Best old 35-40hp motor to look for.

[bikecop1]

New to the forum. Getting ready to pick up an old aluminum runabout and wanted to know what some of the older 35-40hp motors to look for to restore the boat. Boat is from the 50's.

 

[Ross72]

Re: Best old 35-40hp motor to look for.

I would look for a 60's evinrude big twin They are very easy to work on, parts are available right here on iboats, and they are reliable. If you look around one shouldn't be hard to find, thousands were made.

A late 50's model would also work for you, but you may need a pressure tank depending on the year.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Best old 35-40hp motor to look for.

Welcome aboard!

To be honest I would state any 1955 on up Johnson/Evinrude that you can find. A bullet proof design, easy to work on and maintain and most parts are still readily available and reasonable..
Of course while doing your search things to look for. 1st I would try to find one that is clean and complete that hasn't been goobled together from a bunch of "parts" motors. Running is a bonus but not necesarily. If at all possible see and hear it run. Check that it shifts easily and engages in both directions and doesn't slip or jump. Check lower unit oil for water or a milky color. Do or have done a compression test! Check over all the wiring for frayed, brittle and cracked wires. Look on the transom clamp bracket for the model ID tag. If it's not there it makes it harder to ID when you need to find parts. To me those are the most important. All else can be reasonably repaired like the carb and ignition. Basically you want to weed out the worn out junks. Also try to find one that comes with the controls as those can become quite pricey. Good luck with your search, there are alot of'm out there to be had!

 

[lindy46]

Re: Best old 35-40hp motor to look for.

Agree with above. '50-60's 35-40hp motors are very reliable and with proper care will last another 50 years. I run a 1957 Lark (35hp) on my pontoon and have never been stranded. She starts everytime, runs good and trolls like a dream. Easy to work on and maintain. I like the pressure tank motors - no fuel pump so one less thing to go wrong. Before buying, check compression. If compression is good, most everything else can be fixed pretty easily.

 

[bikecop1]

Re: Best old 35-40hp motor to look for.

I have found a 35 hp super seahorse. Were these good ones? Could probably get it for around 200.00 with controls.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Best old 35-40hp motor to look for.

I have found a 35 hp super seahorse. Were these good ones? Could probably get it for around 200.00 with controls.

What year? I tend to avoid any electric shift lower units.
My favorites are up to 1973 40 HP manual shifts

 

[Ross72]

Re: Best old 35-40hp motor to look for.

Yes, that is a fine motor. Be sure to check it out as stated above. Check compression (if you don't have one you can "borrow" one from an auto parts store). You would want the numbers to be within 10% of each other and roughly above 90 psi. Also, check the lower unit for milky oil and or water, could also check for spark with a tester from any auto parts store about $8.

If the above looks good and it shifts into gear, I would say it is probably worth it with controls, especially if it runs. I would offer $150 and see where it goes from there. Also, look closely at the paint on the powerhead for discoloration or scorching. This would indicate an overheating problem at some point, which could lead to problems.

Finally, replace the impeller, it's cheap insurance and you don't know the last time it was changed.

Oh yea, I almost forgot: Get a service manual

 

[bikecop1]

Re: Best old 35-40hp motor to look for.

Here is a picture of it. Looks to be in good condition from the pic. What can the motor experts tell me about it?

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Best old 35-40hp motor to look for.

That's a 58 motor. The first year of the super quiet suspension and the second year of production for the 35hp. No electic shift to worry about, for these are all manual. This would be a good candidate and it looks like it should restore nicely.

 

[bikecop1]

Re: Best old 35-40hp motor to look for.

I was told it last ran in December and that it looks like the carb was replaced. Interested it what the compression is. Did this take a regular gas can or a pressurized one?

 

[Ross72]

Re: Best old 35-40hp motor to look for.

From the pic and if I can remember correctly, it requires a pressure tank. If the fitting on the motor has 3 "pins" it takes a pressure tank if 2 "pins" regular tank.

The only other thing I can think of is that the motor appears to be a short shaft. Make sure that your transom requires a short shaft motor (approx. 15" in height). Long shaft transom would be about 20".

The motor looks good and I think you would be happy with it.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Best old 35-40hp motor to look for.

Those came either way. That was the year on that particular motor, where the fuel pump was available as an option. The best way to tell, is to look at the fuel line connection on the motor, which in your picture, is between your throttle cable hookup and the throttle speed indicator. The pressure type system will have two hoses going to it and the fuel pump model will have a single hose. I do see two holes in your lower shroud, behind the fuel connector, so it's likely the pressure type system. If the tank is available, be sure that it isn't rusted out and it works properly. If not, then it would be simpler to convert it to the fuel pump system, than to scout out a good replacement tank. That model also came stock with a rebuildable fuel pump, but you can also convert it to a later style fuel pump, from a later 28 or 33hp motor. Your upper bypass cover should have the bosses molded in the casting, so you can remove it and drill the holes to accept the fuel pump.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Best old 35-40hp motor to look for.

Next question. Is that an electric start? If so ask if they have the "box" that contains the starter solenoid and electrial connection to the engine. From my experience that is one of the hardest pieces to find a good one that isn't all corroded.
Also agree, that one looks like a fine specimen and should clean up nicely! At the very least check the compression. For that price, all else can be repaired or replaced.

 

[bream master]

Re: Best old 35-40hp motor to look for.

New to the forum. Getting ready to pick up an old aluminum runabout and wanted to know what some of the older 35-40hp motors to look for to restore the boat. Boat is from the 50's.

Look for a 1978 johnson seahorse,they r bullet proof and inexpensive to repair shall anything go wrong.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Best old 35-40hp motor to look for.

A 78 Johnson Seahorse wouldn't look good on an antique boat such as this. This 58 Super Seahorse would.

Yes, those motors are typically electric start. BTW, when you do your compression test, make suer that the compression releases are in good working order. If those little valves happen to be stuck open, then your readings will be false. Take the compression test with the actuator arm remmoved also.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Best old 35-40hp motor to look for.

I believe a generator was an option on those motors.It will be visable opposite the starter.
Output is quite low. and charges when over 1500 rpm I think.Ignition is self generating and doesn't need the battery.
On a vintage boat a generator isn't necessary the motor can be started many,many times
on one charge and running lites draw little.It is suggested to charge regularly to extend battery life.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Best old 35-40hp motor to look for.

I had a 1959 Johnson 35 that served me well for many years. Knowing what I know now as a result of this forum, I would recommend 1964 & later JohnnyRude 40HP motors because they have all roller-bearings instead of bushings in the powerhead AND can safely run 50:1 oil mixture. The link below will get you to a wiring diagram for the 1958 Johnson above so you can identify components that should be there. While this particular link is for non-generator models, everything is the same except the blue & yellow wires are the generator connections. I will add an edit later with the correct connections for the generator field & armature. Good luck!

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s311/frankr_photos/Wiring1958_6135_40hpwithoutgenerato.jpg

EDIT: Blue to Field, Yellow to Armature with a voltage regulator connected likewise in the Junction Box.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Best old 35-40hp motor to look for.

I had a 1959 Johnson 35 that served me well for many years. Knowing what I know now as a result of this forum, I would recommend 1964 & later JohnnyRude 40HP motors because they have all roller-bearings instead of bushings in the powerhead AND can safely run 50:1 oil mixture. The link below will get you to a wiring diagram for the 1958 Johnson above so you can identify components that should be there. While this particular link is for non-generator models, everything is the same except the blue & yellow wires are the generator connections. I will add an edit later with the correct connections for the generator field & armature. Good luck!

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s311/frankr_photos/Wiring1958_6135_40hpwithoutgenerato.jpg

Actually, all the Big Twin class motors had roller bearings in the crank and rods, back to 1951. The 10hp, 15hp and 18hp's did as well. It was the 7.5hp and smaller that was the bushing set up.

 

[Ross72]

Re: Best old 35-40hp motor to look for.

So what's the verdict? Did you get a chance to check it out? I love the old johnyrudes, and would enjoy seeing another one brought back to life.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Best old 35-40hp motor to look for.

Those look really nice, all restored. I would like to see it brought back to life too