54 evi 15 hp vs 56 johnson 10 hp

dkonrai

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i am looking two motors,
54 evinrude 15 hp almost mint', a 9.9 out of 10
56 johnson 10 hp bronze prob a 9 out of 10

yes i am a motor hog... i already own a 54 johnson 10 thats pretty clean but these two motors are in almost mint. question is much difference between the 54 and 56 10hp? or no difference at all (bearings,)

if i do go with the 15hp, is this the same as a 10, but a larger carb? or is this a larger bore and stroke (heavier than a 10).

both have tanks as well. po oiled and left them in storage since new. they still turn and have compression. i know to change the coils, etc, and check the lower unit oil. just wondered what major differences.

i do love that copper bronze :)

dino
 

JB

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Re: 54 evi 15 hp vs 56 johnson 10 hp

I think the '54 15 'Rude is the same block as the Johnny FD series. Longer stroke than the Johnny QD-17.

I would love either, but you can't make the 10 a 15 by messing with the carbs.
 

dkonrai

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Re: 54 evi 15 hp vs 56 johnson 10 hp

wish i could get both :(
dino
 

HighTrim

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Re: 54 evi 15 hp vs 56 johnson 10 hp

The '54 and '56 QDs both have the same displacement. 2 3/8 bore x 1 7/8 stroke making 16.60 cubic inches.

The '54 15 hp Evinrude has a 2 3/8 bore x 2 1/4 stroke making 19.94 cubic inches.
 

1946Zephyr

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Re: 54 evi 15 hp vs 56 johnson 10 hp

Like JB says, you'll do good with either motor. The 10hp Johnson, still has the heftier five bolt lower unit, so you have an excellent model QD there. The Super Fastwin 15 is a great one too. Which ever motor you go with, you'll have good service.
 

dkonrai

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Re: 54 evi 15 hp vs 56 johnson 10 hp

Like JB says, you'll do good with either motor. The 10hp Johnson, still has the heftier five bolt lower unit, so you have an excellent model QD there. The Super Fastwin 15 is a great one too. Which ever motor you go with, you'll have good service.

are the lower units the same on both motors?
 

F_R

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Re: 54 evi 15 hp vs 56 johnson 10 hp

are the lower units the same on both motors?

More or less. The lower unit was changed on the 1958-up 10hp, making it lighter and not as durable.

EDIT: However, the midsections are completely different between '54 and '56. The '56 is rubber mounted, making it quieter and less vibration. Also, the '56 has a completely enclosed powerhead, also making it quieter and more waterproof. Now, if you don't mind the extra bit of noise and vibration, the '54 is probably the better of the two.
 

Chinewalker

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Re: 54 evi 15 hp vs 56 johnson 10 hp

No, the lower units are NOT the same. 1954 was the last year of the larger 4-bolt lower units on both the 10 and 15. The '56 10hp is more refined than the '54 - quieter, better vibration isolation, etc.
 

F_R

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Re: 54 evi 15 hp vs 56 johnson 10 hp

I stand corrected. Chinewalker is right, the '54 had the old 4 bolt gearcase (NOT the same as the '58-up 10hp four bolt gearcase though)
 

dkonrai

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Re: 54 evi 15 hp vs 56 johnson 10 hp

looks like im leaning towards the 15 hp. love that copper bronze paint job tho :)
dino
 

jim j geezer

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Re: 54 evi 15 hp vs 56 johnson 10 hp

The bronze prop would be the deciding factor for me. <-- *HUGE* "pro"
Geezer Jim
 

dkonrai

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Re: 54 evi 15 hp vs 56 johnson 10 hp

The bronze prop would be the deciding factor for me. <-- *HUGE* "pro"
Geezer Jim

both motors have a painted 3 bladed aluminum prop. what years had the bronze prop?
 

Chinewalker

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Re: 54 evi 15 hp vs 56 johnson 10 hp

Bronze prop was not offered as standard issue, rather were available as optional or after market.

Personally, I leave the bronze props on the wall or for sawhorse queens. They are considerably heavier than aluminum props and as such put a great deal more stress on the old gears and clutch dog, particularly when shifting.
 

Chinewalker

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Re: 54 evi 15 hp vs 56 johnson 10 hp

Price is high side of decent if they need NOTHING, .ie can be shown to have updated ignition coils, has had the waterpump done recently, hoses good, no evidence of oil leakage in lower unit, etc.
 

nwcove

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Re: 54 evi 15 hp vs 56 johnson 10 hp

not sure what the market is like in california, but i would pay $300 for the johnson.... if it was %100 ready to put on a boat and go. ( only because it appears to be in very good cosmetic condition)
 

HighTrim

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Re: 54 evi 15 hp vs 56 johnson 10 hp

The both look to be cosmetically very nice. A motor like that which I have gone overly thoroughally from top to bottom I would ask $300 for as well. As stated, all depends on what has been done and who did the work.

I mechanically restore alot of motors a year to keep me busy on weekends and evenings. I usually get them for about $100 or so when they have been sitting for decades, put $100 to $150 in parts depending on what they need, ask around $250 to $300 for a fully restored motor and still get constant email offers of $80! What the heck, lol. ;) People are silly.
 

dkonrai

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Re: 54 evi 15 hp vs 56 johnson 10 hp

i thought they are on the high side as well. however....... i havent seen any in such nice shape. i already know the coils are shot, as point and condensers, impeller.
but.... story is the po ran the johnson, and stored it after a few hours. the evi never ran. it has been killing me thinking about these motors :) on the one hand, 300 is high when you factor the 100 - 150 in parts now im looking at 450 or so per motor. but then again i would have a nice motor that had almost zero hours that would outlast most all motors.
arrgghh
dino
 

HighTrim

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Re: 54 evi 15 hp vs 56 johnson 10 hp

I personally would prefer a motor with original cracked coils, that needs a full tuneup and has been sitting protected for year.

Why? Because you know it has been sitting before the uneducated started running 50:1 or leaner in these vintage motors. The powerhead would still be strong and not tired from lack of lubrication. Additionally, it would likely not have been messed with.

I enjoy the restoration myself, so do not buy motors that have been worked on in the last couple decades. I search for those attic or barn finds that have original cracked coils and a layer of dust. Those are the ones I want.

It is getting harder to find such nice originals. I would at least take a stab at them. The price is not set in stone. Make an offer you are happy with. I wouldnt mind paying more than the going rate for choice examples myself.
 

dkonrai

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Re: 54 evi 15 hp vs 56 johnson 10 hp

thought of offering 200.00 but we shall see. maybe 400 for the pair :)
dino
 
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