1956 ? Johnson Javelin 30HP ?

[ByteWalker]

I have what I think is a 1956 30HP Johnson Javelin. I have searched the archives to no avail to verify the year. I can find no serial or model number, but can find the freeze plug number 1397187, and many other part numbers on the powerhead and lower unit. A couple of them are: 304028 case bottom, 304031 carb, 303831 impeller housing. I can give more if needed. Appears to have had fuel pump conversion done and is electric start. Pictures of motor and boat are on Internet at: http://webpages.charter.net/suzieb1/JohnsonImages/Johnson.htm <br />Thanks for your help,

 

[rolmops]

Re: 1956 ? Johnson Javelin 30HP ?

It certainly looks like a '56 30 horse.the colors are right and '56 is the only year in the fifties they made 30 horse engines.<br />Are you sure there is nothing on top of the transom clamp to verify this?

 

[ByteWalker]

Re: 1956 ? Johnson Javelin 30HP ?

Thanks for the info and yes, I've looked all over the motor itself, the bracket and can find no number. I can find all sorts of raised numbers on individual parts, (they don't appear to be casting numbers) and the number on the freeze plug that also has the logo on it. I bought the boat in '96 and it hasn't seen much time in the water since then and has been sitting. I want to be sure I use the right plugs and might need to order other parts and if I can pin down the year, I'll maybe be able to get the right ones. Right now it has Autolite 303 in it. I guess you saw the boat it is on? It is a 1955 (If I go by the registration info) and so the motor was probably original on that boat when it was first bought. Are the numbers I listed in my other post part numbers?<br />Thanks Again!

 

[rolmops]

Re: 1956 ? Johnson Javelin 30HP ?

The original plugs would be champion J6J.You can get j6c these days.If it is a '55 engine it would be a 25.But it would be green and not Javelin.

 

[ByteWalker]

Re: 1956 ? Johnson Javelin 30HP ?

>You can get j6c these days.<br /><br />Hi,<br />Went to town for the plug and I was able to get Champion RJ6C. They said it was the same as J6C, but I wanted to check with you before putting them in. The new impeller will be here this afternoon. <br /><br />I posted a page with pictures of the 'old' impeller in the housing where you can see some pitting.<br /><br /> http://webpages.charter.net/suzieb1/JohnsonImages/Impeller1.htm <br /><br />Does it look like I need to replace the housing? When taking it apart, there was no gasket. I've ordered a manual, but hopefully you can tell me if it is metal to metal seal, or should it have a gasket. I would like to put the plugs and impeller in and today and start it. I may not need to go farther into it. It has sat for a few of years, since it was running went it went into the 'sleep' mode. <br /><br />Also, were the numbers I listed before actual part numbers stamped into the various parts on the motor?<br /><br />Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it!

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1956 ? Johnson Javelin 30HP ?

Hi Suzie,<br /> Do not use the RJ6C, as it is a resistor gap plug and will tax the ignition system and cause problems. The J6C can be gotten through NAPA, etc.<br /> If you suspect the hood is incorrect, an easy way to figure out if you've got a 25, 30, or 35 is to look at the powerhead. If it's green, it's a '55 25hp. If it's red and doesn't have two half-moon shaped bulges on the cylinder head, it's a '56 30hp. If it's red and has the bulges, then it's '57 or later 35hp. '56 was the only year for the 30hp and your hood, at least, is a '56...<br />- Scott

 

[ByteWalker]

Re: 1956 ? Johnson Javelin 30HP ?

Hi again,<br />I've called a few Napa's and finally found one that had the J6C plugs. He has 32 of them and I only need 2 right now.<br /><br />I have also taken some photos under the hood and posted them on a page at:<br /><br /> http://webpages.charter.net/suzieb1/JohnsonImages/UnderTheBonnet.htm <br /><br />Can you tell I am a visual person <br /><br />Anybody know about my other question about the seal on the housing where the impeller is? Does it take a gasket? My manual hasn't come <br /><br />You guys are great! If you ever need any information about ordering tracks for a bulldozer, or other parts for heavy equipment, let me know. I have lots of experience and contacts with that and I'll be glad to help you out <br /><br />Also lived and cruised on my sailboat for 10 years in the Pacific, (Southern California, Mexico and the Hawaiian Islands) so will be glad to share information about that lifestyle with anyone that wants it. I can build wind generators if anybody wants to know how. Just too bad there isn't any wind where we live now. Just a 365 sq. mile lake!<br />Thanks again for the help. You all are being very patient with me.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1956 ? Johnson Javelin 30HP ?

Hi Suzie,<br /> She's a 30hp to the core! Someone ought to save that photo of the port side showing the fuel pump - seems like the "how do I convert to a fuel pump" question gets asked one a several times weekly basis.<br /> Bottom line is: You've got a 1956 Johnson 30hp, model number RJE-18. It differs from the nearly identical RDE-18 in trim only, and the RD-18 lacks the electric starter motor. The Evinrude version, models 25022/25023/25522/25523 are also mechanically identical, differing in trim only. I add all that to broaden your search scope should you ever need parts.<br /> There are no gaskets or seals in the waterpump assembly. Make sure all surfaces are clean and free of corrosion, burrs, debris, etc. I like to slather on a little form-a-gasket on the underside of the pump plate where it contacts the lower unit casting. <br /> There is a rubber grommet that the water tube seats into, but all else is metal-to-metal. There is an oil seal under the pump plate, but that's seated in the lower unit housing itself. There's also an o-ring to be seated in the groove that runs through the splines at the top of the driveshaft, and make sure you grease those splines with a waterproof grease before reassembly - keeps the crankhaft (steel) splines from rusting out.<br />- Scott

 

[ByteWalker]

Re: 1956 ? Johnson Javelin 30HP ?

WOW! Thanks for all the info! I've already printed all the messages out for my boat file. The lower end looks good so far and I have the waterproof grease already. <br /><br />I'm anxious to get the boat up and going again. I miss the water! The one thing that I probably won't do though is go scuba diving in the lake. Too spoiled with 100-200' visability and catching fresh lobster for dinner.<br /><br />If anyone wants me to take and post more pictures of the fuel pump conversion, I'll be happy to do it. I have one of the lines off right now, as you can probably see since there was some dry rot, but have the parts and it will be back on shortly.<br /><br />All the pictures I take are with a VERY cheap digital camera that I bought at Wal-Mart. They just came out with a new model and it's $29.88 (no, I didn't make a typo) on that price! It's made by "AIPTEK", Model PenCam 1.3M SD (2.1 Mega Pixel). It does a great job for the price. It comes with lots of graphic software and is extremely easy to use and very small. Compatible with all Windows versions including XP and is USB. I'll be glad to send the files to anyone that wants them that way, just e-mail me.<br /><br />Thanks very much again, and no doubt I will have more questions in the days to come.

 

[ByteWalker]

Re: 1956 ? Johnson Javelin 30HP ?

Hi again,<br />The manual has yet to arrive so I called this afternoon, and now they can't locate my order! <br /><br />So, I'm back here hoping for more advice about the water pump.<br /><br />I was able to locate a new impeller and also the new housing where the impeller goes,(P/N 303831). Now I think I 'may' have another problem. I apologize in advance if I don't use the correct terminology, but I'll do the best I can.<br /><br />When removing the drive shaft, I noticed that there is an area that is rather rough and worn, that is as long as the bushing that is in the lower unit just below the pump. The bushing appears to be about 1 1/2" in length. It matches up with the part of the drive shaft just below the water pump. The bushing spins freely inside when I put my finger down the hole where the drive shaft goes into the lower unit.<br /><br />The part for the water pump has a new grommet for the water tube.<br /><br />Currently the oil seal looks good, but if I have to remove it in order to replace the brass bushing, I'm sure I'll need another one of those also. <br /><br />So, I guess the questions boil down to:<br />1. Should that bushing spin freely, or does it sound like it needs to be replaced?<br /><br />2. Can the area on the driveshaft be smoothed out or should I replace that too? How much wear is "too much"? The splines on both ends are just fine, just the bushing has spun out.<br /><br />3. Does anybody have a manual they want to sell for a 1956 Johnson Javelin 30HP RJE-18?<br /><br />Thanks again for all your help!

 

[rolmops]

Re: 1956 ? Johnson Javelin 30HP ?

Hello Suzie<br />I know what you mean when you don't want to dive in some puddle once you've seen what it can be!<br />I guided diving groups in the Red Sea around the Sinai Peninsula.<br />To your questions.<br />1. That "bushing" is either a caged needle bearing or a babbit bearing.Probably a needle one in your case.It should turn freely.<br />2. For the the drive shaft.There is a spring loaded seal above the the bearing which might get damaged if the shaft is really rough.Also the bearing may have a problem that caused the drive shaft to get rough. You should check that.Strength wise it should not be a problem.You can probably just take some fine glass/sand paper and smoothen it out.<br />3.No i do not have a manual to sell you.I mostly use a Seloc volume one, 1956 to 1972 and I love it.<br />Yes, please do post some pictures of that waterpump conversion.<br />Do not use anything leaner than a 32:1 fuel mix. When it was made they said to use 1:24.<br />good luck.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1956 ? Johnson Javelin 30HP ?

That bushing should not be movable at all. It is a pressed-in bronze babbit bearing and if it's moving, you've got trouble. On the bright side, you can buy whole lower units for your motor all over the place. I see them on eBay all the time, and it's likely I've got one or two available if I look around. They used basically the same lower unit on the '55 25hp, '56 30hp, '57 & '58 standard 35s (NOT the Super Silent unit) and on many 28/33/40hp models into the 1960s.<br /><br />If your bushing is indeed bad, it's likely due to lack of lubrication/water intrusion. Might be time for a completely rebuilt/resealed unit...<br /><br />- Scott

 

[ByteWalker]

Re: 1956 ? Johnson Javelin 30HP ?

Hi,<br />Seems to be differing opinions on the 'bearing' <br /><br />Since I really think pictures can tell a tale, I have taken some and put up a page. Hopefully you can see something by the photo. I would sure appreciate it if you would take a look...<br /><br />Here's the URL:<br /><br /> http://webpages.charter.net/suzieb1/JohnsonImages/JohnsonLower1.htm <br /><br />The P/N that I see on the lower unit is 375769. Maybe you could look to see if you do have one? And price?<br /><br />Thanks VERY, VERY much for all your help.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: 1956 ? Johnson Javelin 30HP ?

Boy, that sure looks like a pressed-in bronze babbit bearing to me! As for the bent passage under the wear plate, it looks like a closed passage and it's probably best to leave it alone. Trying to straighten it , could it cause it to break off, aluminum doesn't bend well. The drive shaft does have some scoring and should dress down nicely with fine emery cloth.

 

[BillP]

Re: 1956 ? Johnson Javelin 30HP ?

I'm with chinewalker on the bushing...every old OMC I've seen has a pressed in bronze bushing. I've never seen an old omc with bearings there and never seen that bushing go bad either.<br /><br />On the drive shaft...water sits on the top of the waterpump seal and leaves mineral deposits. The deposits do two things. Wear the seal by abrasion and cause corrosion on the drive shaft seal area. Older drive shafts were chromed where the seals ride. This is a problem area in salt water motors. Corrosion will lift the chrome and then you have a very rough surface that wears seal fast...sometimes the chrome flakes off like corn flakes.<br /><br />Finding a new unblimished drive shaft may be difficult and expensive. When I had this problem EVERY used drive shaft was pitted where the seal mates (I looked all over the state of Florida). <br /><br />In desperation I took the old shaft to a machine shop. They heated and spread the original chrome over the pitted area and polished it smooth. It worked fine and elimated the problem. I'm not sure if the 56 engines had chrome but building up grooves by welding and then polishing is definitely an option if you can't get it repaired otherwise.<br /><br />I also lived aboard sailboats for 10 yrs and cruised the Bahamas for 2. Plans are to return back to that life for retirement. I got laid off yesterday so this may be sooner than I planned!

 

[rolmops]

Re: 1956 ? Johnson Javelin 30HP ?

I was wrong they were right.

 

[ByteWalker]

Re: 1956 ? Johnson Javelin 30HP ?

Hello again,<br /><br />Rolmops, you are not wrong ... you are right! <br /><br />I took the lower unit to a shop yesterday since there was some confusion about what type of bearing/bushing it should have in it. It's an oil lubricated babbitted bearing and it should turn freely. And, it is in just fine shape and so is the oil seal. They said all the driveshaft needs is to be smoothed out with some emory cloth. It isn't chromed. The shop is quite a drive, but I was concerned about the "bearing/bushing", after reading the differing replies.<br /><br />He even had some new bearings, but said the one in it is fine and the oil seal looks almost new too.<br /><br />The bearing/bushing has a groove on the outside, and 2 holes in it for lubrication. I wish I had remembered to take my camera with me, but since I didn't, my attempt at the description will have to do.<br /><br />So, I think the next step is just going to be putting it back together and see how it is and hope I don't have to go further into it. I'll let you all know how it does.<br /><br />I took some more pictures of the fuel pump conversion and will post them to a page later today. I'll send a message with a new topic so that it can be found easier in the archives of the forum.<br /><br />BillP, I think Belize is on the top of my cruise destination list!<br /><br />Thanks again for all the input.

 

[jeff_cook25]

Re: 1956 ? Johnson Javelin 30HP ?

Hi I have a 1956 Lone Star with a 30 hp Johnson. The boat was bought brand new by my dad's uncle at Bennett's marina in Noth Port Al,. I Had it tuned up and a new clutch dog installed. Would you or anybody you know be interested in it for spare parts? It still runs like a new one.

 

[ByteWalker]

Re: 1956 ? Johnson Javelin 30HP ?

Hi again,<br /><br />I finally found a picture on the Internet of the bearing we were 'discussing' in the other messages, so I've put up a page with a picture. Here's the URL if anyone is interested in looking at it.<br /> http://webpages.charter.net/suzieb1/JohnsonImages/BabbittBearing1.htm <br /><br />And, yes, still working on the motor, going to do a tune-up too. I guess that's what you call it on an outboard motor .<br /><br />Hopefully all will work "like new" (well, almost), when it's finished. I'll let you know.<br /><br />Again, I sure appreciate all the helpful input!

 

[ByteWalker]

Re: 1956 ? Johnson Javelin 30HP ?

Just me again You guessed it, I have another question <br /><br />Got the tune-up kit. The part number looked up by the repair shop and he says he's sure it's the right number for my motor.<br /><br />OEM 172 522<br /><br />He gave me a RedLine kit P/N RL 5006<br /><br />Now for the question, the points won't close. There is not enough adjustment.<br /><br />Is that the right part number? If so, then I think maybe the wrong points were in the kit. It's a RedLine plastic ziplock with a sticker on the bag.<br /><br />I just wanted to confirm the part number is right. If it is, then maybe somebody just stuck the wrong points in the bag!<br /><br />I'm sure disappointed. Got the flywheel off pretty easily with a harmonic balancer puller (read about using it on this forum - thanks guys!). Found a bad plug wire to one coil, but only the wire needed replacing, not the coil (so far anyway). <br /><br />Seems to be the right condensers, clips and wipers, just that the points won't close. <br /><br />What's wrong with this picture? <br /><br />I was sure looking forward to hearing the motor start today, so I'm really disappointed <br /><br />Thanks again for all your help.