1956 15hp Johnson. Not been started in 20 years. advice

[bantalm]

Greetings All,

Let me first start by saying I am a newbie, and need some help.

Anyways, I have a 1956 Johnson 15hp outboard that belonged to my grandfather. It has now become mine.
I am here looking for some advice on what I should do to this engine before even trying to pull the rope/turn it over. The last time it ran I was present and I physically watched my grandfather drain the bowl, but I plan on rebuilding the carb regardless.

I would imagine I need to get some lubrication into the cylinders via spark plug ports? and then spin the flywheel to see if it will even rotate?

Please advise the best route to take on this motor.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1956 15hp Johnson. Not been started in 20 years. advice

Have a look :

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158086

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1956 15hp Johnson. Not been started in 20 years. advice

This thread "awakening a sleeping outboard" will walk you thru many checks and procedures.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158086

Congrats on the new motor, those are some of the best ever built and should be a good one to work on and run. My '55 5.5hp runs like a tank and starts on the first pull most times.

Welcome to iboats

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1956 15hp Johnson. Not been started in 20 years. advice

Usually these old OMC outboards will need a coil change.I think you should be able to check them through an opening in the flywheel. If they are discolored or cracked replace them.They are available here at iboats among many others.

 

[rjezuit]

Re: 1956 15hp Johnson. Not been started in 20 years. advice

Look familiar?
http://old-omc.de/j_1956/seite_05.jpg
http://old-omc.de/j_1956/seite_11_12.jpg
24:1 oil ratio
87 octane gas
new impeller, change L/U oil
Check coils, points and condensers.
Rick

 

[bantalm]

Re: 1956 15hp Johnson. Not been started in 20 years. advice

You guys are the GREATEST!!

15 minutes flat and I have a good direction where to go with this project.

I will be asking next where to buy the parts, and if there is an manual on this thing.

"Rick" that is the one buddy!!

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1956 15hp Johnson. Not been started in 20 years. advice

Hope your grandfather didn't throw the pressure tank away, you're going to need it!

Good site for parts reference and illustration

http://www.marineengine.com/parts/johnson-evinrude-parts.php

 

[cougar1985]

Re: 1956 15hp Johnson. Not been started in 20 years. advice

the 15/18 johnnys of the 50,s were imho some of the best motors ever made period.besides anything i own ,lol.

 

[Philip_G]

Re: 1956 15hp Johnson. Not been started in 20 years. advice

too funny, I'm in exactly the same position with exactly the same motor.

I'm doing the things above:
impeller
lower unit seals and lube
coil and condensor
carb rebuild

think that's about it.
I'm toying with a single line tank conversion, but I haven't seen a write up on the 15hp, just the smaller motors.

edit: well not EXACTLY the same motor, mine's an evinrude

 

[rjezuit]

Re: 1956 15hp Johnson. Not been started in 20 years. advice

Not exactly the same? How about exactly the same except for 2 things. Paint and cowl. That's the only difference between the two. Rick

 

[restornator]

Re: 1956 15hp Johnson. Not been started in 20 years. advice

Not exactly the same? How about exactly the same except for 2 things. Paint and cowl. That's the only difference between the two. Rick

three things, pull rope handle

 

[Philip_G]

Re: 1956 15hp Johnson. Not been started in 20 years. advice

Not exactly the same? How about exactly the same except for 2 things. Paint and cowl. That's the only difference between the two. Rick

"exactly the same except" is the same as "not exactly the same" isn't it? I'll be less specific in future postings if it'll suit you.

 

[rjezuit]

Re: 1956 15hp Johnson. Not been started in 20 years. advice

All in fun. They are great motors. Wish they still built things like those today. Rick