Recent content by gjonz

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    Aluma Craft "FDR" restoration blog

    I have been restoring a 1959 Aluma Craft FDR. Here is a link to the blog for those who may be interested. http://conductorjonz.wordpress.com/2010/09/01/the-%e2%80%9cnew-deal%e2%80%9d-an-alumacraft-%e2%80%9cfdr%e2%80%9d-restoration-part-three-just-in-time/ Greg
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    1949 Gambles Hiawatha before and after

    Here is a little restoration project I finally finished. 1949 Gambles Hiawatha (OMC/Gale)5hp outboard. Had to rebuild it, repaint it, and had decals custom made. I'm pretty happy with the end result. Now when warmer Weather comes...I'll make sure it still runs!!:eek:
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    Working on those old Seahorses!

    Of late I've been making a real effort to get some old Seahorses restored. None of these were not in good shape...but they're ready for action now. If you care to read more...here is a link to my blog...
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    Coldwater Lake in Michigan

    Anyone ever boat at Coldwater Lake in Michigan? Is it a nice place to run and cruise, or just a fishing hole. Thanks! Greg
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    1956 Johnson Javelin is finally done!

    Here is a link to my blog and my finished Johnson Javelin RJE-18E. I got the chrome back this week and was very happy with the outcome. http://conductorjonz.wordpress.com/2009/05/09/1956-johnson-rje-18e-javelin-is-fi... Now tomorrow to try it our int a 55 gallon lake! I'd apperciate any...
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    Johnson RD18 help needed!

    I finally hauled my first of two RD-18's out of the basement. I tried to start it, but no dice. Here's what I have done so far in troubleshooting. 1. Good compression 2. Good spark on both cylinders (Checked with spark plug air gap tester.) 3. Good pressure fuel tank - holds pressure and...
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    1956 RD-18 shear pin part number or size.

    Anyone know the size or part number of the propeller shear pin for a 1956 RD-18? Thanks! Greg
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    Older Johnson safety switches

    There have been previous threads about 1950's Johnson's having a mercury safety switch on the throttle to prevent runaway motors. My two 1956 RD's are missing these mercury safety switches. Should I bypass that circuit, or can I find a replacement? How necessary are they?:confused: Thanks! Greg
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    1956 Johnson RD-18 nearing completion...

    Well, many moons ago I wrote of the saga of my purchasing a 1956 Johnson Javelin and a 1956 RD 18 parts motor. Turns out the RD-18 was not seized as was believed. Rather it was the better of the two motors. Well I tore it apart, rebuilt it with all new bearing, seals, gaskets, pistons,etc...
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    A strange thing happen on the way to the boat scrap yard...

    ...or actually at the scrap yard. I am finishing off the first of two 1956 Johnson 30hp outboards. Had them painted, and am reassembling them now. One was junked, but I was able to salvage it by finding the missing parts on AOMCI and here on the forum. Today my wife and I decided to go get...
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    Needle bearings anyone?

    I would like to know if anyone knows a part number for crank shaft/rod needle bearings for my '56 30HP Johnsons. The number I show is 302529 and for the center bearing 392584. I'd like to replace these while I am already in there working. Anyone know of a current equivilent? Thanks! Greg
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    Darn it...who thought slot-head screws were a good ideal?

    Who at Johnny-rude decided plain old slot head screws were a good ideal?:mad: I've gotten and entire motor stripped down and ready for the paint shop. Al except the lower unit cap that seems to no want to give up two slot-head screws for any reason on this earth. What to do? I've tried...
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    What did I do to my old Johnson!?!?

    I guess I got carried away today. I thought I'd go out and put the new head gasket and head back on my RD-18. Somehow, I ended up noticing a few things that looked suspicious, and ended up tearing the whole thing down to...well...zip lock bags full of parts sitting in boxes now. All this...
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    Say...how'd that get there?

    Started nibbling away at my secondary RD18 Johnson. Thought I take a gander at the ignition system. couldn't seem to get the nut off the flywheel. Soaked for a few days with penetrating oil. NO DICE! Finally tonight I clamped the flywheel steady and broke the nut loose. I found out why it...
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    What to do...What to do? Repair or sell or junk?

    Alright, here's the set up. My wife and I unveiled our restored Thompson Lake TVT runabout at the Toledo Boat show August of this year. A fellow came up and offered to sell me two 1956 30HP Johnsons, all the repair manuals, and a custom built steel rack on casters. I chuckled, but curiosity...
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