Re: 1962 Johnson Fisherman (5.5) questions…(2)

[amuller]

quote fleetwin:

In order to repair that steering friction/copilot, you would have to pull the powerhead, and disconnect the rubber mounts (they would likely break), in order to get that steering handle out and get at the steering friction pieces. So, I would not bother, at least until the next you pull the powerhead for a water pump job.

I just put the powerhead back on and am not inclined to take it back off…..

Are you sure the friction screw isn’t just stiff/froze up?

Yes, it just doesn’t do anything. I can try a longer screw. I don’t like having the helm so free that it would probably slam full over if let go…..

Don’t mess with that thermostat, you will not have any success, just replace it, along with its gaskets.
And no, I would not attempt to install a kill/safety switch on that engine. You would have to bore little holes in the mag plate, and carefully run leads down to a switch mounted on the pan. Chances are pretty good these external leads will get chafed/broken and cause ignition problems.

Yes, the tricky part would be bringing out the two wires. I know OMC had kill switches on motors with these mags, so it should be doable.