old johnson outboard

[fast525]

What year and size is my Johnson outboard model#RDE 18 O serial # 145830 ? I've been told it's a 1957-59 35 hp.Thanks ,Jeff

 

[alcan]

Re: old johnson outboard

Hi JHM<br />Your motor is a 1956 30hp.

 

[fast525]

Re: old johnson outboard

Thanks , I don't suppose you know of anyone that could identify a 1950's era twin cockpit aluminum runabout do you? I've had the boat for 4 yrs and no one can seem to figure out what it is .Thanks again, Jeff

 

[steelespike]

Re: old johnson outboard

JHM, Post a couple of pictures with good detail<br />some one will probably know.

 

[fireman 757]

Re: old johnson outboard

I have a 1956 35hp johnson that I just went through. runs great. If you ever have a problem with it not idleing halfway smooth these engines have a cutout switch that will go bad. this part is unavailable but you don't need it. According to bombadier (used to be omc) just remove it and reconnect the wires. I did this on mine and there is no problem now. the only other thing I do not like about this engine is the springs on the pull start. The fall out easily and it won't recoil without a little coaxing. These babies are 4 bucks each.

 

[fast525]

Re: old johnson outboard

alcan , I got to looking at the cowling and could make out a very faded seahorse 35 . could it be a 56 35 hp,also did the '56 come w/ an electric start . This one has a starter on it .

 

[oldboat1]

Re: old johnson outboard

Johnson and Evinrude began producing a 35hp model in 1957. If you have a '56, you have a 30 hp model. If you have an electric start, it's important to know whether it's a '56 or a '57. The '56 was a 6-volt system, and the '57s and later had a 12-volt system. You might want to check the model number stamped on one of the freeze plugs on the block.

 

[fast525]

Re: old johnson outboard

Sorry , I left one # of the serial # . The correct # is 1458370(D). I'm not sure if the last number is a 0 or D. The starter is 12 volt.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: old johnson outboard

Well, according to the Old Outboard Book, the serial number would also indicate it is a 1956 -- consistent with the model number. It could have been converted to 12 volt, of course -- and the hood could be from a '57 or '58.....

 

[fast525]

Re: old johnson outboard

would the cowling be the right one for the '56 except for the 35 hp sticker ?

 

[alcan]

Re: old johnson outboard

Hi JHM<br />Yes, the cowlings are the same. Over the years things get broken and replaced. this cowling swap is fairly comman. I don't know exactly when OMC first offered elect start. I have parts manuals showing it from the early fifties. I belive they had it on some pre-war models?? (I'd have to look that up.) Your 30hp has more in comman with the 25hp than it dose with the 35hp. Everything in the 35hp was bigger and more robust. Not to worry, the 25's and 30's were plenty tough. I owen three 25's, all run great, In fact I'm taking the family trout fishing this long weekend and I'm useing one of em.

 

[fast525]

Re: old johnson outboard

Thanks guys , I also found out last night that my boat is a '54 or '55 Lone Star Admiral. I really appreciate all the help and in the words of AAAnold :I'LL BE BACK . Jeffrey H. Miley