Johnson SeaHorse HD-25 Questions

[Shekky2]

I just picked up this 2.5hp outboard and have a couple of questions. Can I determine the exact year of production from the serial number? It is 664637.<br />Does anyone make rebuild kits for this engine and who? Thanks, this newbie would appreciate any info you can provide.<br /><br />Shekky

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Johnson SeaHorse HD-25 Questions

Yes you can.<br /><br />664637 indicates it's a 1948 model. The range for that year was 614515-698874.<br /><br />I don't see any rebuild kits out there, but you can scrounge around for parts. Good haunts are:<br />laingoutboards.com<br />vintageoutboard.com<br />nymarine.ca<br /><br />I think nymarine has reproduction rings. Anything specific you're after?

 

[Shekky2]

Re: Johnson SeaHorse HD-25 Questions

Thanks Paul,<br /><br />She runs, but in the long run will probably need to be rebuilt. The tiny springs on top of the pull start are shot and that is what I will be searching for first. Additionally, I'd like to get the tune up specs (plug gap, lube specs, etc.) while I wait for a manual to arrive. <br /><br />Shekky

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Johnson SeaHorse HD-25 Questions

These older, smaller Johnson engines seem to run forever without wearing out. Usually the death that befalls an outboard is from neglect alone. If you have decent compression right now and you take care of it, you can expect a long service life from your outboard.<br />Fuel oil mix is 24:1. Use 87 octane gas and TC-W3 outboard oil. I belive the original ratio was 16:1.<br />Spark plugs should be Champion J8C gapped at .030". The original plug, J8J, was superceeded by the J8C. It's easily found.<br />I'm not sure about the lower unit lube on that one. Some of those early ones used a very light grease "lubriplate 105" rather than oil. Wait for the manual for that one.<br />I'm afraid I have no source for the springs, but that reminded me of this post:<br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=28;t=024863 <br />tcoutboard.com would be one of the first places I would look for those springs, along with laingsoutboard.com <br />Google "Stone and Sons Marine" too - they've often got hard to find, NOS parts.<br /><br />Hope this helps!

 

[Shekky2]

Re: Johnson SeaHorse HD-25 Questions

Paul,<br /><br />You REALLY know this stuff!!! Thanks for your help and I am sure I'll be posting again! I like the idea of fabricating those springs myself as I am an old hotrodder and spent (mis-spent?) most of my youth doing the same thing on cars. <br /><br />Best Regards,<br />Shekky

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Johnson SeaHorse HD-25 Questions

If the idea of making a couple springs doesn't bother you, then you'll have no problem wrenching your HD-25. Since some service parts are very hard to find (gaskets, carb bits, etc) there's going to be some improvising involved.<br />Of course you can go too far with these things. Click my little 'Man-next-to-house' icon by my post to see what I mean.

 

[Shekky2]

Re: Johnson SeaHorse HD-25 Questions

WOW!!! What is that? The Terminator?