1960 Johnson (my kid wants to go fishing)

[Mr. Tate60]

Hello everyone. I'm happy to have found your web page. Thank you for looking at this even if you are not able to help. <br /><br />My problem is concerning a 1960 Johnson outboard<br />model # RDS- 22 C serial # 2131862<br />My younger brother and I sharted it up (water & muffs) , however we were not able to see it pee anywhere. Does this motor even have a coolent system? If it does, how can I check it out to find the problem?

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1960 Johnson (my kid wants to go fishing)

Welcome to iboats!<br /><br />Yes it does. But it doesn't take water muffs. You must use the flusher that fits onto the water inlet just behind the prop. Since that flusher is very hard to find, most people just put it in a barrel of water, with the water level up over the seam between the lower unit and the midsection.<br /><br />The engine has no sort of tell tail though. On the back of the engine, high on the mid-section cover is a water outlet though. Mist and exhaust should exit there until it warms up a bit, when more (hot) water will come out.<br /><br />The insufficient water probably caused the water pump's impeller to fail, so be careful when you get it running to make sure it's cooling properly. The engine should get hot but not blazing hot.<br /><br />It's no big deal to replace and they only last a few seasons anyway (notwithstanding use). It's a DIY project to replace one, but first you should get your hands on a service manual.<br /><br />Hope this helps!

 

[Mr. Tate60]

Re: 1960 Johnson (my kid wants to go fishing)

Well, thank you for the information. I guess the impeller should be replaced. My grandfather said it would be around $20 US. However, what is the best way to go about doing such a project. You will have to excuse my inexperience. I don't have a manual handy yet at this time. So... you kind sir, or anyone... please give me some hints and turn me from an electrician into a mechanic for a little bit. hehe

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1960 Johnson (my kid wants to go fishing)

No trouble at all. There's no reason not to start it up, just keep an eye on it and kill it if your not convinced it's cooling. As it turns out, Iboats member CATransplant gave some excellent directions on replacing the water pump (in this case, a '63) just a little while ago:<br /> Click here for another Iboats thread.<br /><br />If you don't want to pick up a manual just yet, you can often borrow one from the local library.<br /><br />There's two impellers available, a factory one which is available from your local Johnson/Evinrude dealer, or an aftermarket one available from Iboats, NAPA, or various other places online. The OEM P/N is 379768 for the impeller, 379775 for the whole pump including a housing. The aftermarket P/N is 18-3083 for the impeller - they don't have a whole pump available.<br /><br />We'll be here for ya!

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 1960 Johnson (my kid wants to go fishing)

That's a great old outboard. There are several owners of that model, and related models, here on iboats, and we're all happy to help wherever we can. Mine is an RDS-20, from 1958, and is the 35hp version of this design, which goes back to the mid 1950s. The same basic design was used well into the 1970s, and it's a proven, well-engineered outboard.<br /><br />Paul mentioned my impeller replacement directions and gave you a link to them. If you follow them, you shouldn't get into any trouble. If you do have problems, post them here, and someone will help you out. Still, you really should get a manual for your motor. You'll need it for other jobs, and it's always great to have the photos, etc., as you work on your engine.<br /><br />I don't know what kind of boat you have, but your 40hp Johnson will surprise you (and others with much newer outboards) with its power and very quiet operation.<br /><br />Many of these old Big Twins are still in regular use, which is a testament to their durability. Take good care of it, and it will be running for a long time to come.