What could this problem be???

[mitchell301]

My old boat (my Dad's boat, i'm keeping for my boys to use) has a 1979 55HP Johnson.

Earlier this year i had the wiring harness replaced and they changed the water pump at the same time. we ran it a couple of times and it ran great.

I took it back to the same shop to have them put new seals in the lower unit cause it was getting water in.

My son put it in the water for the first time since lower unit seal work this weekend. He said it started up good then ran about 300-400 yards and the control unit buzzer sounded and the motor slowed then shutdown. He smelled something burning and took the cowling off. Saw where some insulation on wires melted cause they were against the head.

Sounds to me like the motor overheated because of lack of water flow.

Question is, could something have been messed up during the work on the lower unit to cause a cooling water problem? like blocking a water channel or something?

I haven't had a chance to look at the motor myself.

thanks.

[RUSTY63]

It was hot with out a doubt, could have been the water tube was not in the water pump when the gearcase was reinstalled, could have been a ice bag floating in the water that wrapped around the gearcase, check it out and see.

[mitchell301]

rusty,

thanks. i will look at it then take it back to the shop. would surprise me that something was not put back right. i should have ran it before letting my son take it out. when i had gotten it home from the shop after the lower end work, i noticed that one of the 4 bolts was missing, 2 were loose and only one was tight. i had gone back and asked for a replacement bolt and told the head mech what i had found.

needless to say, this will be my last time using them.

is it allowed on here to name a shop that gives bad service, to warn others????

[RUSTY63]

That is your choice but, if that dealer posts.....he will be allowed to give his side of the story.

Does this sound fair to you?

[ChampioNman]

That is your choice to post your encounter with your dealer, there are several in Eastern and Centreal GA that I know of a do fine work. You arent that far from me too look at the motor <2 hrs and I'd be glad to look at it. or you are about 4 to Rusty's and he would also be glad to assist you. Ain't many around that remember the old 55's. Of course SeaHorse used to spin the flywheels by hand to start them ! CM

[RUSTY63]

mitchell, I sent you a IM.