Retainer ring locking down movement of magneto

[Mike FRAZIER]

I have a 1959 5hp Sea King (Gale) from Montgomery Ward, Model# GG8977B.  I’ve been working on restoring it and overall have been fairly successful so far.   I’ve rebuilt the carb and put new coils, condenser and points on the magneto plate as well as new sparkplugs / wires.  My dad, who soon will be 92 years old, purchased this motor the year I was born.

The specific issue I’m dealing with is the marriage of the brass mag support plate, retainer ring and magneto plate. When I tighten them down using the 2 short and 2 long screws, the movement needed for acceleration is so tight that King Kong couldn’t turn it. I’ve checked and no screws are extended rubbing anywhere. I’ve tried lightly applying marine grease to inside the brass ring and top flat area of the retainer ring as well as the underside of the magneto where it all comes together. The brass support plate does not appear warped so…?????

Oh, when I started this process, the old retainer ring was broke into 4 parts.  I ordered a replacement from T-Mikes which I’m sure was off a Johnson but it does match up with the screw holes.

I really don’t understand how any of them work because It would seems like your building sandwich and tightening it down.  The brass plate is anchored by 3 screws to the body.

Can anyone explain to me how this is supposed to work and what I might do to correct it?

[Gary H.]

I am not sure if this pertains to your motor but I once installed the brass ring upside down and had the same issue. It was a different motor than what you are working on but it took a while for me to figure out the problem. It is not hard to remove the mag plate and try flipping it over to see if that’s the issue. Just a little bit of time and you will know. Good luck.

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Mike FRAZIER

[Bob Wight]

Also be sure that the flat side of the retaining ring is facing up.

Bob

1937 Champion D2C Deluxe Lite Twin
1954 Johnson CD-11
1955 Johnson QD-16
1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18
1957 Evinrude 3022
1958 Johnson QD-19
1958 Johnson FD-12
1959 Johnson QD-20
1982 Evinrude 25hp

“Every 20 minute job is only a broken bolt away from a 3-day project.”
"Every time you remove a broken or seized bolt an angel gets his wings."

1 user thanked author for this post.

Mike FRAZIER

[Mike FRAZIER]

Thanks Gary for the reply.

I took photos as I started disassembly and unless it was wrong before I started then I have it back like it was.  I’ll take another look at it though.

 

[Mike FRAZIER]

Those pics show the broken retainer ring that I have since replaced.

Bob,  I had seen an earlier post where you pointed that out so I made sure I had the flat side up on the replacement ring.  Thank You!

[Author]

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