Rebuilding a Johnson Seahorse FD-10

[Basher]

Hi Everyone,

This is my first venture into marine machanics. I aquired a 1956 Model FD-10 Johnson Seahorse 15HP motor. I am thinking of rebulding it as years and home handy men have turned it into an anchor. My First question is does anyone know what I should be looking for in compression of my cylinders. Second does anyone know the color code for the original red color as someone had painted the cowling and leg black. I may have further questions as I go and would appreciate any help anyone could offer.

Thanks

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Rebuilding a Johnson Seahorse FD-10

You can check the links at the Antique Outboard Motor Club site (AOMCI.org) for links to folks who offer decals, paint, etc.

As for compression, ideally, you'd like to see them at a minimum of 100 psi in both holes with no more than 5% variance. Even as low as 85 psi isn't a show stopper. Readings can vary from gauge to gauge, so there aren't really any published "norms" to go by, but those numbers should get you going...
- Scott

 

[edthearcher]

Re: Rebuilding a Johnson Seahorse FD-10

just looked at your pictures all I can say is you did your self proud

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Rebuilding a Johnson Seahorse FD-10

I wouldn't be concerned with 80 psi. I haven't seen any lower than that so I don't know how low it can be. The original colour is Holiday Bronze. You can see a picture of your motor at the Old OMC site http://old-omc.de/ and you can get the paint and decals from Peter at North York Marine http://www.nymarine.ca/.

Use 87 octane gas and TC-W3 outboard oil premixed at 24:1.

Also, that is the only year Johnson produced that motor. Keep it alive. I wish I had one.

 

[Basher]

Re: Rebuilding a Johnson Seahorse FD-10

Thanks I checked out nymarine and found the paint and decals i will need. Do you think this old girl would stand be sandblasted as the previous owner had painted everything black. I will post photo's of the restoration as I go along it will probably be all winter but I hope to bring her back to life and in the water for next season.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Rebuilding a Johnson Seahorse FD-10

Media blast or chemical strip and sand.

I look forward to seeing its progression. Make sure you take some before photos so we can really appreciate your hard work.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Rebuilding a Johnson Seahorse FD-10

I hope you won't forget to post your pics, I'm dying to see it, too!
JBJ

 

[steelespike]

Re: Rebuilding a Johnson Seahorse FD-10

Keep in mind a good decarb treatment can sometimes solve compression problems.

 

[Basher]

Re: Rebuilding a Johnson Seahorse FD-10

Thanks I will try the decarbing you metioned. Does anyone know where I can get new dual line fuel hose and female fittings. I am presently bidding on a tank and hose on eBay but if the hose is as old as the motor I think I would be better off with some replacements. I am going to try and get some pre-restoration pictures online tommorow.

 

[F_R]

Re: Rebuilding a Johnson Seahorse FD-10

Back to aomci links page for the dual hose. It comes in 50 ft lengths, so somebody always has a bunch left over to sell. The female hose connector is another story. They are worth as much as the whole rest of the tank.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Rebuilding a Johnson Seahorse FD-10

Lots of places sell the dual line by the foot. The quick connect is really expensive and worth the price of an eBay tank (usually).

 

[Basher]

Re: Rebuilding a Johnson Seahorse FD-10

Thanks,

I have bid on and won a 4 gallon dual line tank c/w hose and fittings and I have also found a tank rebuild kit which includes new hose, o-rings for the female fittings, tank diaphragm and gasket, all for the low low price of about $75, for everything including the tank.

 

[Basher]

Re: Rebuilding a Johnson Seahorse FD-10

Hey Everyone,

Just a quick update, I am still awaiting the arrival of several parts to test this old beast out. When I rescued this motor it was missing the starter recoil housing so I have not been able to try it out yet but it should be here any day now. I am also waiting on an electrical rebuild kit and a carb rebuild kit. She will purr again!!

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Rebuilding a Johnson Seahorse FD-10

Hopefully this will be a good luck story. I also wish I had an FD-10 as it was the only year they made em. I have an FD-12 though hopefully soon to be running. This is what it should look like when you're done:

old-omc.de/j_1956/seite_05.jpg

 

[Basher]

Re: Rebuilding a Johnson Seahorse FD-10

Hi again everyone,

Sorry I have not had a chance to upload any pictures of the motor yet, don't worry they will be here soon! Does anyone know the part number for a head gasket for my motor. I am having trouble locating the part number. If anyone would possibly also know a Canadian dealer or an American dealer who will ship to Canada that may carry this part.

Thanks

Bahser

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Rebuilding a Johnson Seahorse FD-10

This is a Canadian mail order place that WBeaton told me about:

marinemanifold.com/partspages/Outboard/outboard1.htm

They're in

 

[Basher]

Re: Rebuilding a Johnson Seahorse FD-10

samo ott,

Thanks for the link still unsure of the part number do you know?
Basher

 

[Basher]

Re: Rebuilding a Johnson Seahorse FD-10

Hi again,

While in the process of rebuilding my carb I discovered the old fuel filter in the sediment bowl is completely plugged up. Is there a way to clean this type of filter or does anyone know if and where I could get my greasy fingers on another. If not can I put an inline fuel filter in between the male fuel fitting on the motor and the carb itself and leave out the filter in the sediment bowl.


Basher

 

[Basher]

Re: Rebuilding a Johnson Seahorse FD-10

Hey Everyone,

And here finally for your viewing enjoyment the pre-restoration pics. As you can tell the previous owner pitch patched the poor old girl together. I think the previous owner must have been looking for a Merc. Yes the recoil starter was missing when I saved this motor from the garbage man (yes that is correct I found her with a "Free to a good home" sign placed on it), However I have located a replacement and as soon as my fuel tank arrives I will be bolting it on and trying this old girl out (probably in a garbage can full of water):redface:.

Basher

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Rebuilding a Johnson Seahorse FD-10

You have no idea how envious I am. Good score. I don't envy the paint stripping and degreasing you are about to go through, though!

If soaking the filter in solvent and blowing out with compressed air won't fix it then you'll need to replace it. As a collector I beg you to use the correct parts. Plus if you are going to all the work to restore it you might as well do it right.

You can get a new filter screen from your dealer. I don't have the part catalog for your motor. However, when I punch in the number for the filter for a 1953 15 hp, which I would expect would be the same as yours it comes up as a good number and lists for $29.99. You may find one cheaper on eBay or from a scrap dealer like Laing's Outboard or Twin City Outboard.