1945 10hp johnson seahorse

[the_anarchy16]

hey all i just upgraded to a 2003 merc so i have my old seahorse (1954 i believe) its always been a great motor for me and i dont want to let it go really. It just started this last fall doing this thing where when it runs in gear it would bang like it hit something really hard but nothing and it would do it every so often not sure what it is doing started every 10 min or so now its every min or to. would like to fix it for $hi+$ and giggles but not sure how (not a mechanic) also is there any value left in a motor that old. thanks

 

[JB]

Re: 1945 10hp johnson seahorse

Not 1945, and it is important to know what model it is.

Johnson first offered the 10 in 1949 and stopped making it in 1963. The model numbers are QD-10 through QD-24. Let us know what yours is.

That bang sounds like it must be in the foot. . .clutch dog slipping a turn or prop slipping a shear pin.

Your Service Manual (OEM reprint recommended) will tell you how to adjust the shift linkage. That would be the easy fix if it is out.

Check the prop for too much fore/aft slop against the shear pin.

Worst case is that your clutch dog is worn out and can't be adjusted to mesh enough to hold. In some engines some folks turn the dog around, transferring the problem to reverse. Proper fix for that, of course, is a new dog.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: 1945 10hp johnson seahorse

I think the 1945 is a type-o. The 1954 10 hp is model QD-15. Post your model number and we'll tell you what you have.

Agree with JB, though. Sounds like worn gears/clutch dog.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1945 10hp johnson seahorse

And if you don't fix it soon you'll need a new pinion gear and a forward gear as they'll be grinding and they're not cheap...

 

[the_anarchy16]

Re: 1945 10hp johnson seahorse

very sorry its a 54 its qd15 dont know what i was thinking. not sure how to go about switching the dog around but id love to try any suggestions?

 

[wbeaton]

Re: 1945 10hp johnson seahorse

If its the clutch dog you need a new one or a good used one.

 

[JB]

Re: 1945 10hp johnson seahorse

You will save yourself a lot of grief if you get a Service Manual. We recommend the OEM reprints available from several vendors. www.kencook.com is one.

A good used dog can be had from www.tcoutboard.com

Check the shift linkage adjustment first. No need to overkill what may be a simple adjustment.

Good luck.