Top pull cord does not pull to start motor:

[CFB]

First time poster upon suggestion for identifying my motor and how to resolve my problem.  Never thought 40 years ago I’d be in this position, but here I am.  I bought the motor for a row boat 40 years ago.  I never used them.   I did start the motor back then, but now it does not turn.  Someone suggested putting seafoam and transmission fluid does the spark plug hole, so that I did while waiting to post here.   It is a three fin prop.  Two spark plugs.  All aluminum except maybe a cast engine.  I don’t recall much about it.   But I know I had it on a horse with the prop in a bucket of water and it started right up.

I see a place that maybe is the gas filter.  I see a sliding flat steel that may be the choke.  I do not see any place for oil so wondering if it is an oil/gas mix type engine,

The top of the engine says Johnson Motor Company, Waukegan, Ill  USA  I think I see serial 147022, Model A-50

The gas tank had some important starting instructions but the decal is mostly worn off.

What can I do to get the pull start pulling again – I guess that is getting the engine free?  If the soaking does not work, been a week now, what is my next step or two?

How does the top cover come off?  I see a middle nut and three screws around it.  I’ve been able to turn them all, but did not want to remove not knowing what to expect, like a bunch of stuff popping out at me.   Is there a place there to manually turn the engine as the pull cord is not strong enough.

Okay thanks.  I wait for some replies before proceeding.

 

 

[Don]

Put a socket wrench/breaker bar on that flywheel nut and try to turn it clockwise a bit, just to see if it might break free…If so, rock the flywheel gently back and forth until it frees up more and more and will spin freely.  Don’t overdo it on the flywheel nut, you might damage the threads or flywheel…  Gently…

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CFB

[JOSEPH BRINCAT]

CFB, OK lets take this and your questions  one thing at a time. First, getting the motor un-stuck. Some penetrant in he spark plug holes as you have done is good, next do as Don suggests. Let us know how it goes.  Your other questions will get answers in time.  Looks like a nice little motor hopefully we can get it running… much good info and knowledge on this forum.

Joe B

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CFB

[CFB]

Thanks for this started info.  Now I know that nut on top is for the flywheel.   It is 5/8″.  I put a 6 point socket on it with just a regular handle ratchet.  I did not add a breaker bar.   I did secure the motor so it would not swivel.  It did not budge.

I mentioned the two penetrants I used.  Might there be something better to try?  Otherwise, what is my next step.

Thanks for helping.

 

[JOSEPH BRINCAT]

Just let it soak, maybe for several days… patience is your friend.  Rather than wrenching on the nut, try gripping the flywheel and rocking it back and forth.  I notice that your motor is missing the fuel tank… If you advance to the stage of running,  the tank will be needed.

Joe B

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CFB

[CFB]

Thanks.   It has soaked a week now, but I’ll let it sit.  I could not budge it by hand.  I do have the gas tank.  I think I took it off when I stored it.   I was limited on the pictures I could originally post so that is why there was no picture.

[elgin2]

If you have a strap wrench wrap it around the flywheel and apply some pressure.

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CFB

[Gary H.]

If you haven’t done this yet, take the motor off the stand and lay it flat on cardboard or towel with the spark plugs facing up. Do it inside, out of the weather where it will stay dry.  This will allow the oil solution to soak the whole cylinder, piston and rings to help free it up easier. No need to tighten spark plugs with a socket until pistons are freed up and cylinder is drained of oil.

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CFB

[CFB]

Thanks.  I put it on the stand just to try turning the flywheel.  I had it on the ground spark plugs facing up though while soaking.   I’ll bring it in.   Have you used any particular penetrant?

[CFB]

I do not have a large strap wrench but am willing to get one.  When you say wrap around the flywheel, are you talking about that top part where I would string the pull cord?  Or do I take the top off – don’t know exactly how to do that – to expose the actual flywheel and access it there?  thanks

[Author]

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