New To Boats: Johnson 40 Electromatic

[campbmic]

Hi guys I'm brand new to boats and I got my first boat for free about a month ago. Its a 16' Reiken with an outboard that has "40" "Johnson" and "Electromatic" on it. The boat set for about 5 years uncovered and a hole formed in the floor. The hull is good and I've redone pretty much the entire floor. Now its time for the engine!

I've worked on motorcycles before but never on a boat. I've cleaned out the gas tank and am replacing the fuel lines and spark plugs. Aside from that what else should I do? How do you change the oil on these engines? Is there a link to a manual anywhere? The engine turns freely with the emergency cord so thats a good sign.

Lastly, can I fire the engine up with the boat out of the water or is this a bad idea? No flaming please!

Thanks for all the help
-Michael

 

[campbmic]

Re: New To Boats: Johnson 40 Electromatic

Also, my battery is dead. How can I figure out what type of battery I need to replace it with? Thanks!

 

[glassmaster68]

Re: New To Boats: Johnson 40 Electromatic

Any hot 12v battery will get you going,preferably a marine battery of course.Read the top secret files on awakening a sleeping outboard.If you want to do all the work on this motor yourself,a manual would be a good idea.They sell manuals reasonably here on iboats.Dont fire it up out of water,a 55 gal drum works well with plenty of water over lower unit,only run it low rpms in neutral.You will have to replace the impeller.Read those top secret files,they should get you started,then you can come back with more specifics .My names Michael also,I know sooo many Michaels.I work with three other Michaels at a place called Michaels automotive.Anywayz good luck on getting started,,,my 40hp evinrude was asleep for 40yrs.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: New To Boats: Johnson 40 Electromatic

Those 40's are great engines. I haven't heard much good said about those electromatic lower units though. If your oil doesn't have any water getting in it, then you're okay there. Always make sure that you use gear case oil for electric shift motors only It's a special kind of oil that is non-conductive.

You probably should check the condition of your coils and points too. If the coils are cracked, then they'll need replacing.

If you're qualified to work on motorcycles, then you should do fine with outboards, eventhough I had a Harley mechanic give me my last Evinrude outboard, when he thought it was a Merc.

You'll find that your old 40 is a lot simpler to work on, than most of your bikes.

 

[campbmic]

Re: New To Boats: Johnson 40 Electromatic

Great! Thanks for the info guys, I actually found the secret files right after I posted this. I found my model number to be RKL-30-C which I tried to find out what my motor was on the forums but couldn't. Finally I googled the model number and came up with a 1968 Johnson 40HP engine. Does this sound right?

So far so good, the propeller came off easily, my impact driver took out the drain and vent plugs without any problem. The lower lube had no traces of metal shards or water so it seems in good shape!

I pulled the plugs, which look like they've been sitting in gewwy gas residue. I dropped a little oil in the cylinders and could easily spin the top wheel (is it called a flywheel?). I'm going to pick up some fuel lines, a battery, and new plugs as soon as I can get to it. Any good cheap sources for batteries? I usually just use walmart batteries in my bikes. Is a marine battery absolutely necessary? I'm guessing its more expensive then a car battery.

Lastly, I don't want to burn out the engine because I didn't know of a certain fluid I should change. Unlike cars and motorcycles I'm guessing these boats don't have oil in the crankcase but rather are lubed by the oil in the gasoline? So after I put oil in my gas and put new lube in the lower end I should be good?

 

[Travis798]

Re: New To Boats: Johnson 40 Electromatic

I don't think that marine batteries are that much more expensive than regular car batteries. A reg battery will work, but marine batteries are the preferred choice. You are correct that the engine is lubed byt he oil in the gasonline. You want a 50:1 mix of 2 cycle oil. The lower end on an electomatic calls for omc type C oil. You should be able to find it at your local boat shop.

 

[glassmaster68]

Re: New To Boats: Johnson 40 Electromatic

That "top wheel" is indeed the flywheel.Youll find your coils,points and condensers right under it.You will have to use a puller on it to pull it,dont use the puller that pulls on the sides or edges.Use the one that pulls it with the three bolt holes around the flywheel nut.Be sure to torque that flywheel back every time you put it on,105 ft lbs. Use only type-c lube for that lower unit.

 

[campbmic]

Re: New To Boats: Johnson 40 Electromatic

Alright guys! Thanks for all of the advice, I've installed new fuel lines, cleaned the gas tank and primer pump, and put in new spark plugs. I'm still waiting on some oil for the lower spine and a new battery.

I took another look at the floor today, the PO left the boat uncovered and a hole formed and the entire floor was weak. I ripped out the rotting pieces and installed new support beams and the 1/4 inch plywood on top of the beams. My question is, how do you make the hull waterproof? Do I need to fiberglass over the entire plywood that I just installed? Do I use sealant?

Thanks!

 

[glassmaster68]

Re: New To Boats: Johnson 40 Electromatic

i understand that most people put a good coat of resin on the under side of the plywood ,edges,and then glass the top.really no need to glass both sides they say,but it seems it would be stronger

 

[mcgingles]

Re: New To Boats: Johnson 40 Electromatic

had 50 electromatic back in the day. everyone said it was a P.O.S. get rid of it or change the lower unit. well it was shifting fine when a rod came through the block.

 

[campbmic]

Re: New To Boats: Johnson 40 Electromatic

I;ve been looking for Type-C oil for the outboard motor but haven't been able to find it anywhere. Do you guys know if Wal-Mart or autozone carries it?

Thanks

 

[glassmaster68]

Re: New To Boats: Johnson 40 Electromatic

Dont think Wally World has it ,JUST 2 STROKETCW3 OIL,QUICKSILVER,,but a local marine shop should for sure.no local marine?try O Reilys,if there is one in your area,they have quite a bit of marine stuff,i was surprised.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: New To Boats: Johnson 40 Electromatic

I;ve been looking for Type-C oil for the outboard motor but haven't been able to find it anywhere. Do you guys know if Wal-Mart or autozone carries it?

Thanks

Iboats carries it, otherwise you'll probably have to go to a dealer.
http://www.iboats.com/Type-C-Gear-Oil/dm/*******.389793987--**********.595845335--view_id.45019

 

[Willyclay]

Re: New To Boats: Johnson 40 Electromatic

Is there a link to a manual anywhere? -Michael

The link below will get you to a free online public library that has non-factory service manuals scanned and saved. While it is not as good as a "factory" manual, it will get you started.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=393281

After you LOGIN as directed, drill down to: Small Engine, Marine/Boat Motors, Evinrude/Johnson, Outboard 40HP (1965-1968), Condensed Service Data.

You will also need an OMC Parts Catalog to determine original part numbers when trying to obtain parts for your motor. I will try to find you a link for that and post it later. Good luck!

EDIT: BRP acquired OMC's outboard division during bankruptcy and currently maintains an online parts listings for 1968 and later models. Here's that link:

http://epc.brp.com/SiteMods/BRP_Public/BRP_Public_Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=/Index.aspx

 

[royal0014]

Re: New To Boats: Johnson 40 Electromatic

Academy carries the Type C lube, if there's one near you. Gas/oil mix is 24/1, NOT 50/1. Use the search feature, there are several threads on checking out the Electramatic L/U.

Great motor, easy to work on. If you can wrench a cycle, this'll be a snap.

 

[glassmaster68]

Re: New To Boats: Johnson 40 Electromatic

50:1 is the correct gas mixture,i have a 66 40hp evin,,,its 50:1,basically the same motor,diff cover,,,,,,,if yours is a 68 model,i would use 50:1 also,,,24:1 would smoke like hell and eventually oil foul your plugs,,,,i think the 24:1 is for 64 and back a few years

 

[royal0014]

Re: New To Boats: Johnson 40 Electromatic

Well, we could argue the point until the cows roll over and die

The guru's here recommended 24/1 for my '66 johnny 40 Electramatic. I run it, and it doesn't smoke.

Personally, I'd rather replace fouled plugs than burned up crank bearings.

But, I'm no expert, and I did not stay at Holiday Inn last night.......

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: New To Boats: Johnson 40 Electromatic

<Double post>

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: New To Boats: Johnson 40 Electromatic

1964 and newer were spec'd as 50:1 motors from day 1.
Hard to believe that a "guru" here recommended 24:1 for a 1966 40 HP OMC motor. Certainly won't hurt it to run at 24:1 though.

Here's chinewalker's take on it:
POST-1964 JOHNSON/EVINRUDE/GALE - The official stance on 1964 and newer OMC engines is to run them 50:1 and it's a good rule of thumb to follow on the bigger motors. OMC also renegged on the late 1980s 100:1 recommendation on the smaller (4-35hp) motors, bumping them back to 50:1. I've found that the smaller (3, 4, 5, 6hp) motors from post 1964 up into the mid-1970s may appreciate a bit of extra oil as they still have some bronze sleeve bearings. I run 40:1 in my '72 4hp, as I have a pile of holed blocks, burned cranks and twisted rods that were run at 50:1.

1960-1964 JOHNSON/EVINRUDE/GALE - 18hp and up can run at 40:1, as they are mostly jeweled motors at this point. Anything smaller run it at 24:1.
Pre 1960 - any size, run it 24:1. If it's used for racing or high performance, double up the oil...
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158072

Here's Evinrude's current recommendations:
2 - What is the fuel/oil mix for my motor?
The following is generally true: 1958 and prior used 20:1, 1959 thru 1963 used 24:1, 1964 and newer use 50:1. High performance usage (racing) requires a ratio of 25:1. New engine break-in (not DI) requires 25:1.
http://www.evinrude.com/en-US/Owners-Center/FAQ/OilAndFuel

 

[glassmaster68]

Re: New To Boats: Johnson 40 Electromatic

ok whaler,,,,,64 and newer,not 64 and older,,my bad]],,,,,,the cows roll over and die?havent heard that one before,funny tho,,,,,,anywayz,like i said[or any of the gurus i know]thats 50:1 on that mojo,,,,66 lark 40 also runs great at 50:1,calls for it,,, even when its 110 degrees outside running for 5 hrs straight,bout 3/4 throttle,[25mph on my lil 14ft-r],,,uses 5 gal of mix in that time,,,not too shabby for an old evin,,,ran it an average of 10 hrs every weekend[5 or 6 each day]allllll summer long,,,,,get this,,,the engine is all original except for coils,conds,points/plug wires,carb kit,impeller,,,,,,after adding the new stuff and tweaking,linc sync and all that,,,the old 66 runs like a new one,i dont think it had but about 10hrs on it when i got it tho,,it was super clean and orig.added about 150 hrs to it since i got it running smooth,,when its running smooth you will know it,,,esp if youve heard it alot when it wasnt.