1928 johnson 1.5 hp

[nwcove]

im looking at buying a 1928 johnson 1.5, for $75, it "supposedly" has all the original parts and isnt seized. are these motors hard/expensive to get running? is it even worth the money ? ( would make a nice display piece, but for $75....i just dunno?)

 

[JimS123]

Re: 1928 johnson 1.5 hp

The biggest problem with the oldies (assuming they are not seized) is getting spark. Most of the coils are shot and some are just not available any more.

If you have a chance with any motor, it'll be an old Johnson. Most of the Johnnys of that vintage had copper clad coils and as long as they weren't abused the just might still run.

I have a 1932 similar to that and it runs like a champ. Just needed to have the points polished and the carb rebuilt. The carb was simple - only neded a new gasket and I made it myself.

Now I'm a cheap guy to start with and for those oldies I won't pay more than $20-$40, so $75 seems a bit high to me. But if the tank isn't dented and it still has the skeg intact it could be a good buy. Regardless what it costs, you have to remember that the supply is rapidly dwindling.

 

[nwcove]

Re: 1928 johnson 1.5 hp

thanks Jim, from what i can see in the pics, the tank does have a few dents, but isnt too bad, the skeg is there. the seller now will throw in an early thirties 3.5 hp, with all original parts except the tank. so for $75 i cant help but get both. (just to keep them out of a landfill or a scrap metal pile).
worst case scenerio, the 1928, will clean up ok ,and make a nice wall hanger, and i can help someone else out with any good parts from the "newer" motor.