I **THINK** it's a 1961 MODEL RDS-23 JOHNSON

[SeaKaye12]

.....But; nowhere is the typical OMC ID plate...and nowhere on the block is the typical freezeplug with a serial number.

Can anyone inform me if there is a "secret" place where I can find the model number/serial #?

Nowhere on the transom bracket is there any evidence that an ID plate was ever there....

This engine is original paint Warm White; not silver (or grey) on the leg. Which led me to think it was a 1960. But; the cowling does not have the circular aluminum trim on the top.... so I'm leaning to 1961.....but pictures of other 61's show a grey or silver leg....

I wanna find some numbers! Please help?

Thanks!

 

[F_R]

Re: I **THINK** it's a 1961 MODEL RDS-23 JOHNSON

You just said they are missing. The main one is on the swivel bracket, between the stern brackets. It was there at one time. It didn't fall off. I guess you know why anybody would remove it. You know about the welsh plug also removed, you said.

 

[F_R]

Re: I **THINK** it's a 1961 MODEL RDS-23 JOHNSON

Does it have compression relief valves in the cyl head? yes=1960 or 61; no=1962-up
Does it take a 7/8" socket on the flywheel nut? Yes=1960 or 61; no=1962-up
Does it have a plug-in on the side for the elect cable? yes=1960; no 1961-up

And of course, it could be a 1959 35hp, y'know.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: I **THINK** it's a 1961 MODEL RDS-23 JOHNSON

A pic would help

As FR stated, when I see a motor with missing transom ID plate, and a gap where the welsh plug once sat, I tend to think that it was stolen at some time in its life.

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: I **THINK** it's a 1961 MODEL RDS-23 JOHNSON

Does it have compression relief valves in the cyl head? yes=1960 or 61; no=1962-up
Does it take a 7/8" socket on the flywheel nut? Yes=1960 or 61; no=1962-up
Does it have a plug-in on the side for the elect cable? yes=1960; no 1961-up

And of course, it could be a 1959 35hp, y'know.

Thanks F_R....that all helps. However; it's still not conclusive; eh? Look here:

Yes on the Compression Release Head

No on the 7/8" Flywheel Nut. It is 1 1/16

No on the Electrical Plug

Yes; I certainly understand why someone would remove ID tags; and looking at it again I do see where the welch plug would be; I never realized that they could just be removed like that and not replaced with another. I always thought they sealed the water jacket. I learned something But; aren't the transom ID plates riveted on? I don't see any evidence of where it once was.

Anyhow; here are some pictures. In the picture; the leg looks grey; it is in fact the same warm white as the cowling.

Thanks folks....

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: I **THINK** it's a 1961 MODEL RDS-23 JOHNSON

So; my flywheel nut is 1 1/16..... but I have a compression release head....

I'm hoping that since it is a 1 1/16 nut....that the powerhead is 1962 or later???? I was reading over on duckworks that the 60 and 61's had issues with broken cranks and sheared keys....

It's a Frankenrude with a sullied past? The compression release assembly is painted E'rude Blue....