Jonhson V4S-11 ( 1959) 50 HP

[steveredd]

I don't know if anyone out there has any knowledge of this old beast, my recently widowed sister-in-law has one that belonged to her hubby from new, It is very clean for it's age and still turns over, I could see it sitting nicely on the back of a classic boat. Is it worth me having a go at getting it running, what is it worth, or is it better broken, any useful links/ info would be appreciated, ta.

 

[F_R]

Re: Jonhson V4S-11 ( 1959) 50 HP

The first V-4. Well actually the '58 was the first. Loved by some, scorned by others, ridiculed by others. Affectionally known as the "Fat Fifty", and as a world record gas hog. But up through the years it grew and evolved up to as much as 140hp with little or no weight gain and actually some reduction in size. And a heck of a lot less thirst.

Yeah, there some collectors that have them. After all, they are a classic. But don't expect to get rich off it just yet.

The competition of the day was the Mercury "Skyscraper Six" or "Dockbuster". Loved by some, scorned by others, ridiculed by others.

Personally, I'm a Johnson/Evinrude guy.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Jonhson V4S-11 ( 1959) 50 HP

Welcome to iboats.

Make sure it isn't siezed, that there's no water in the gearcase, and do a bit of spot cleaning. Then eBay it.

Don't spend any time or money trying to make it run. It's only value is going to be to a colletor who will want to do that himself anyhow. The main selling features are that it's a clean one-owner unit. Running condition would be nice, but it's not as important as the other two. You wouldn't get enough more to cover the cost of making it run.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Jonhson V4S-11 ( 1959) 50 HP

Steve, Ditto what "FR" said. The weakpoint in those motors was the shift dog. The shift linkage is estensive, and each pivot point would get s bit worn, and reduce the travel of the shift dog. After a while the dog would not make enough contact with the gears and round off, causing a "boom" every five seconds, when the gear slips.

If it has compression, you could likely get it to run. It was a simple magneto ignition: two sets of points, single condenser and single coil setup. The coils would get old and crack.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Jonhson V4S-11 ( 1959) 50 HP

What a cool old motor.I remember my friends brand new 58.A really cool sound,great low end grunt.But an unbelieveable gas hog.You could actually see the gauge go down.Most of this is common knowledge.
Get the compression figures clean her up change the lower unit lube,just so you can check the condition.
Maybe a little history, maintenance slips etc.List it on ebay you may want to list as pick up only.
You may want to ask here about how to ship if you want to try it.I had 2 motors shipped and both arrived damaged.And they were little.

 

[steveredd]

Re: Jonhson V4S-11 ( 1959) 50 HP

thanks guys, that is an impressively quick response, it does turn over and seems to have a decent compression, dry stored for ages,he just wouldn't part with it.
It is sitting in the garage and has to go coz, she isn't into boats and she also has to move into a much smaller house....no bread winner any more!