Johnson Seahorse Year??

[ddrieck]

Hello Everyone,
I'm hoping someone can help me out with the year and hp of a small Johnson outboard I just aquired today.

Model# TD-20
S/N 507516

This outboard looks to be vintage, say pre 1950. Also, what mixture ratio should I use with this engine? Will it be OK to run a newer 2 stroke oil in it or should I stick with a non-detergent 40 weight?

Thanks in Advance

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Johnson Seahorse Year??

TD-20 are I think 46-49 . I have one on the stand right now. Just got spark in both cylinders on it.

 

[lyncraft_mechanic]

Re: Johnson Seahorse Year??

it is a 1946-49 5hp johnson, you can probably pin point the exact year using the serial number but only dealers have access to that info. for future reference check this website out http://www.maxrules.com you shouldn't have any problems with modern 2 stroke oil and i would run 50:1 mix.

 

[ddrieck]

Re: Johnson Seahorse Year??

Thank you,
I thought it looked rather old. I just fired it up about an hour ago on a test stand in a test tank of water and it really purr's for its age.

Seems to be missing the recoil assembly and the lower cowl cover. Any thoughts at to what this outboard might be worth?

Darren

 

[jasper60103]

Re: Johnson Seahorse Year??

I've been noticing one on craigslist for couple months for $175. The labels look good, but it doesn't say if it runs or not.

 

[tin knocker]

Re: Johnson Seahorse Year??

Try www.aomci.org and post a want ad on the webvertise section. Someone will have the parts that are missing.

 

[TN-25]

Re: Johnson Seahorse Year??

I run my vintage Johnson 5 on modern TCW-3 oil. I would definitely NOT run it at 50:1. I think they originally called for 16:1 on the straight h.d. 40 oil, but running 24:1 on TCW-3 oil is what you should do now. I broke mine in with new rings on 16:1 and plan to run it at 24:1 next season.

Where would you find straight h.d. 40 oil now anyway?

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Johnson Seahorse Year??

I agree 50:1 is not enough oil. 24:1 at least.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Johnson Seahorse Year??

I run my vintage Johnson 5 on modern TCW-3 oil. I would definitely NOT run it at 50:1. I think they originally called for 16:1 on the straight h.d. 40 oil, but running 24:1 on TCW-3 oil is what you should do now. I broke mine in with new rings on 16:1 and plan to run it at 24:1 next season.

Where would you find straight h.d. 40 oil now anyway?

straight oil is available, but you never want to run hd oil anyway. ND oil is what you want and it is available also. The chain parts stores will not carry it, but the smaller ones will.

 

[iasledder]

Re: Johnson Seahorse Year??

I run my 25 HD on 50:1 all the time. Back when 50:1 came out the manufactures stated no problem running 50:1. I have quite a few antique 2 cycle motors and have run them all on 50:1, and still do.

Not sure about your serial number, but often times the numbers indicate the year. It's possible yours is a 1945, first build year for this motor.