1948 Johnson 5 hp, TD 20. Gear lubricants and varnish and cast

[ceugene]

I have just got my first boat and motor and month or so ago, the motor was last run in 1999 and has been setting ever sense, I need to know how to clean all the varnish from within the gas tank, and my other issue is the gear lubricant, I removed the cover when I checked the water pump, and gear lubricant is as thick as Greece, it may even be Greece. I need to know is this an issue and should I replace this with a gear lubricant? Also I've tried cleaning the gas tank out with carburetor cleaner and I put marbles in to help break loose all the varnish. But when I put my finger in and rub it around on the tank I get a powdery substance on my finger which I believe this still some varnish, can anyone help me on how to remove all the varnish from the tank? Thank you very much and I would appreciate any help and suggestions I could receive from you guys.

 

[wrench 3]

I worked on a 40s something Johnson a few years back and it did specify chassis grease as a gear lubricant. The manual said to screw a 1/4" grease fitting into the fill hole and pump.
You've already done what I would have suggested to clean the fuel tank. I'd just rinse it out with fresh gas and run with it.

 

[F_R]

Takes outboard gear grease, no longer made. Most people use Lubriplate 105 or John Deere Corn Head Grease.

 

[steelespike]

As far as the gas tank goes try soap and water and nuts and bolts to scrub. Or perhaps jack chain to scrub.
Citrus paint remover might work. Or maybe a pressure washer.
I've had very good luck removing after market paint from bicycles with out affecting factory paint.
If you test it out of sight on your motor you can tell if you need to be careful with the remover.

 

[Vintage Boat Guy]

I recently bought a TD-20 with a serial number 535028 from an auction, I found the best way to clean out the gas tanks on these old outboard is to fill them with solvent and rinse them a few times until it looks clean and then fill the tank again and let it sit overnight. After letting it sit over night drain it and remove the fuel filter in the tank and blow it out.

 

[Willyclay]

Lots of good info in the Johnson factory service manual at the link below. Good luck with that great old motor!

http://boatinfo.no/lib/johnson/manua...ohnson.html#/0

 

[Tjy7510]

This is a really old post but I found there is Lubriplate 105 that is for Outboards I think is a C105. Same kind of squeeze tube but different color tube. I plan on using it when I get it on these old non shift motors