Evinrude fisherman 1956 pistons

[aldenwhitney]

I am trying to restore a 1956 evenrude fisherman 5.5hp and after taking it apart, I found the pistons to be rusted tight. Looking for advice on whether to work on un-sticking them or to look for a new assembly. Thanks

[fleetwin]

Well, it is tough to advise on this….You are saying that the pistons are stuck in the cylinders, correct? Or, are you saying the rings are stuck in the piston grooves? I would definitely soak the pistons/cylinders for a few days in an effort to free everything up…. Once it is freed up, you can pull the powerhead apart. I’m sure you can find a decent used powerhead if yours is too far gone/rusted. Try to post some pictures so we can advise you better…

[aldenwhitney]

Yes, the pistons are stuck in the cylinders

• This reply was modified 5 years, 2 months ago by Mumbles.

[drifter]

That’s going to be a really tough one to free up. Certainly worth a try. The pistons are oriented to your advantage so you can fill the cylinders with lubricant. There are many different types. PB Blaster, Kroil, or your own mixture of 50% automatic transmission fluid and 50% acetone. Let her soak for a couple weeks. VERY gentle raps on the piston tops with a 2 x 2 and hammer may yield movement. Or try gently rocking the flywheel. After a couple weeks of soaking and still no movement, I’d try the following because it has worked for me.
Grab a couple of old socks and soak them in trans fluid. stuff them in the cylinder on top of the piston. Light the socks and let it burn. It’ll burn for quite a while. Let it cool down then use the 2 x 2 and hammer again. Patience and care is primary. You can repeat the whole process but my guess is after seeing your photo that this process will take a good while.

[crosbyman]

never dispair… $50 turtle frozen solid … now a great kicker freed with a wooden peg and a hammer and… 2 weeks of soaking (Marvel oil) and tapping

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[lloyd]

After lubing the pistons, cylinders and crankcase internals and just before tapping on the cylinders or rocking the flywheel, heat up the block by slowly pouring large amount of hot water over the block to expand the cylinders. Has worked for me numerous times in the past.

[fleetwin]

Follow everyone’s instructions for soaking and heating, be very patient, and go slowly…I’m betting you will free this engine up and get it running using the same pistons with some new rings…These engines are very forgiving and will run nicely even with some less than perfect conditions inside the powerhead…. Keep us advised….

[crosbyman]

patience brings joy

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[Seth Gabbard]

It depends on “how stuck” the motor could just be stuck and needs a little penatrating oil. Or it may need a complete rebuild. Before trying to complete rebuild throw in some marvel mystery oil in the cylinders for a week while you think on your decision.

Seth Gabbard
A 14 year old outboard enthusiast

[dave-bernard]

I picked up a small folding 3hp once frozen but like new looking . make it short was frozen from old oil was a real pain to free up.

[Author]

Posts