1958 18 HP Johnson FD-12 Outboard Carb needle settings

[helicopterjohn]

Hi,

I am working on a 1958 Johnson FD-12 Outboard for a friend of mine.

It was froze up and I managed to get the engine to finally turn over. I inspected and adjusted the points to .020 on both cylinders and have spark.

I replaced all the fuel lines going to the water separator and external fuel pump. I believe this engine has been converted to the pulse fuel pump as it has a fitting tapped into the crankcase going to the external fuel pump. When I pump the fuel bulb from the external 6 gal fuel tank the fuel bulb remains hard and doesn't seem to lose any presure. I am running the engine on at a mixture of 24 to 1.

I am able to get it to run, it smoked quite a bit it first, but it you try to throttle it back it will quit. I have tried different low and high speed needle settings but it will not remain running long enough to get the motor to get the needle valves asjusted properly.

Does anyone here know what the starting point for both the low and high speed needles?

Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

John

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: 1958 18 HP Johnson FD-12 Outboard Carb needle settings

The low speed needle should be about 1 1/2 turns open (starting from lightly seated) and the high speed needle should be about 1 turn open (starting from lightly seated). Chances are pretty good that you may need to take the carb apart and clean it thoroughly. If you do that, be sure to get a carb re-build kit for that specific motor. It'll have a new float, float valve, and neccessary gaskets for your re-build. There's not much wrong with your motor since you have already got it running.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1958 18 HP Johnson FD-12 Outboard Carb needle settings

How long had it been sitting? Were the rings just rusted to the bore or was it a more dramatic seizure?

When you set the points, what was the condition of the coils? Were they original? If so, they most definately need to be replaced. They may show spark but will fail.

I would also reccomend cleaning the carb. Leftover fuel will have varnished while sitting, clogging passages and cause you issues. The carbs are simple and can be done in no time.

Also, was it pumping water? Did you check/change the gear oil and gaskets?

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1958 18 HP Johnson FD-12 Outboard Carb needle settings

Hi hellicopterjohn. Weclome to iboats. Cool old motor you've got there. If it's a '58, then it's actually and FD-15, which is one of the all time greats. I have a '66, FD-20C myself. Here are several great links that can help you get the carb dialed in just right. Make sure you only ever run her in a test tank with water filled to about 1-2 below the main exhaust port. You'll also want to use 24:1 fuel mix. If your carb needs to be rebuilt, you can get a kit right here at iboats for about $20.

Maintaining Johnson E & FD Serie

http://forums.iboats.com/engine-fre...sorted-carb-variations-joe-reeves-167352.html


Edit: Yup it's a '58.
http://www.marineengine.com/parts/v...ntage-evinrude-johnson/377515/37751500001.htm

 

[helicopterjohn]

Re: 1958 18 HP Johnson FD-12 Outboard Carb needle settings

Hi Guys,

Actually, I had the carb apart and cleaned it and it looked like someone had recently???? installed a new carb body gasket. I took it back apart and took a closer look at the assembly and found that there was no gasket between the center bottom of the carb bowl and the top center housing of the carb. I made a gasket and installed it and put the carb back on the motor. it started up within a few pulls and now runs and idles like a champ. I had guessed at the settings of the high and low speed needles and after installing the missing gasket all is fine. Hard to believe that a motor that old with a little attention can be brought back to life after setting is someones side yard with no cover on it.

On the year of the motor, It says FD-12 on the nameplate but not other identifying marks. My assumption????? on the year was based on posts that I found on you tube, this and other forum threads.

It was pumping water out the upper center exhaust opening. I could not see any other pea tubes coming out of the bottom of the motor.

I also did a temperature test with my Harbor Freight laser temp gauge and both cylinders were running about the same temp. The water exiting the upper exhaust port was warm but not hot.

I still need to check the gear oil in the foot to make sure it is full of oil and not water/milky stuff.

Thanks to all of you guys for your quick responses and suggestions. I will look at the recommended threads.

Your Guys are the BEST!


John

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1958 18 HP Johnson FD-12 Outboard Carb needle settings

FD 12 is a 1958, you were correct.

FD 15 is a 1961

 

[helicopterjohn]

Re: 1958 18 HP Johnson FD-12 Outboard Carb needle settings

Hi Guys,

We installed the motor cover and my friend is going to take the motor to the lake today for a test ride.

Here is a little video for your amusement.

One more question.

I checked the gear box next to the prop. It appeared to have no oil in it. I filled it with the regular Johnson gear oil. As I was filling it a grease type substance came out the top vent hole. Was this unit supposed to be filled with some type of grease instead of the usual gear oil used in the gear box. If so, what type of grease is used and the part number or place to purchase it.

Thanks again for all your help.

John

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1958 18 HP Johnson FD-12 Outboard Carb needle settings

Some folks used Lubriplate 101 grease in the older motors, but no, you should fill it with standard 90wt marine gear lube. The grease was used mainly in non-shifting motors.

 

[helicopterjohn]

Re: 1958 18 HP Johnson FD-12 Outboard Carb needle settings

Hi,

Thanks for the verification on the gear oil. I will check it after he takes it for a ride to make sure the seals are working and not getting any water intrusion into the gear box.

John

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1958 18 HP Johnson FD-12 Outboard Carb needle settings

Yeah your motor does not need the Lubriplate 105. Be sure to change the gaskets when you change the oil. They are a 1 time use.

Also to note, that is a fuel filter in your video, not a water separator. There should be a filter in there.

 

[helicopterjohn]

Re: 1958 18 HP Johnson FD-12 Outboard Carb needle settings

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the tip on the gaskets.

You are correct on the fuel filter. Guess I have been working on too many boats. I was thinking about the Racor S3213 filter/water separator that I have on my Key West Boat. The filter was kind of a brown color and could probably use a replacement. Sure it hasn't been changed in a while.

John