Johnson 15 horse 1956?

[CSX90]

Hello,
Came across these forums and everyone here seems so nice and helpful I figured Id through a couple questions out.

First, my motors model number is FDE 10 L with Serial number 1423987.
Im curious if this is infact a 1956 model.
I purchased this motor from an auction and it appears to have less then a half hour on it, cleaner then my 2002 Johnson 4 stroke! And smoother running!

Of course the only problems with this as of now is rot on seals. The lower unit seems to leak a little gear oil up and it seems to mix with the impellar causing very milking white substance to come out.
I cant seem to find a lower unit seal kit for this motor or just a plain ole drive shaft seal, anyone have a part number or know where I can purchase one?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[F_R]

Re: Johnson 15 horse 1956?

Hello,
Came across these forums and everyone here seems so nice and helpful I figured Id through a couple questions out.

First, my motors model number is FDE 10 L with Serial number 1423987.
Im curious if this is infact a 1956 model.
I purchased this motor from an auction and it appears to have less then a half hour on it, cleaner then my 2002 Johnson 4 stroke! And smoother running!

Of course the only problems with this as of now is rot on seals. The lower unit seems to leak a little gear oil up and it seems to mix with the impellar causing very milking white substance to come out.
I cant seem to find a lower unit seal kit for this motor or just a plain ole drive shaft seal, anyone have a part number or know where I can purchase one?

Thanks,
Dave

Yes, 1956. The drive shaft seal is 307563. Get it from an Evinrude dealer. But don't be jumping to conclusions. Base your seal leaking on whether or not water gets into the gearcase. What you are seeing is the oil that you put in the gas. It goes through the engine and out the exhaust where it mixes with the cooling water, sometimes appearing as a milky emulsified foam.

 

[CSX90]

Re: Johnson 15 horse 1956?

It seems as though there isnt any water getting in the gear case, but I went to check it after I ran it and it wasnt coming out the check hole, so I filled it up with a little more and it did take a little more. I was wondering if this was just the oil settling as the motor was filled with oil for about an hour of its life then drained and never ran again until yesterday.

 

[Daviet]

Re: Johnson 15 horse 1956?

Sometimes you can get a small air pocket when filling. I would keep an eye on it for awhile and see if the level drops every time I use it.

 

[rjezuit]

Re: Johnson 15 horse 1956?

Some good info. here> Rick
http://old-omc.de/start.html
You will also find the gearcase etc is the same as the newer models. The powerhead is different, but much else is the same as the 54-76 models. Rick
http://old-omc.de/start.html

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Johnson 15 horse 1956?

Hello,
Came across these forums and everyone here seems so nice and helpful I figured Id through a couple questions out.

First, my motors model number is FDE 10 L with Serial number 1423987.
Im curious if this is infact a 1956 model.
I purchased this motor from an auction and it appears to have less then a half hour on it, cleaner then my 2002 Johnson 4 stroke! And smoother running!

Thanks,
Dave

You've got some real nerve, fella! I can't believe you have a '56 15hp johnson motor (only year it was made) with only a 1/2 hour on it and won't post a pic. You should be banished!
I sure would like to see it,
JBJ

 

[CSX90]

Re: Johnson 15 horse 1956?

So any 15 horse lower unit kit up to 1974 will fit my lower unit? Also, how much is this motor worth, its in perfect condition, all original with factory installed electric start. Thanks so much for all the advice aswell!

 

[CSX90]

Re: Johnson 15 horse 1956?

Ha, Is it a rare one then? Ill get a picture next time I get up to my shop, I got it at an auction here in upstate NY, it was an old oil company called Sears Oil and they used this motor once to run a line to a tug boat in the Barge canal, 1/2 hour actually running.. I could not believe it, the tank is in excellent shape aswell, looks like its brand new! 400$ bid and I brought it home!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Johnson 15 horse 1956?

Nice find CSX90! I just got a '55 Johnson 5.5hp as a birthday gift last week and it runs like a champ. I love this outboard already...it runs smooth, starts up on the first or second pull and looks classic. It on my '60s aluminum boat so I wanted an good older outboard.

Good luck with yours and as mentioned, we would love to see some photos

here is my '55 5.5hp

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Johnson 15 horse 1956?

You paid a reasonable price for it. I'd have paid that price for it as well in that condition. I would think you might get a couple of hundred or better on ebay for it according to the condition. SHipping is the killer. The fact that it has electric start and comes with tank in good condition makes it really desirable. I wouldn't say it's a super rare motor in general, but with estart and tank, condition you describe, yes----it's rare indeed. I wouldn't expect to get rich on it, though.
You have a one-year motor and the pretty much the only parts that will fit it are for that year model. I'm sure that certain parts like the water pump impeller and possibly some lower unit parts are interchangeable up to '58. I wouldn't bet on it. There's nothing newer than '58 that would fit it that I know of other than ignition parts. Use the part # F-R gave you and you'll be in good shape. Listen well to F-R, as he knows these motors well. I would also listen to F-R when he tells you the seals may not be bad. Those motors make a lot of crud.
Good luck and looking forward to the pics,
JBJ
BTW, here's a pic of my '56 evinrude 15. I'll trade ya'!

 

[rjezuit]

Re: Johnson 15 horse 1956?

JB, Beg to differ. On my '56 Fastwin the part #'s correspond to many listed on the BRP from '68 thru '76. They changed the powerhead in '57, but much of the rest stayed the same. Rick

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Johnson 15 horse 1956?

Rick,
You seem to know your stuff, didn't mean to step on any toes. I certainly wouldn't be one to argue part numbers. From my experience, however, the '56 had a couple of differences in the lower unit even from the '57 18, although I think a '57 18 lower unit will bolt up. I can't remember what they were so I could be wrong.
Always enjoy your posts and help,
JBJ

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Johnson 15 horse 1956?

Hey, I just got an FD-10 given to me two weeks ago with it's ignition removed. It's in reasonable exterior condition. Have not had time to check the interior yet. also just picked up an Evinrude 18, 1963 at an AOMCI swap meet last week. It also looks in good shape. They're all great engines! Or will be again...

Oh, and CSX90, I'd also love to see a pic of it if you could!

 

[CSX90]

Re: Johnson 15 horse 1956?

Heres some pictures I got..

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Johnson 15 horse 1956?

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was AS DESCRIBED!
I personally would love to have that motor but would hate having it, too. I like to run my old outboards and that motor probably belongs in a museum to preserve it in original condition. I assure you, if you placed it in an aomci show you would win handily. Your motor is in very rare condition, as you already know.
Enjoyed the pics A LOT!,
JBJ

 

[ultra353]

Re: Johnson 15 horse 1956?

Thats beautifull !!

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Johnson 15 horse 1956?

Very Nice.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Johnson 15 horse 1956?

Yep, oddly enough, that is the only year of 15hp Johnson until they were reproduced in the 70's The 55 and older was only the Evinrude Fastwin.
That motor does look nice.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Johnson 15 horse 1956?

What a nice looking outboard! Do you have a glass case to keep it in?

 

[jonesg]

Re: Johnson 15 horse 1956?

I'll give you $50 for it right now.
..and I mean cash.!