Johnson V4's from late 50's

[tmcalavy]

Need input/advce/opinions on the Johnson super sea horse V4 outboards of the late 50's...specifically 1959 and 50 to 75 hp. Any input on performance, reliability, efficiency, etc. is appreciated.<br /><br />TWM

 

[Hooty]

Re: Johnson V4's from late 50's

Hey Tim,<br />The fact that it's still here and runnin' should count for quite a lot don' ya think?<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[dpminc]

Re: Johnson V4's from late 50's

Bring two gas cans!! j/k<br />50 Hp "fat fifty's" Ok engine if you are a tinkerer. Lowers will somtimes jump out of gear, but a fix back in the 60's(??) was supposed to fix this. Parts are available at www.tcoutboard.com ,here in the twin cities.<br />They really do use the gas though!!!

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Johnson V4's from late 50's

Gee, you guys are quite kind. Other comments have ranged from "quite reliable" to "gravy sucking pigs" which I guess refers to gas consumption. All OB's of this vintage are good tech as far as I'm concerned. Just wanted some independent comments. thanks. Again, any input is welcome.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Johnson V4's from late 50's

Tim.... The 50hp V/4 engines were built in 1958 1nd 1959. The first 75hp was introduced in 1960, an electric start, mechanical shift model that could be upgraded with a generator kit. These engines had a three ring piston setup and were quite the workhorses of their day. When tuned properly, at full throttle, you could expect to burn 6 gallons of fuel in 45 minutes. In cruising range (go to full throttle, then back off to approximately 3/4 throttle) whereas you had full spark advance, but the throttle butterfly backed off drastically, 6 gallons would last approximately 2 hours. Their average weight was about 245 pounds.