Johnson model 39, serial #316986

[mydamnboat]

I just got a Johnson model 39, serial #316986. Looks like a 1hp. Started right up,although it sat for years(many,many)I was told it won't pump water. It has a piston pump,which seems OK. The ball at screened water inlet seemed stuck, so I cleaned it up. Should there be a spring in that assembly? What year is it? Where can I get a manual or reproduction of one? I can't believe how easily it started and how strong it ran, though only for 3-5 seconds(not in the water).

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Johnson model 39, serial #316986

There are "Letters" in front of that "39". What are they. There is no such model number as just plain "39".

 

[ezeke]

Re: Johnson model 39, serial #316986

Hi Joe and Mydamnboat<br /><br />Maybe that's a Johnson MS39? Does it look like this photo? : MS39

 

[mydamnboat]

Re: Johnson model 39, serial #316986

No, the motor is fully enclosed and has a rope starter with rewind. I will post a picture tomorrow...mydamnboat

 

[JB]

Re: Johnson model 39, serial #316986

Howdy, MDB.<br /><br />In the years 1937 through 1939 all model numbers ended with the year's last two digits.<br /><br />That means your engine should be a 1939.<br /><br />The MS-39 and MD-39 were both 1.1HP @ 4,000RPM. <br /><br />The MS weighed 18lb, the MD was 21lb. I don't know what the difference was, but it could be a recoil starter or a different foot on the MD-39.<br /><br />For both engines point setting was .020. Plugs were Champion J8J, gapped at .030. Modern equivalent would be J8C.<br /><br />24:1 would be a satisfactory fuel mix. Unleaded regular and TCW-3 outboard oil.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[mydamnboat]

Re: Johnson model 39, serial #316986

Thanks guys. It is a model MD39. Does anyone have a parts diagram or manual? I need to know why it's not pumping water. It runs too good to risk burning it up....damnboat

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Johnson model 39, serial #316986

THat engine has a positive rotor type pump. Contact me via my address below and I'll send you a diagram of it out of the owners manual.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Johnson model 39, serial #316986

To all...... Although the Owners Manual that I have states that the book pertains to the "MD" model, it does not state whether it is a MD39, 38, 20, or 15. We have found that obviously it is of another year and hp by comparing the picture of the MD-39 as supplied by the original post to me, with the picture of the engine in my manual.<br /><br />Bottom line.... the man still needs the requested information.

 

[JB]

Re: Johnson model 39, serial #316986

Say, Joe. <br /><br />Email me the picture. I have pics of all MDs and MSs.<br /><br />Appearance could have been altered by changing parts, tank and/or leg for example, from a MD-20.<br /><br />The MD 38, 39 and 15 look identical, but the MD-20 has a smooth envelope bonnet containing tank and recoil starter and a "streamlined" leg.<br /><br />I think you still have my Email address.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Johnson model 39, serial #316986

JB..... Yep, got your e-mail address, and the picture's sitting in your mail box as I type.

 

[JB]

Re: Johnson model 39, serial #316986

Yep.<br /><br />That matches my pic of an MD-39 from the old Johnson Service Manual.

 

[mydamnboat]

Re: Johnson model 39, serial #316986

JR & JB<br />Thanks for your efforts. My son is bringing over some zip software so I can look at the diagram that JR sent. I lost mine when my hard drive crashed(love my Dell#^!$*&%&#^#@W^&)I'm thinking of building an Adirondac guide boat to put this little motor on. I wanted to build one anyway, and now I have an excuse. mdb

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Johnson model 39, serial #316986

Use the "Goggle" search engine and search for "WinZip". You can download a free version of the Zip/Unzip program. I've been using it for some time now with no problems (can't beat the price).

 

[mydamnboat]

Re: Johnson model 39, serial #316986

Thanks joe, but the speed of my phone connection sort of limits my ability to download much. I did get your diagram unzipped, but my water pump looks nothing like it. There is an eccentric cam on the propeller shaft, but it drives a brass or bronze piston up and a heavy spring pushes it back down. The water inlet is on the bottom side of the anti-cvitation plate and has a small screw in plug that contains a screen and a seat for a check ball. I will disassemble it and take a picture tomorrow to send to you. I guess a sketch might also help. Thanks again MDB