1958 Johnson 10 HP - sitting for 20 years

ricklab

Cadet
Joined
May 8, 2007
Messages
8
I have a 1958 10HP Johnson model QD-17 R SN 1483898.
I just purchased it from a guy who said it had no more than 40 hrs on it. It looks new.
He said it hasn't been ran in over 20 years. He inherited it.
Currently I can't get it to stay running.
So here's what I've done so far..
First I just tried to start it. It only ran for a short 2-5 seconds out of many tries. Then it wouldn't do anything.
Then I removed the carb and cleaned it. It looked very clean and I found no problems.
Still no luck.. wouldn't even fire this time.
Then I put new spark plugs in it. Now it will run for a very short time but stalls. I pull out the choke for 2-3 pulls then push it in and the motor will kick or run and stall.
I also cleaned the contacts on the points and checked the gap for .020 as stated on the flywheel.
I noticed the coils have fine cracks in the casing.

Should I replace the coils, plug wires, points, condensers or does this seem to be a fuel issue?
 

iwombat

Captain
Joined
Jul 12, 2006
Messages
3,767
Re: 1958 Johnson 10 HP - sitting for 20 years

Does this have a pressurized tank, or a fuel pump?
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: 1958 Johnson 10 HP - sitting for 20 years

Ricklab, you answered your own question. Those cracked coils have got to go. Those old OMC motors always have bad coils unless they have already been replaced. Don't even think of dinking around with anything else till you replace the coils, you will just be wasting yuor time.

Install new coils so ends of the lamiated core is flush with the machined edge on the posts where they mount. That will give proper flywheel magnet clearance.

When reinstalling the flywheel, make sure the taper and shaft are clean and dry and use a torque wrench to tighten the nut to 40-45 ft/lbs. Or ignore it and suffer a torn up flywheel and crankshaft when the key breaks from loose torque....or a spread flywheel if you over tighten it.

They have new coils here at iboats.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 1958 Johnson 10 HP - sitting for 20 years

i just did a 58 35 hp johnson. best to replace the coils,points,condensers, wires, and impeller my total restore was $136. laingsoutbards,com. now starts with bump of the key w/o choke. also converted to fuel pump, $100, but sold pressure tank for $70.
 

ricklab

Cadet
Joined
May 8, 2007
Messages
8
Re: 1958 Johnson 10 HP - sitting for 20 years

It has a pressurized fuel tank. I am using a known good tank from a friend that has a similar 5-1/2 hp Johnson. I change the coils, points,etc.. Thanks all for the quick replies.
 
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