1953 Johnson RD-14 25hp -need help in locating parts

[mstone1968]

Hello Everyone,
I have a 1953 Johnson 25hp RD-14 motor and looking for help in identifying the correct part #'s needed to do a tune up. I have done some searching on the internet and this is what I have come up with so far. I will list the part#'s I think I need and really need someone's help in making sure I am getting the right part #'s. The first part # is the Sierra part # and the second part # is the one listed in the original parts manual:

1. Coils - #18-5181 - original part # 580118 (do I need 1 or 2 of these?)
2. Points/Condenser kit- #18-5006 - original part # 510173 & 580173
3. Carb Rebuild Kit - #18-7024 - original part# ?
4. Impeller - #18-3006 - original part# 375808
5. Packing for needle valves - (?? can't find)- original part # was 43-123

Is there anything else you could recommend to replace. I had this boat/motor 2 years ago and it was running really well at the time (Thanks to everyone's help on here) . I sold it to a friend who did not use it for 2 years and I just bought it back a couple of weeks ago because he wasn't using it. I have tried and tried to get it to start and having difficulty in getting it to fire. It finally started and ran about seconds then bakfired then died. I couldn't get it to start again after that. I replaced the spark plugs (may need new lead wires??). Should I replace any seals or gaskets while I am tuning it up? Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated. I have tried the Carb Adjustment method listed on this forum but can't get it to start so that I can adjust properly. There is just something about this old motor that I hate to see it go to waste. I would love to get it running again and put it to good use. Thank you in advance for your knowledge and help. Have a great day.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1953 Johnson RD-14 25hp -need help in locating parts

First off have you done a compression test? Very impt.

If the coils have not been replaced that you know of then that's probably why it's tough to start. Have you tested the spark? It should jump a 7/16" gap with a blue snap. (mine rarely do but that's what it's supposed to do!)

The packing washers come with the carb kit. And you will need 2 coils. 1 per cylinder.

Try vintageoutboard.com for parts. Also your OMC dealer will have most of them if you have the part #'s also some NAPA stores will carry them (and some will not)

Also read the duckworks articles on Big Twins. It will help you a lot.

duckworksmagazine.com/04/s/columns/max/15/index.cfm

And let us know how it goes

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1953 Johnson RD-14 25hp -need help in locating parts

Do all that has been recommended. If comp and spark check out, move to the fuel system. Sounds like the points are dirty and carb is gummy, maybe left for 2 years with old fuel in the system. Or maybe someone fiddled with the needles/settings. Start fresh by reading the "awakening a sleeping outboard thread" walk through it logically and you'll get it running again.

 

[mstone1968]

Re: 1953 Johnson RD-14 25hp -need help in locating parts

Thank you tmcalavy and samo_ott for your response and information. I will borrow a compression tester this weekend and post the results on the readings. I do get a blue spark when testing the spark plugs but I went on and replaced those today with new ones anyway. Thank you guys so much for the suggestions and the links you gave me. I will keep you posted. Have a great night

 

[F_R]

Re: 1953 Johnson RD-14 25hp -need help in locating parts

The carb on that motor was slightly different than newer models, and there was no kit for it in those days. You had to order all the parts separately. Some of the parts from a newer (1955-up) kit will work. Float bowl gasket is different.

If the coils have never been replaced, they certainly need to be. Asking for a 7/16" spark is a bit much. Be satisfied with a 1/4".

If you are going to own one of those old motors and work on it yourself, get a parts book. Most dealers don't even have one, so they can't look the stuff up for you.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 1953 Johnson RD-14 25hp -need help in locating parts

As I recall, the water pump housing is different on that engine, and may be difficult to find. You are probably going to need the housing, and plate, not just the impellor. I had a 54 Evinrude 25 as a kid, those old engine's were a handfull to crank over. Back then, I had to stand up, one foot braced on the transom. Thankfully, they were good starting engines'.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1953 Johnson RD-14 25hp -need help in locating parts

Yep, pump housing is 375857, impeller is 375808, plate is 302617.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: 1953 Johnson RD-14 25hp -need help in locating parts

Parts manuals are a must for these old engines. I don't have one for a Johnson, but I do have one for a 1953 Evinrude 25 hp. Its mechanically the same so all the maintenance parts are too. If you would like a pdf copy drop me a PM and I'll email it to you.

 

[mstone1968]

Re: 1953 Johnson RD-14 25hp -need help in locating parts

Hello,
Thank you guys for the information updates. Can I still buy the Impeller Housing #375857 & plate #302617 new or will I need to find one from another motor. I found a guy about an hour away from craigslist.com who has a 1954 Johnson 25hp RD-16 motor with a bad block but he said the rest of the parts are still usable. He is selling the whole motor for $35.00. Do you think the parts from this motor would be compatible to mine (RD-14 25 hp). If so, I was thinking about buying it and having it for back up parts. Thanks again everyone for your time and valuable information. I will keep you posted on the progess and may need further help as I go along.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 1953 Johnson RD-14 25hp -need help in locating parts

Most all of the parts will interchange, that would give you a lot of spares for $35.00.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: 1953 Johnson RD-14 25hp -need help in locating parts

Basically the same motor. I'd buy it.