Ancient Johnson Sea Horse 3 JW-14 Q's??

[pogo9959]

New to forum, been trying to dig up info but not having a lot of luck, so please forgive if this has been asked 10,000 times already.....

I just got a Johnson Sea Horse 3, Model no. JW-14, seems to be in great shape other than having been stored ten years with gas still in the tank, etc. No way I'm new to boats, but definitely new to elderly little outboards. Can somebody point me in the right direction to learning all there is to know about this little dude? Would like to get it running and build an old fashioned wood boat for it (yes, I build wood boats).

I want to know how old it is, too, of course. I'm thinking it might be a horse race as to who's more ancient - it or me. I'm a 1959 model myself.

 

[F_R]

Re: Ancient Johnson Sea Horse 3 JW-14 Q's??

It is older than you. A year older in fact. 1958. But it is a lot younger than I am.

OK, you have one of the most popular, longest manufactured, motors there is. They simply do not get "old", if taken care of and appreciated.

It will need some TLC, including a fuel system cleaning, water pump impeller replacement, and probably igniton coils. You can bet the farm that the coils are shot (cracked) unless somebody has already replaced them. But you will wind up with a sweet running motor good for another 50 years.

You should visit the Antique Outboard Motors Club website, www.aomci.org

 

[mikesea]

Re: Ancient Johnson Sea Horse 3 JW-14 Q's??

Great little engine.I had one up til about 3 yrs ago.I would highly suggest you pull the tank off ,pull the carb,totally flush the tank ,if any hoses look bad replace,especially since the ethonol added fuels eat the older hoses up.Also disassemble the carb.From ther look at what you have. it might be real bad.Get a rebuild kit,might get them on the Iboats store.Definatly a new impeller,very available.Points ,plugs and condensers too. ,the coils go bad with age.if you pop the flywheel you will see them.inspect closly for cracks.Any sign,change them both.you need to pull the flywheel to change points etc. Those engines have lots of power.Somewhere I have a picture of me in a dingy with twinn 3hp johnsons(things you do when you had a few).the fuel is 25 to one.or a Quart of oil to six gallons,the newer engines fro mid sixties on up are 50 to one.

 

[pogo9959]

Re: Ancient Johnson Sea Horse 3 JW-14 Q's??

Thank you kindly, gentlemen!

 

[pogo9959]

Re: Ancient Johnson Sea Horse 3 JW-14 Q's??

Question: is it really worth $50 to join the antique outboards club thingy? Not sure I can see the benefit?

I have a long-standing policy against joining any hobby organization that charges dues or fees. I give generously to civic and charitable organizations, so it's not that I'm cheap, I just tend to have a strong distaste for the flavor that club finances give recreational pursuits.

 

[JB]

Re: Ancient Johnson Sea Horse 3 JW-14 Q's??

"Old" and "Ancient" don't apply to any JohnnyRude made after 1950. When they qualify for Medicare you might call them old.

 

[pogo9959]

Re: Ancient Johnson Sea Horse 3 JW-14 Q's??

I perfectly agree, but a certain niece and nephew of mine do not.......

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Ancient Johnson Sea Horse 3 JW-14 Q's??

Question: is it really worth $50 to join the antique outboards club thingy? Not sure I can see the benefit?

I have a long-standing policy against joining any hobby organization that charges dues or fees. I give generously to civic and charitable organizations, so it's not that I'm cheap, I just tend to have a strong distaste for the flavor that club finances give recreational pursuits.

Depends what you're looking for, I guess. The AOMCI has been around for a long, long time, and serves the antique outboard community very well. Membership helps keep the organization going...not an easy thing to do in these times.

Unlike this forum, which is sponsored by the good folks at iboats.com, the AOMCI is sponsored by...well...itself and its members.

 

[pogo9959]

Re: Ancient Johnson Sea Horse 3 JW-14 Q's??

Matterafact, I readily contribute to web forums that "offer a tip jar", and are doing me good. But club dues? Almost hate to say it, but I've sure managed mighty well over the years disregarding them utterly. Still, your points are nicely made, and well taken, thank you.

I never take the miracle of the internet for granted.......