by adjusting the rich/lean screw on the right side of the carb. Is there a baseline setting for this screw?<br />It also floods quite easily now. Could I have damaged the carb reed valve? If so, how hard is this to find/replace?<br />Also, it pumps water but I’d like to go ahead and replace the pump/impeller. Any ideas on where I can find these parts?
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: tuning a Buccaneer

Hi, Tim.<br /><br />Your parts are interchangable with Gale, Evinrude and Johnson parts from 5.5s of the period. <br /><br />A manual for the others will also work just fine for your Buc.<br /><br />Good luck. :)
 
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