antique motor

[nwcove]

where do you find the identifying numbers on an old johnson......late 1920's, early thirties maybe.

 

[JimS123]

Re: antique motor

Port side of the powerhead - embossed in the casting.

 

[nwcove]

Re: antique motor

thanks Jim, does 14415 seem right?

 

[JimS123]

Re: antique motor

Johnson serial number 14415 was built in 1930. But, there should also be a model number. That vintage models are X-YY, with the X being one or two letters and YY being a 2 digit number.

That's assuming its truly the SN. It could be a part #. The model # is usualy right above the SN.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: antique motor

Most Johnsons of that era had the model number on the rope sheave....

 

[nwcove]

Re: antique motor

thats the only # i can find.....and its stamped on the crankcase, port side bottom, where the iron clyinder mates to the aluminum. cant find anything that even resembles a # on the rope sheave???

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: antique motor

Got pics?

 

[nwcove]

Re: antique motor



its definitely a parts motor, or a wall hanger!!!! (but would like to know some specs on it).

thanks

 

[JimS123]

Re: antique motor

I'll guess its a 4 HP opposed twin. Maybe a A-50 or AZ-50 or OB-60. Look at the 4 curved ovals on the sheave below the Johnson name. Clean them with polish or steel wool and look for some embossed letters. They may be so faint you can't see them.

I bet I could get her to run.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: antique motor

Jim's right - the numbers, if there are any, should have been on the rope plate, under the HNS of JOHNSON. Only motors I've seen without the numbers stamped in the plate have had replacement plates. Not uncommon if the rope notches get busted off.
It's a Peterboro motor - very cool! Got any pics of the whole motor - close-ups are nice, but a pic of the whole thing might help ID it.

 

[nwcove]

Re: antique motor



heres some shots of he whole thing, prop is obviously wrong (any guess's as to what that prop came off of?), and the tiller handle is an add on, but i didnt expect much for the 20 bucks i ended up getting it for.
it should clean up ok, and make a nice rec-room decoration! i did scuff off the spots on the rope start, but they are blank.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: antique motor

Looks like a 1927/28 model A-35, 2.5hp. Can't be an A-50 as that is an alternate fire motor, not an opposed cylinder.

Lots of those tiller handles have been replaced as the originals were quite shore.

 

[nwcove]

Re: antique motor

the seller said he thought it was a 1928 2hp, but wasnt 100% sure. (any thoughts on the "out of place looking prop?)

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: antique motor

Other than the color, prop looks right... Maybe someone was having fun anodizing things? Makes for a tough finish - cold have been run in silty or brackish water and they wanted a little extra protection? Who knows - lots can happen in 85+ years...

 

[nwcove]

Re: antique motor

good to hear that the prop looks right! it did look out of place with the blue finish. i picked up another peterboro motor....an oa-55 (1931?). it looks to be all there , except it has a different tank on it...looks like part of an old boiler system.

 

[Hydra-sport_Road-kill]

Re: antique motor

I have a noob question. As a frequent viewer of the Antique Road Show I've seen the appraiser of an antique explain how the value was diminished by the cleaning, painting and/or polishing of said antique item. Would this hold true for the 1928 boat motor?

 

[nwcove]

Re: antique motor

i dont think cleaning up an antique or vintage outboard would lower the value....even if its just used for display purposes. (who wants a motor dripping oil and smelling of stale gas in their "mancave"?) but i have heard of motors being over restored....ie....looking better than new, that wont even get looked at by judges at "motor meets". i guess it all depends on what you expect. jmo

 

[JimS123]

Re: antique motor

I have a noob question. As a frequent viewer of the Antique Road Show I've seen the appraiser of an antique explain how the value was diminished by the cleaning, painting and/or polishing of said antique item. Would this hold true for the 1928 boat motor?

For guns and antique furniture that might be true, but for old OBs, it's a little different.

An 80 year old outboard that is in 90% condition and has all the original paint and decals is worth a good buck. Replacing the coils and spark plugs will not diminish the value, but enhance it if it runs. If you have one like that it would be best to keep it in that condition.

That same motor that was a beater with dents and no paint, but has been restored to 100% pristine condition with correct paint and new decals will probably comand a higher asking price, but in reality bring the same price in the end.

So, to answer your question, depends on the starting point.

As far as judged motors at meets, a "correctly" restored motor will surely bring 100 points.