1956 Johnson 3hp 60 lbs over 62 lbs what now?

[meyerboy]

Just rescued this one, maybe should have walked away. Kinda beat up, but then so am I, and we were both made the same year.

Can't get her to run.... have proven carb, new (omc) coils, new plugs.... then I ran the cylinders and got the 62 over 60 compression numbers. I used a drill to spin her up these numbers, and they topped out there.

My question is.... do I continue, or is there hope for the powerhead with that level of compression?

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: 1956 Johnson 3hp 60 lbs over 62 lbs what now?

Do you know if it's been sitting around for awhile and not been run? If it has been sitting around, you might get a better reading by using some SeaFoam, or other penetrating oil in the cylinders and let it soak the rings for a day or two then re-try the compression test. Although 60lbs is kinda low the motor will run, it may not troll very well though. Might get better with some usage.

 

[meyerboy]

Re: 1956 Johnson 3hp 60 lbs over 62 lbs what now?

from looking at the carb that cvame with it, it has not run since the early seventies !!! I like the seafoam idea, never thought of that. I would ring her up, but the cost of rings surpasses the value of the motor.

I will continue based on your advise, and report later.

thanks

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1956 Johnson 3hp 60 lbs over 62 lbs what now?

Do you have strong spark on both cylinders? Were the points changed and properly adjusted? What do you mean by "proven carb"? Has it been cleaned and rebuilt? Compression should be ok for a 3hp. If you have compression, fuel delivery and spark, the motor will run.

 

[meyerboy]

Re: 1956 Johnson 3hp 60 lbs over 62 lbs what now?

By proven, I mean it came off another running powerhead, also a johnson 3hp.

I have five of the same motors, and will use reverse engineering to solve most problems.

I just have a soft spot in my heart for the JW's. My years are: 1956, 1960, 1967, 1967 folding, 1958 (Evinrude). I know, it is an illness, I am seaking treatment, I just love the sound of this motor running. I think it is the small displacement with two holes that make it rumble sooooo nice.