40 hp super seahorse questions

[Birdup]

I am about to purchase a 40hp super seahorse modle # RDS-22 C. I know that it is a 1960 40 hp but what does the "C" stand for?<br /><br />Also when I go look at the motor what should I look for besides compression?<br /><br />I know alot of people on here have this motor and I have read a lot of the posts but what are some of the common problems of this motor?<br /><br />The one I'm looking at has not been run in 3 years and the seller said it needed a "clip for the shift linkage"? Should I be concerned about this or is this a common part replacement.<br /><br />Any and all help is greatly appriciated. <br />Thanks

 

[itstippy]

Re: 40 hp super seahorse questions

If by a "clip for the shift linkage" he means the part that links the shift cable to the shift lever then no problem. That's part of the controls, not the outboard. You can test shifting by just manually moving the lever. If he means that there's an internal part missing so you can't test the forward & reverse gears before you buy then it's a different story.<br />You really want to see this thing run and shift. You'll need a tank and fuel line and a couple fresh gallons of 24:01 mixed 87 octane gas, a trash barrel and a garden hose, a set of jumper cables, a spray can of WD40 and a spark plug wrench. Pull the plugs, spray some WD40 in the holes, and work the pull start a couple times. Another spritz of WD40, then hook up your compression tester and use the electric starter to take readings. Use the jumper cables to hotwire the starter to your car battery if you have to. If all looks good, put the plugs back in and barrell-test the old girl. Don't go much past idle; you can't rev a motor in a barrell without risking "runaway". She'll probably smoke like he// but that's ok, she'll settle down. Test forward, neutral, and reverse. Listen and watch. Make sure it's spitting water out of the exhaust relief. <br />If the seller won't let you see it run and shift then he'd better be selling it mighty cheap.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: 40 hp super seahorse questions

To add, I'd pull the drain plug on the lower unit and see what comes out. Hopefully it's not rusty water. Water/oil emulsion (milky looking) is better, good lube is best. The "C" is a production indicator for that year and is not significant.<br /><br />The "clip" could be one of several parts. As well as the one previously mentioned, it could also be the brass connector between the upper and lower shift rods.<br /><br />Good luck with it. Come on back after you buy it if you need help.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 40 hp super seahorse questions

These are good outboards when they're running right. I'd definitely do a compression and spark check on this one, and I'd more than definitely find out about the "clip" that's missing. If it's just the external one that links the shift cable to the shift handle, no problem.<br /><br />If it's the brass coupler inside the midsection, you will have to find another one. That could prove a little difficult, and the engine won't shift without it. However, you can get one from an outboard junkyard like tcoutboard.com.<br /><br />The advice about checking the lower unit oil is very good. You should do that.<br /><br />All that said...if the outboard has good compression, with both cylinders at 90psi and within a few psi of each other and has good spark on both cylinders, and doesn't have any water in the lower unit oil, it's almost certain that you can get it running again.<br /><br />These are very durable, reliable outboards. That's why there are so many of them still in service.<br /><br />If you buy it, come back and ask whatever questions you may have. We can help.

 

[Birdup]

Re: 40 hp super seahorse questions

Thanks for the advise guys. The guy is selling the motor on a 10' GW invader for $350. I think it's a good deal even though I don't need the boat. <br />Can I run this motor with water/muffs instead of in a tank?<br /><br />Does this motor have battery charging capabilities?<br /><br />It is an electric start according to the seller. He also said it is a short shaft. Does this hold true according to the model #'s?

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 40 hp super seahorse questions

Probably no battery charging capabilities on that 1960. <br /><br />It's kinda tough hooking up a hose to these engines. There used to be an adapter available, but you can only get them used, now, and they're rare. Most folks run 'em in a big garbage can full of water while they're on the boat's transom.<br /><br />The Model number does indicate a short shaft model. The long shaft ones were RDSL-20.<br /><br />Just for your reference, good-running 40hp Johnsons from this era generally go for $400 and up on eBay, so if you get a good one in this deal, you're already ahead of the game.<br /><br />If you have to spend a little to fix it, you're still in good shape. They're great motors.