1955 RDE-17... parts n value

[ChevelleSSLS6]

I was offered a RDE-17 (Johnson, 25hp from 1955)in good shape, but the owner has no idea if it runs, as it's been in storage for many years. He's afraid to see if it's seized since he doesn't want to hassle with a water bucket and thinks trying it dry will damage it.

I like old outboards (I like all things old really... tractors, Cadillacs, MGs and Minis, muscle cars, Jeeps, stuff like that).

I'm just wondering what you'd pay for it like this, and also in running shape.

I'm thinking of seeing it, (getting pics) and pulling the rope to see if it turns over a time or two. That wouldn't damage it, right?

Also- a biggie- what about replacement parts? I was told service parts (seems like just spark plugs, ignition stuff, and air filter) are available.

If there is any other information anyone knows about this engine, let me know! Features (does the E mean electric start?), any goofy info or stories, anything!

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1955 RDE-17... parts n value

the E does mean it was electric start from the factory. It may need a new lower crank seal--untrustworthy from factory (can still be had, I believe). You will probably need to put at least $250 worth of seals, ignition parts, plug wires, new fuel lines, etc. into it to make it a reliable runner. It also requires a 2-line pressure tank and fuel line connector to run but it can be converted to a modern style fuel pump, so unless you want to add another $100 bucks, make sure you get a good tank. You can get a tank rebuild kit for about $25, just make sure it's not eat up with rust. It's a quite powerful motor and runs nicely when in good condition. Turning it over a couple of times to do a compression test wouldn't hurt it. If it's seized up I wouldn't pay more than $50 or $100 bucks for it, and only then if I needed the parts for a motor I already had. In good running condition it's only worth about $300 and might be hard to sell for that price in the wrong area and because a lot of folks don't trust motors this old. If the clutch dog is bad, it could get more costly. That's why most guys who know how to work on these motors choose not to pay much for them. You will not likely get your money back if you restore it to good running condition even if the lower unit parts are good and it has good compression. My big twins have from 115 on a '54 25hp, to 135 psi on my '56 30hp, but compression gauges are notoriously innaccurate, so keep that in mind if your gauge says something different.
Later,
JBJ

 

[DJ]

Re: 1955 RDE-17... parts n value

This is precisely what ebay is for.

Those old motors do have value, especially in parts. You may sell a part for far more than what you have invested in the whole thing.

Last year I sold a prop. for a '57' (John/Rude) for $22.00. They're kind of rare.

I picked up a parts engine-for free-for some parts for that '57' 7.5 that I have, and several props. I only need a couple props.

That was "found" money.

I can tell you that lower unit parts are the most valuable, I've been to one of the premier outboard graveyards, in the world: www.tcoutboard.com

I can tell you, they have thousands of engines. 90% of them are missing the lower unit.

 

[ChevelleSSLS6]

Re: 1955 RDE-17... parts n value

it sounds like I should pass this one up. I have several land based projects going on at the moment (and I'm getting married in a couple months), and no boat for the outboard to go on.

I was considering trading an old "ran when parked" garden tractor for it... but got offered $275 cash for it about 10 minutes after posting it on craigslist. It'd help pay for the wedding (we're doing it ourselves, her parents paid for the closing costs of the little starter house we're getting).

I'll stick around for sure, as I've always wanted a little boat of some sort to putter around with here in Michigan. Gotta embrace the maritime heritage around here, right?
Matt

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1955 RDE-17... parts n value

Get that 25 and put it away in your man cave...where you will want to retreat to occasionally after you get married. This will give you inspiration to eventually get a boat, over and above SWMBO's objections. If it turns out to be seized or a junker, you can sell the good parts to folks who need them online...schmebay or the AOMCI classifieds. I wouldn't pay more than $75 for it if you can't see/hear it run.

 

[ChevelleSSLS6]

Re: 1955 RDE-17... parts n value

sounds like a good idea.

I told him I have a barrel (big ol plastic rubbermaid thing I used to play in when I was a kid. I was kinda resourceful like that) and a fuel tank (I think evinrude... sadly the pretty silver blue and white engine 'disappeared' (probably scrapped) a few years ago.

Providing he has a saw horse to mount it on, we'd be in business to see if she'll run with a little tinkering. Then I'll happily trade him. I'll be sure to run it for about 30-40 minutes every couple of months (for inspiration) and do the storage procedures after use to keep it from going bad.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1955 RDE-17... parts n value

Those are excellent project motors. You have a classic there. The first year of the Aquasonic lower unit. A lot of parts on the powerhead were changed, to make tune ups a lot simpler too. Those fragile little cables that turned the armeture plate was replaced with simplified levers. The 55 model was the best old 25 built and the easiest to get parts for.

 

[ChevelleSSLS6]

Re: 1955 RDE-17... parts n value

Guy has not gotten back to me on seeing if it'll start, so I asked him to see if it's not locked up.

It was a craigslist barter find, and I offered an old garden tractor, then decided to see what it was worth, and thought of my other options (another mower tractor I have) so I'll let him sort it out. Getting married means I have to clear out some stuff. *sigh*

Hopefully I can score this. It seems like a great lil engine once its going. Guy said he got some small parts (a seal and some little stuff like that) at NAPA for this 25. Hmmm...

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