Re: 1932 Johnson K-50 Starting

[Buccaneer]

quote XR55:

I had the same hard starting problem with my K50. As stated earlier if the center main has too much clearance the motor will not start. On an alternate firing twin that has too much clearance, the fuel charge will not be delivered to the spark plug. The way I fixed mine was to replace the crankcase with a later KA38 series one the had rings to seal the center main. The result was a great running motor. All A50 and K50 motors that have some run time and have a worn center main will have this problem. Running a 8 to 1 mix with 30 or 40 wt = Shell Aviation 80W oil may help to seal the center main.

Thanks! good information to know if needed.
Are you saying you swapped just the crankcase and not the entire
power head?
I have a KA-10 and a KS15, 9.8 hp. I believe they are 1940 and 1941 vintage.
At this point, they are "not" parts motors, but I’m curious as to
what all motors would be parts donors to get the crankcase with
the center main sealing rings?
Thanks!

Prepare to be boarded!