1957 Johnson Javelin Model Number RJE-19 ???

[Theoutdoorsman]

I've just rebuilt the carbs and would really like to start this thing up. Problem is, I know for certain that the water pump is defective. I just know I read a post on here, about a month or so ago, that read something to the affect of opperating an outboard with a water hose attached to the water pickup tube. Can anyone confirm this? My plan is to restore this outboard back to it's original condition and I'd just soon not bother with replacing the impeller at this time, if possible. When the lower unit is dropped I'd really like to completely dismantle it, replaint the foot, and make any necessary repairs while I have it off rather than drop it, re-install it, and then drop it again. But if I have to, I have to, no big deal. If indeed I can do this, and I can run it that way for a while, long enough for a decarb, can I do this in a barrel of water. Bare in mind, I have no boat for this outboard, so taking it to the drink for a decarb is out of the question.


EDIT: Just for the record, I really need to do a decarb so that I can re-check compression, as it was low on my first test. I'm hoping the decarb will help and I'd like to know what repairs may need to be done in the future before I dismantle this thing.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: 1957 Johnson Javelin Model Number RJE-19 ???

The impeller will set you back $15-25 depending where you buy it. Since you'll need it anyway I'd just go and buy it. There is no commercially available flush kit that I know of for that motor. You need to run it in a barrel or on the lake. You can change the impeller in 15 mins so the extra work of dropping the lower unit twice isn't really an argument in my mind.

 

[ottertail]

Re: 1957 Johnson Javelin Model Number RJE-19 ???

To answer the question at hand. yes you can drop the lower unit and hook water to the copper ater tube in the engine that goes from the lower unit up to the power head all the water pump does is deliver cooling water to the power head, the engine will not know if it from the faucet or the water pump. you will have to drop the lower unit to do this and don't turn on the water full boar.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: 1957 Johnson Javelin Model Number RJE-19 ???

as stated you have to drop the lu to run a hose to it anyway so why not change the impeller. The lu is fairly easy to put new seals in. I am not a pro and have done half a dozen similar and one just like it this last winter.

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

Re: 1957 Johnson Javelin Model Number RJE-19 ???

Thanks for the quick reply's gentlemen!!! The lower unit has already been dropped, impeller removed (three broken ears), and waiting for a water hose. I wanted to start her back up tonight and don't have a replacement impeller on hand. I realize the impeller is only $15 dollars tops, but wanted get it running tonight, decarb, and recheck compression afterwards. If that improves, I'll begin taking the lower unit apart, inspecting parts, and get it ready for some paint. Thanks again guys!!!! .......... ALAN


One thing I want to be absolutely certain of before I do this is, and I already know to NOT run her over a fast idle.......... In the scary event I should somehow experience a runaway, what is the quickest, safest, and easiest way to shut her down? I'm thinking choke her out........ correct? Thanks guys, just making sure prior to pulling the rope......

 

[wbeaton]

Re: 1957 Johnson Javelin Model Number RJE-19 ???

Use the kill switch or choke it. I'd choose the kill switch. That motor has a cut off switch so I doubt you will eperience run away.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1957 Johnson Javelin Model Number RJE-19 ???

Usually the choke won't stop a runaway. Sometimes makes it worse. If your vacuum cut-out is working you don't have an issue. I don't think the '57 had a kill switch or key switch, so the cut-out is even more important on those. If you are concerned, clip a jumper wire to the center terminal of the cut-out (or the black wire that goes to it if the switch is missing) and have it handy to ground it to the block in case of runaway. That will do the same thing that the cut-out does, short out one cylinder.

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

Re: 1957 Johnson Javelin Model Number RJE-19 ???

Usually the choke won't stop a runaway. Sometimes makes it worse. If your vacuum cut-out is working you don't have an issue. I don't think the '57 had a kill switch or key switch, so the cut-out is even more important on those. If you are concerned, clip a jumper wire to the center terminal of the cut-out (or the black wire that goes to it if the switch is missing) and have it handy to ground it to the block in case of runaway. That will do the same thing that the cut-out does, short out one cylinder.

Come to think of it I remember reading of a way to test that cut-out switch, but for the life of me, I can't remember how. I think it'd be best to ensure that it is functional before I begin. If you know how to perform the test, it would sure save me some reading time........

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1957 Johnson Javelin Model Number RJE-19 ???

pull plug wires, remove fuel source,

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

Re: 1957 Johnson Javelin Model Number RJE-19 ???

Arrrrrrhhh...... My shoulder hurts!!!.........
Finally got this thing to run briefly though, but with problems.

*** First off, it still extreemly hard to start. I suppose my spark isn't quite as good as I thought it was. So off to the parts store to get a more reliable spark tester. I guess the flywheel will come off so that I can inspect things and replace/set the points. I just pray the coils have been replaced.

*** Secondly, the top cylinder heated up to the point I couldn't hold my hand on the pressure relief cover for more than 2-3 seconds. The bottom is cool as it can be. Any ideas on what I need to do? I suspect the water pasage in the head may be clogged. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think this outboard has a thermostat..... correct?

*** Third, I pulled the plugs to check comression again and found the top one to be wet but the bottom to be dry as a bone and clean as a pin???? How is that? My best compression is on this cylinder also. Possibly a stuck reed(s)? I suppose this is why it never heated up like the top hole did.


The good news is....... the comression on the bottom hole came up to 90 psi and I didn't even get to do a decarb. The top hole was only 40 psi when I first checked it after soaking in 2 cycle oil for two days. After running very briefly today, it jumped to 52 or 53. I pulled out a flashlight to inspect the top of the piston and there is a lot of carbon in there but no dents or chips like a ring has come loose and banged around inside. So, I honestly believe that a good decarb will do wonders for this thing IF/WHEN I finish the job.

If anyone could help with some part numbers, I sure would appreciate it. I want to pull the head to see what might be going on in there. Too, I want to pull the exhaust housing and bypass covers to take a peak at the rings. And if you guys think the intake needs to come off for inspecting those reeds, I'll need that gasket as well. If anyone could help with these part numbers, that would be great!!! And a new set of plugs will be installed. But what are the correct plugs? I think the ones installed are Champion JC8's? Recommended gap? Sorry for being long winded........................ ALAN

 

[F_R]

Re: 1957 Johnson Javelin Model Number RJE-19 ???

Correct plugs are J4C at .030" But that won't help that bad cylinder. You are on the right track, pull the bypass and exhaust covers and head and take a looksee inside.

Reeds don't "stick". And they break so seldom that it is virtually unheard of. About the only thing that goes wrong with them is trash getting in them. But even if you took them completely out, it would not affect the compression.

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

Re: 1957 Johnson Javelin Model Number RJE-19 ???

Correct plugs are J4C at .030" But that won't help that bad cylinder. You are on the right track, pull the bypass and exhaust covers and head and take a looksee inside.

Reeds don't "stick". And they break so seldom that it is virtually unheard of. About the only thing that goes wrong with them is trash getting in them. But even if you took them completely out, it would not affect the compression.

When I had the carbs appart, I had a look inside the intake manifold. Everything looked to be in order. Except for a rogue hornet, which I removed. It still puzzles me WHY i'm not getting fuel to that cylinder. To me, it just doesn't make sense. If I had the part numbers for those gaskets, i wouldn't hesitate one minute to pull it appart. And the fact that the compression rose, leads me to believe the rings are sticking.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: 1957 Johnson Javelin Model Number RJE-19 ???

gaskets are available at your local dealer or through I boats here. Your compression is too low on the top cylinder. Pull the head and look at the gasket. You need to pull the belly pan to get to all the bolts, but not hard to do. Compression should be at least 100. I have 120 on both on mine. You mentioned "Carbs" it only has one. If it has two somebody did something strange to it.

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

Re: 1957 Johnson Javelin Model Number RJE-19 ???

You mentioned "Carbs" it only has one. If it has two somebody did something strange to it.

Oops.......typo. Sorry about that. It was getting late and I was tired..... ..... I suppose I'll just go ahead and pull the head, bypass covers, and exhaust housing to take a quick look. I'm just hoping I'm not in for any surprises but i'll expect the worst so as to not be too disappointed. If it has internal damage, oh well, might be for the best. I plan to restore it anyhow. At least I'll know what I have when it's finished. I can always button it back up until I can manage to get my hands on the replacement gaskets. I'm in no real hurry anyhow. Thanks............. ALAN

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1957 Johnson Javelin Model Number RJE-19 ???

You can almost bet that if the compression truly is 52 or 53, then you've got a problem. A decarb isn't going to make that kind of difference. 90 isn't very good either, but your gauge may be off quite a bit. with such a difference in cylinders, though, you might as well get ready to crack it.
Good luck,
JBJ

 

[freddyray21]

Re: 1957 Johnson Javelin Model Number RJE-19 ???

just a thought, but you don't have a stuck compression release on that low cylinder do you?

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

Re: 1957 Johnson Javelin Model Number RJE-19 ???

Well, I cracked it open today. I'll post some pics in this message shortly. Water jackets are very clean and free of any debris. There is very very very minor scratches to the cylinder wall in that top cylinder. Nothing that I am extreemly concerned about, and nothing that a very light honing wouldn't take care of. In fact, everything is still intact and appears to be in rather good shape, despite all the carbon deposits present. The rings are stuck and are definitely NOT free in their grooves. I couldn't move them at all. And the reason for that lower spark plug being clean....... water intrussion. I found milky looking oil residue on the inside of the head. Not a lot, just enough to tell water was getting in there. I will remove the compression relief valves to inspect for anything out of the ordinary as suggested. I'm almost ready to say I had a blown head gasket as I found fuel pooled up around the back side of a head bolt on the top of the block and water intrussion in that lower cylinder (no rust). The head is still in great shape, although I'll likely lap it before re-installing. Someone had blue permatex on the head gasket??? I'm still working on removing four screws from the exhaust housing right now. I hate rust!!!! Once I get them out, I should be able to see a good deal more. Knowing what I know now I still say, even with the light scratching, that if I can free those rings up she'll likely be fine. Opinions? I'll get those photo's posted soon.

just a thought, but you don't have a stuck compression release on that low cylinder do you?

I wouldn't know what a stuck comression release looked like if it jumped off the head and poked me in the eye.......... ....... Working on a motor this old is a first for me. However, what I've seen so far, it appears to be rather simple to work on. I'll take them appart to inspect/clean everything.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 1957 Johnson Javelin Model Number RJE-19 ???

Just sent you a PM.

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

Re: 1957 Johnson Javelin Model Number RJE-19 ???

Here's the photo's:

Bottom Hole:

Bottom Piston Rings:

Cylinder Head:

Cylinders:

Top Hole:

Top Piston Rings:

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

Re: 1957 Johnson Javelin Model Number RJE-19 ???

So, what do you guys think? Tear it down, hone the cylinders, re-ring the pistons? Or clean it up, remove all the carbon build-up that I can, put humpty dumpty back together, decarb, and check compression again? I'm really leaning towards tearing it down, honing, and re-ring. But I just don't see the light scuffing causing me to loose over half the compression in that top cylinder. After all, you have to really feel for those scratches with your fingernail to feel them. But, I've been wrong before. I'll remove the compression relief valves today and inspect/clean them. They do appear to move when I push them in. And the springs have good tension. A real head scratcher for sure. A good honing and re-ring would be a cheap fix if that's all I find. Opinions?

gaskets are available at your local dealer or through I boats here.

Unfortunately, iBoats does not offer many parts for an outboard of this vintage. And my dealer, I have found, wants two prices for most any part I have ever searched for. I can, and most likely do, find better prices online. Especially since they are 45 miles away. We won't discuss the price of fuel ($4 per gallon !!! ???) ..... ..... That's why I requested the part numbers for those gaskets. iBoats does carry the head gasket, but as far a I know, that's it.