Re: 1958 or 1959 5.5 HP Elgin

[frankr]

Remember, that is a Sears motor. What does Sears do? They run big ads that go something like SALE. Special purchase!! 5.5hp Elgin motor.. Sale ends July 4th. Buy it now on easy Sears Credit. No payments due until October.

Anyhow, that "special purchase" sometimes, but not always, has a different ending character in the model number. AND/OR, it might be a different color.

I’m not sure what exactly what you have. Does it have a fiberglass cowl? Those should pump water pretty well. Check the water pump for missing vanes.

If it has a full FNR gearshift, the shift rod disconnect is on the outside of the leg. Crack the locknut loose, then turn the long coupling nut to separate the upper and lower rods. One end of the coupling nut has normal threads, but the other end has left hand threads. When you put it back together, try to start both ends at the same time, then turn it till it meets the locknut. The resulting adjustment should be about right. But if necessary, you can tweak it one way or other to make the shifter knob look right.

Lower unit is typical West Bend/Chrysler. No surprises there.

Disclaimer: All this is in vain if you don’t have the motor I think you have.