Got my first boat, looking for info about the motor

[neo95]

Edit: I found the model number: VXL-11C<br /><br />Here are some pics. It says Johnson super sea horse electric on it. I got the boat from my brother who thinks the engine is a 60hp but isnt sure of the year. Maybe '69? Is there a way to figure out what year it is and what the HP is? I didnt see any serial numbers on it but maybe theres one hidden in there somewhere. I assume its a gas engine not electric since it has carbs and spark plugs.I know nothing about boats so any help is appreciated. I took some pics so you guys can take a look. Thanks very much.<br /><br />

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<br /><br />Also the motor needs something replaced. My brother thinks it is a magneeto possibly. The engine just stopped in the middle of the lake and wouldnt start. Nothing is seazed or anything. Heres a couple pics of the part. Can you guys tell me what it is? Thanks again.<br />

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[neo95]

Re: Got my first boat, looking for info about the motor

Well, Now that I found the model # I googled it. I found a forum that had some info. Does this seem right? <br />VXL-11C<br />Make: Johnson<br />Year: 1965<br />HP: 60<br />WOT RPMS: 4500<br />Displacement: 70.7CID<br />Cylinder configuration: V-4<br />Weight: 225 lbs<br />Gearcase ratio: 20:23<br />Fuel/Oil mix: 50:1 87 octane gas to TCW-3 rated outboard oil.<br />Spark plugs: Champion J4C gapped at .030"<br />Lower unit oil: If electric shift, use only Bombardier 'Premium Blend' gearcase lube. Otherwise, use 'HiVis' or standard 90W outboard gearcase oil.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Got my first boat, looking for info about the motor

Welcome to Iboats, Neo95!<br /><br />That looks a little familiar. <br />That's a manual shift, which is generally considered a real good thing. I don't know that ignition system at all, but many here do. They'll be along shortly. I think that's magneto ignition as opposed to battery, but they'll know for sure.<br /><br />In the mean time, have a look for posts by Iboats members Droll and Joe Reeves about the early V-4s. Since Joe has so many posts, you might want to limit the search by including "magneto" in the search terms. There's some very good information in the archives.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Got my first boat, looking for info about the motor

the thing in your hand is the distributer cap, and rotor, it is belt driven, and alot of thing could have happened for it to quit. the first thing you need to do is go to kencook.com and order a service manual for 1965 VX11. it is the engine specific manual for your motor. when trying to start stand clear of the propellor, because the electric shift defaults to forward gear if elect.flow is not going to the shifter in the foot. its worth repairing, and it comes with a Glastron, fun boats. if you decide to go to teleflex steering, let me know. i'm looking for that steering set up for an old boat i'm restoring. <tashasdaddy@comcast.net>

 

[ezeke]

Re: Got my first boat, looking for info about the motor

The motor started life with Champion J4J spark plugs. Someone will give you the current one, I'm sure.<br /><br />No high viscosity oil for electric shift.<br /><br />The part in the first picture is the distributer cap, part # 580292. Second picture is Housing and Sleeve Assembly Part 580288.<br /><br />When you call around to salvage yards, just ask for the whole distributer. Better yet the whole magneto assembly #580477.

 

[neo95]

Re: Got my first boat, looking for info about the motor

Awesome guys. Thanks so much for the quick responses. I will def. be getting a manual. So the word "electric" on the hood means electric shift? As in from reverse to forward maybe? <br />Tashasdaddy, as far as the teleflex steering goes, I'll need to do a search on that cause I dont know what it is. All I know is it has cables running through pullies from the steering wheel to the engine. It seems to move left and right fine so no need to change it I suppose. <br /><br />Dumb question, if its electric shift, why is there a lever that uses a cable from the front of the boat to the motor? So confused by all this new stuff. I will be searching this site all weekend to learn stuff. <br /><br />Last question Is the distrib. part of the magneto? Is it basically the whole unit from the pully down?<br /><br />Thanks folks

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Got my first boat, looking for info about the motor

The cable is for the throttle.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Got my first boat, looking for info about the motor

Paul Moir says it is mechanical shift and the parts diagram shows a mechanical shift. Your list said "If electric shift..." <br /><br />If the motor starts in neutral or shifts with a lever, the gearcase is probably mechanical. <br /><br />Actually, I can see the shift lever in your pix, so I know d'well it is a manual shift.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Got my first boat, looking for info about the motor

I was just looking at the mechanical shift lever in his picture. That second post is just a copy of an old post I had made, where rather than looking up if a V4-xx is a selectric shift I simply stated both cases.<br /><br />The distributer looking thing, the whole thing, is the magneto. It should generate sparks all by itself just from spinning.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Got my first boat, looking for info about the motor

Neo your doing fine for a newbie, we all make mistakes, even us old farts, keep asking questions, and give us as much info as you can. it will be a great boat, and a rewarding project.