Johnson 5HP Seahorse

[EarleW]

I just purchase a vintage Johnson outboard, I believe it's a 1949 or 50, but not sure, I'm going to try and start it this weekend, when I pull the string it has good compression, I think it will start when I put fuel/oil in the tank. I didn't want to open her up for the model number not unless I have to. This model has the Sea Horse in script writing. Can anyone tell me what model it might be?

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Johnson 5HP Seahorse

Right by the base of the powerhead, where it mounts to the midsection, you will see some numbers stamped. You won't have to open it up to see them, eventhough it would be a good idea to, just to see how things look inside. It's probably an old TD model. TN's will have a neutral shifter.

 

[Mas]

Re: Johnson 5HP Seahorse

Here's a video of mine...a TN-26

http://youtu.be/F-Ii22TMMeo

Mas

 

[EarleW]

Re: Johnson 5HP Seahorse

Right by the base of the powerhead, where it mounts to the midsection, you will see some numbers stamped. You won't have to open it up to see them, eventhough it would be a good idea to, just to see how things look inside. It's probably an old TD model. TN's will have a neutral shifter.

Thanks, I found it, turned out it wasn't TN or TD the guy I bought it from said it was a 5HP, either he didn't know and thought it was or he was outright lying, paid $100 for it. Turns out its an HD 25, which is 2.5 HP. Thanks again 1946Zephyr.

 

[Mas]

Re: Johnson 5HP Seahorse

I'm sure the guy wasn't lying... just didn't know. The only visual difference is their size. If one was trying to determine its ID from a picture, it would be easy to conclude a 5 hp.

Either way, the HD is a fun motor to have. Also, make sure you run lots of oil in your mix...16:1 ratio.

Mas

 

[Mas]

Re: Johnson 5HP Seahorse

Here's a link that will help with the water pump:

http://hoodad.fortunecity.com/td20lowerunit.html

Mas

 

[EarleW]

Re: Johnson 5HP Seahorse

Here's a link that will help with the water pump:

http://hoodad.fortunecity.com/td20lowerunit.html

Mas

Mas you are great, thanks for all the help, yes I do believe now that he did not know the model. Thanks for the link also, it's people like you who makes me believe in people. I'm going to try to start her up today, going to pickup 2 cycle marine oil and some gas, just to see if she pees, but I'm not going to run her long, I want to make sure things are clean in the lower unit and check out her carb. Again thanks for all your help, I was going to put a 24:1 gas/oil ratio but after further research you are absolutely right a thicker mix would be better (16:1). I'll keep you posted BTW if you want any original decals or paint I found a place called nymarine.com, they have all the original decals and paint, it's a little pricey and its in Canada, so shipping is almost as expensive as the paint.

 

[Mas]

Re: Johnson 5HP Seahorse

Good luck...sounds like you're hooked!

Keep us posted. How a bout some pics?

Mas

 

[EarleW]

Re: Johnson 5HP Seahorse

Good luck...sounds like you're hooked!

Keep us posted. How a bout some pics?

Mas

Thanks Mas, I tried this weekend and she did not start, after I put gas in her shook it up I found grit in the gas tank, so I'm going to clean her out and try again, I believe the gas valve was closed when I tried to start her, that's probably why she didn't start. That's probably a good thing, because after I put her up, that's when I felt grit on the gas cap. I'll post pics up when I try to start her again.

 

[TN-25]

Re: Johnson 5HP Seahorse

Earle, those are peculiar little motors in that they are rotary valve 2-strokes, not reed valve 2-strokes. It means that rather than relying on a reed valve to keep the fuel mix moving one direction only, they instead pressurize the mix in the crankcase and it then enters via a 3rd port. You will notice that the carb is on the side of the motor, not the front. You may have also noticed a little L-shaped rod that hangs upside down at the front of the motor. That little rod is for the fuel flow at low speed running. It is possible to run that motor without the carburator functioning. If that lever is closed all the way you will not get fuel into the engine. Just be aware.

Anyway, here is a link that you will find especially useful for that 2? and its big brother the 5: http://pochefamily.org/outboard/

 

[EarleW]

Re: Johnson 5HP Seahorse

Thank you TN-25, that's alot of useful information, btw, where is the gas valve on this motor? in the instruction on the front of the motor: it says open gas valve, turn that pin lever on the bottom front of the motor and prime the pump 3-5 times. Maybe I was doing something wrong when I was trying to start her (didn't know what gas valve they were talking about). When I clean her up (gas tank, lower unit etc.) I want to know I'm doing it right. Your help is much appreciated. Thanks again TN-25.

 

[TN-25]

Re: Johnson 5HP Seahorse

To give you an idea about the low speed needle (or gas valve as you call it) at the front of the motor (the little L rod) & high speed needle adjustment on the carburator, take a look at the attachment below. It is from a 1940s Johnson TS/TD manual (5 horse) but the HD (2?) is the little brother of those motors and works on the same principles.
I recommend right-clicking on the attachments to open in another tab or page. Then you can see them full size.

 

[EarleW]

Re: Johnson 5HP Seahorse

Hey guys just wanted to thank you guys so much for your help, this weekend I cleaned the tank out and put fresh gas/oil (16:1) ratio, she started right up. She was peeing in an odd place that I wasn't expecting, right below the transom mount. There are two holes. I hope this is where she is supposed to pee. Anyway once she started and I adjusted to slow speed pin, she started on first pull every time. Great little motor. I'll upload some pics after work.

 

[EarleW]

Re: Johnson 5HP Seahorse

Hi guys, I have a pic with her running it's my (HD-25) 2.5 HP.

 

[nwcove]

Re: Johnson 5HP Seahorse

new profile pic?? looks like shes running a bit warm!!

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Johnson 5HP Seahorse

Nice original decal. Are you missing the lower cowl?

Be sure that the water line is above the water pump, it is not self priming, needs to be submerged to properly function.

 

[EarleW]

Re: Johnson 5HP Seahorse

Nice original decal. Are you missing the lower cowl?

Be sure that the water line is above the water pump, it is not self priming, needs to be submerged to properly function.

No I have the lower cowl, just making sure it runs, I was going to check the spark plugs, but they are good. Yes I submerged it low enough it was peeing so it was pumping water. Once I change the lower unit gear oil, I'll post another picture with the cowl on. There's a place in Canada you can order decals looks exactly like the originals. Johnson was based in Canada.