1960 Johnson 40 HP

[sid0120]

This weekend I picked up a 40 HP Johnson at an auction. The model# is RD-22C and the serial# is 2133081. I am not sure the details on the motor but am assuming it is missing the controls. I think the motor is outfitted with electric start but am not sure. I have also heard that the tiller handle was an accessory for this motor. I have also heard that this motor had electric shift. 1-can anyone help me with the details on this motor? 2-Can anyone tell me if the shift/throttle controls and the electric start controls are seperate? 3-Does anyone know where I can get the controls for a good price? I am looking to sell the motor but am assuming I can get more for it if I have the shift/throttle controls and the electric start controls. Any help would be apreciated. I have taken pictures of the motor and have attached them as well. If someone could tell me what all they think I would need for this motor and where I can get it at a god price that would be great. Any help on this would be great! Thanks!

 

[oldybutagoody]

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 HP

I can't help you with the electric start questions but the presence of the shift lever on the starboard side of the engine means it is NOT an electric shift model, which is good news for you since those are notoriously prone to failing and virtually impossible to find parts for. Yes the starter relay box is separate from the remote throttle and shift controls. You might get lucky and find remote controls on Ebay.
I hope you got a real deal at auction because it's hard to make much money reselling the old outboards.

 

[sid0120]

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 HP

I paid $20 for it. I am assuming then if it is not the electric shift model I should be able to get a throttle/shift control box for a decent price and be able to make some money on the thing. It probably doesn't make sense to bother with the electric start module/box or what ever it is called unless I can get it for a cheap price.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 HP

You will pay more for the controls than the motor is worth unfortunately.

 

[oldybutagoody]

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 HP

Since you just want to make it complete to resell it, You could just add a tiller. Here's a link to show you how to do it. I've seen tiller handles on ebay too.
http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/04/s/columns/max/19/index.cfm

I paid $20 for it. I am assuming then if it is not the electric shift model I should be able to get a throttle/shift control box for a decent price and be able to make some money on the thing. It probably doesn't make sense to bother with the electric start module/box or what ever it is called unless I can get it for a cheap price.

 

[sid0120]

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 HP

That seems like it would make more sense then trying to find a control box but I almost wonder if that is beyond my technical abilities. In the one picture you can see the gear cog on my motor would the tiller handle just match up to that?

 

[sid0120]

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 HP

I am thinking if I make this motor usable I should be able to make some money on it I would think. I would think it is worth a few hundred dollars. I found this tiller handle kit on ebay. I am wondering if it will merry up to the gear cog that is on the motor already. Here is a picture of the kit.

 

[oldybutagoody]

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 HP

Yes. it would mesh with the cog that is on your engine. It wouldn't be too hard to put one on if you can find one cheap. You could just sell it without controls and take less. The buyer might want to use it with controls they may already have. You won't be able to demonstrate it running but I'd think you can get more than you investment as is. Maybe $100 - $150 in the area I live in. Check Craigslist in your area for similar motors to get an idea of its real value.

That seems like it would make more sense then trying to find a control box but I almost wonder if that is beyond my technical abilities. In the one picture you can see the gear cog on my motor would the tiller handle just match up to that?

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 HP

You can get a Simplex (or Shipmaster or Bos'n) 2-lever control and cables on ebay. That is a manual shift motor.
A regular old RD-22 will be a pull-start only unless someone added it later.

 

[oldybutagoody]

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 HP

That looks like exactly what you'll need. Hope it's not too expensive. Be careful not to invest to much expecting big returns. Old outboards are a dime a dozen. It probably needs $75 -$200 in ignition, carb, waterpump parts too just to make it a reliable engine and it could easily need more, like lower unit seals. Before you sink a lot of money into it, check if there's water in the lower unit oil, and check compression. Then at least you'll know if it's worth spending money on. Still. If you only want to sell it, I'd sell it as is and be happy you turned a profit. Let the new owner buy all the parts and do all the work. Just be aware that the only way you'll get anywhere near what you're hoping for, you'll have to invest a lot into it.

I am thinking if I make this motor usable I should be able to make some money on it I would think. I would think it is worth a few hundred dollars. I found this tiller handle kit on ebay. I am wondering if it will merry up to the gear cog that is on the motor already. Here is a picture of the kit.

 

[sid0120]

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 HP

So you are saying put the tiller handle on and sell it or sell it without? If I put that tiller handle kit on I will be able to start and run it correct?

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 HP

So you are saying put the tiller handle on and sell it or sell it without? If I put that tiller handle kit on I will be able to start and run it correct?

It will be able to be started with the tiller handle kit.
24:1 gas-oil mix
Must be run in a water barrel

 

[oldybutagoody]

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 HP

Yes, with the tiller handle you MIGHT be able to start it. You'll have to pull start it, not easy on a 40hp but doable, and you control forward/neutral/reverse with the lever on the starboard side and trottle/steering with the tiller. I say MIGHT because the only way it's going to start is if ignition/and carb are working properly and that's more cash out of your pocket before you sell it. It's your call, spend $100-200 to make 300 IF you're lucky, or sell it as is for $150ish.

So you are saying put the tiller handle on and sell it or sell it without? If I put that tiller handle kit on I will be able to start and run it correct?