1964 Johnson 18hp questions

[tesnevo]

I have a few questions for you guys about this engine.
I picked this small boat up w/this 18hp Johnson (1964 era- s/n 18402D) on it for 500.00. It will make a great bank/cove fishing boat for my buddy and I.
I would like to know:
1. Are the KEN COOK manuals best (100.00 total for all three-ownr,serv,prts) or the service manual from here (SOLEC repair manual).
2.Also what is the recommended fuel ratio for this engine. 40:1 or 50:1?
3: Plug gap, any idea what it is?
Thanks and sorry for all the questions for a newbie. d

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1964 Johnson 18hp questions

64 was the first year for 50:1 fuel mix.Use TCW3 rated oil.
The Ken cook manuals are the most complete.being reprinted factory manuals.You may find service manuals at the library.
Use Champion J4C plugs set at .030.points set to .020.
Don't worry about the questions thats what this is all about.
You should change the lower unit lube and if you don't know when the impeller was changed you should do that as well.A nice burbley flow of water should come out of the relief hole on the leg and a good solid flow at speed.
The 18 is a great motor we had a 61w electric start that worked excellent for us.

 

[tesnevo]

Re: 1964 Johnson 18hp questions

Thanks for the reply and help. I will order the KEN COOK manuals this week.
I will wait untill they arrive to dig into the motor.
BTW: The impeller change out advice, why?
Is this something that is needed to be done on these periodically? (Of course I dont have the manual yet also to answer this)

 

[F_R]

Re: 1964 Johnson 18hp questions

Old water pump impellers tend to shed their rubber blades. Put in a complete water pump kit if the housing is worn, and it usually is. They have impellers here at iboats.

All those old OMC twins have bad ignition coils unless they have already been replaced. They have new ones here at iboats

They are great motors when they are in good condition, and worth doing it right.

 

[tesnevo]

Re: 1964 Johnson 18hp questions

Thanks again for the info. I will do this when I get my manuals in.