1957 Johnson FD-11 opinions

[~Nickolas~]

Hello folks,
I recently bought a nice Johnson 1957 FD-11 18 HP motor for 100 bucks and it appears to be in real good shape. I did a compression test and both cylinders are 110 on the nose dead even which is great. I don't know what original specs where but it looks good at 110 to me. Now with a mixture of 24:1 I wonder what oil to use in modern times. Gear case calls for 90 hypoid oil. Would anyone use synthetic blend and a different ratio say 40:1 or 50:1?

Would I be better off going with 24:1 and TCW-3 oil. Back in the day oil wasn't what it is today and we have much better lube than 1957. So should I use synthetic in the gear case or regular 90 weight gear oil? I want to take real good care of this engine but don't want to use the wrong oil. Thanks for any input anyone has. One other thing is this was made in Canada instead of Wisconsin. Are these any different than the Wisconsin motors?

Nickolas

 

[F_R]

Re: 1957 Johnson FD-11 opinions

Use TCW-3 oil at 24:1 and don't be trying to cheat. Sure, it will run on 50:1 but you said you want to take good care of it. If the smoke bothers you, use 100% Synthetic TCW-3 outboard oil (Pennzoil makes it, for one). It will still smoke, but not as much. And the sheen on the water disperses quicker and it is bio-degradeable.

Generic 80W-90 outboard gear oil is just fine. They aren't fussy down there. More importantly, make sure it doesn't have water in it.

Believe it or not, most outboard collectors/restorers actually LIKE the smoke. I don't, so I use the Pennzoil. I've breathed enough smoke over the last 50 years.

EDIT: Canadian and U.S. motors are the same.

 

[~Nickolas~]

Re: 1957 Johnson FD-11 opinions

I agree with the 24:1 as that is what I was leaning towards. I just ordered a tune up kit along with two coils, impeller, and a head gasket. Carb has already been rebuilt so I should be set when I get it back together. I rebuilt my 81 7.5 Evinrude and it's a great little engine. Starts easily on one pull and purrs like a kitten. I love working on these motors and it gives me a lot of satisfaction when they fire up and take me down the river.

This motor has been sitting for awhile. I pulled the lower unit off today and the impeller was in about 10-15 pieces. All that was left was the hub. The coils are cracked and dusty so It's going to wake up when I'm done with it. I think this motor has one piece of plastic on it and the rest all metal. They don't make em like they used to. Going from 7.5 to 18 will be a nice boost. Anyway thanks again for your response.

Nick

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1957 Johnson FD-11 opinions

I was working on my FD-10 today ('56 15hp). All new ignition system. It fired up nicely in the barrel. Will test it on the water tomorrow. I also exclusively use the Pennzoil full synthetic, but it still smokes. I can't believe some folks like smoke! Duh!

I put 30:1 in all my older engines. Reason being is that I have a 30 litre gas container so I put 1 litre of oil in it. Easy. BTW, aren't the Canadian made engines better? But then they're all Canadian made now!

Oh, and 110#'s a side is great. Mine was 96 and 97 and I was happy with that. Anything over 80#'s or so will run fine.

 

[~Nickolas~]

Re: 1957 Johnson FD-11 opinions

Hi Steve,
I wonder about the compression numbers. I know different motors have different specs and most say anything over 100 is good. My '81 Evinrude 7.5 motor has 70 on each cylinder and it runs great and makes my jon boat really scoot across the water. Not lacking power in any way and always runs very smooth. I don't know what factory numbers are but 70 seems to be just fine. I hear some say they have 150psi or better. Thats a lot of compression but thats a huge difference from 70 or 80.

I know 110 psi on this Johnson will be excellent and can't wait to get it fixed and mounted on the boat. Hopefully one pull and she is purring like a kitten. Outboards seem to last forever and this motor will serve me well. I always said maintenance is the key and i'm real strong on preventative maintenance. I don't wait until it breaks but make sure when i'm in the water i'm on my way and not sitting there like others pulling on the cord until my arm is sore as hell. But thanks for the advice from you guys I appreciate it.

Nick

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