Johnson seahorse 18

[SHickey]

Hello,

I picked up a Johnson seahorse 18 and I have a couple of questions about it.

The ID tag has the Model # as FD-14 and the SN is 2055290.

The motor turns over but it is stuck in forward. Any suggestions on how to free up the shifter??

Did this motor originally need a pressurized tank? And lastly, what was the fuel mixture ratio?

The mounting bracket has a crack in it so I would imagine that should be replaced before the motor is mounted to anything.

Any help with this old gal would be deeply appreciated!!

SH

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Johnson seahorse 18

She is a 1960.

Those 18 are pound for pound the best motors around.

If you slowly spin the prop with your foot, will it shift into neutral?

It will have a fuel pump and will use a single line tank.

Fuel mix is 24:1

The crack in the steering bracket happened a lot when motors tipped over or were dropped. Not too difficult to replace.

Check compression first, before buying any parts.

 

[racerone]

Re: Johnson seahorse 18

If throttle is advanced too far you can not shift out of gear.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Johnson seahorse 18

+1. These old FD/E model motors are great. You're in luck, '60 was the first year of the fuel pump, so you shouldn't need a two line tank. Just a regular single-line set up with standard OMC fittings. Be sure to run 24:1 along with Champion J6C plugs. You can get any routine parts you may need (carb kits, points & condensers, etc....) right here at iboats. Here are some handy links.

Maintaining Johnson E & FD Serie
http://www.*****************/parts/johnson-evinrude-parts.php?year=1961&hp=18&model=FD-15

 

[SHickey]

Re: Johnson seahorse 18

Thanks for the information!!

I will build a wooden stand for it tomorrow and play around with it. The motor has been stored in a garage and our temperatures have been very cold for a few weeks now.

I plan on setting it up in my basement and going through it this month and see if it will shift, spark and eventually run.

Any suggestions on how best to do the compression check. I have a compression tester, but have not used it in a long time.

SH

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Johnson seahorse 18

Pull out both plugs. Ground spark plug leads to block. I use small leads with alligator clips on both ends. One end shoved into boot, the other clipped onto powerhead bolt. Install gauge into a cylinder. Pull over 5 to 6 times or so until gauge stops moving. Note reading. Repeat for second cylinder.

You will be in the 100 to 145 psi range. Should be equal or within 10 percent of one another for good running. That is with a known good gauge.

After compression test, inspect ignition to see if the coils have already been done. If not, and are cracked, they are nfg.

 

[SHickey]

Re: Johnson seahorse 18

Hello,

I did the compression test and I got 120 PSI in both cylinders. I have spark on both cylinders and the unit shifts perfectly when the throttle handle in in the low speed setting.

I removed the carb because I wanted to clean it out. I noticed the outside flap shuts down in the choke position (as it should ) but the inside flap (gate) does not open all the way when the handle in in the high speed position. It only seems to open @ 20%. I guess I can adjust the linkage and possible replace the cylinder that rides on the flywheel that is responsible for opening this gate.

Does anyone have any initial carb settings I should start with when I try to start this motor?

If I can get this motor running and shifting, does it have any value in the "vintage" motor market considering it was manufactured in 1960?

Thanks for your help!!

 

[racerone]

Re: Johnson seahorse 18

The motor must be shifted to forward gear before throttle will open all the way.----Value depends on a willing buyer and willing seller.-----------Many folks love these motors and they have already bought one or 2 of them.---------------For folks who do not know how to do their own repair these motors are worthless.---Most big repair shops refuse to work on them.--------A thorough ignition overhaul costs more in $$ amount than what the motor sold for new.------They typically sell for $ 100 as is or $ 300 for a good runner.

 

[nwcove]

Re: Johnson seahorse 18

Hello,

If I can get this motor running and shifting, does it have any value in the "vintage" motor market considering it was manufactured in 1960?

Thanks for your help!!

as a non runner as of now, in my neck of the woods it could sell for $150. BUT, if you spend $150 and some time getting it running well, it could go for $300.!!

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Johnson seahorse 18

yeah, have to enjoy working on them. Initial carb setting is typically 1 1/2 open for low speed. If a high speed needle, I usually do 3/4 to 1 turn open initially.

 

[SHickey]

Re: Johnson seahorse 18

Thank you for the info.

I had no idea the throttle plate does not open all the way UNLESS the motor is in forward. The explains a lot. I will do the carb settings this week, throw her in a trash can filled with water and see if she will fire up.

My past experience with these old motors is that they are pretty forgiving and can run pretty well under adverse conditions on incompetent motor tuners (like myself).

Thanks again

 

[SHickey]

Re: Johnson seahorse 18

Hello,

I got the motor running but it had some popping sounds when I was trying to get it to idle. The low speed needle did not seem to make much difference. I was running a richer than normal 24:1 oil to gas ratio just because the motor had not been run so long.

I will run it again tomorrow with the correct fuel ration and see how it does.

I may need to clean up the points and reset them if it still runs rough. Could anyone tell me what the point setting is and how difficult the flywheel is to remove if I need to??

It spits out water, smokes up the garage and shifts, so at least I'm moving in the right direction.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Johnson seahorse 18

If richening (turning CCW) the low speed needle did not smooth out the lean sneeze, you may have an ignition miss. Hook up inline neon spark testers, or use timing lights to see if you can see the erratic spark when it is acting up.

Points are set to 020. You will need a harmonic balancer puller to get the flywheel off. Check out the Top Secret Files for help with this. There are a few good articles in there. Save me from typing it all out.

 

[SHickey]

Re: Johnson seahorse 18

Thank you Chris for the advice.

I am pretty sure I have a puller in my pile of tools. Inspecting the points and resetting them should have probably have been done before I even attempted to start the motor.

Thanks for the top secret page. It will be very helpful as I go through this motor.

SH