1957 Johnson 18hp restoration

[jon6733]

Hi all, <br /><br />I'm a first time poster and have a question regarding a 1957 18 hp Johnson I recently picked up. I got it for $5 at a garage sale and have decided to try to get it running. I replaced the coils which were missing, and have spark and compression. I also have water being circulated, so even though I am a novice I find these to be encouraging signs. The motor seems to be very well cared for, and I would like to get it going. My question is this: I have been told I need a special gas tank and hose that are very pricey. Is there any way to change the fitting on the motor itself and use a more modern tank? Also any other tips would be appreciated, as I stated before I am a novice at this. Thanks.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1957 Johnson 18hp restoration

First, Welcome to Iboats, jonjed!<br /><br />Yes, you can retrofit your engine with a fuel pump so you can use a regular single line tank. Your engine needs a pressurized tank if it hasn't been retrofitted already and you don't already have a single line tank in your posession. Basically, you block off the old pressure line, and drill & tap on of the transfer covers to obtain the pressure pulse to drive a normal outboard pump.<br />Generally speeking, it's less expensive to buy & rebuild a tank than it is to retrofit for a single-line tank. There's nothing wrong with the pressure system at all as long as it's maintained. If you search ebay for<br />("double line", pressure, "two line", pressurized) tank (omc, johnson, evinrude)<br />you'll always find a few. Also, go visit your local outboard shops looking around for them. Any old shop will likely have one or two kicking around somewhere. You can get replacement line, o-rings for the outboard connector, and tank rebuild kits (including diaphrams). So as long as it doesn't leak and there isn't much junk in the tank, they can easily be rejuvinated.<br />I noticed you haven't replaced the water pump impeller. I would replace that before ever using it on the water. They go bad just sitting there, and a new one from Iboats or NAPA autoparts is around $15.

 

[jon6733]

Re: 1957 Johnson 18hp restoration

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it. I bought a hose, tank and fitting today for $40 and ordered the impeller, so hopefully in a few weeks I can see some results.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1957 Johnson 18hp restoration

Sounds pretty good to me! If the connector ever needs to be rebuilt (the o-rings in them wear out pretty fast) have a look at alcan's post in this thread:<br />Pressurized fuel line connector discussion, click here.<br /><br />And here's a good place for replacement line or rebuild kits if you ever need them:<br /> Laing's <br /><br />Good luck!