Old Johnson Restore

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CJTaylor

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I just pickup this old Johnson 1956 30 hp. Any suggestion on restoring it would be great. Model number RDE-18 was told that it did start and pump water, will find out when I get into. cjtaylor:)
 

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BigB9000

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Re: Old Johnson Restore

That is one short shaft!

Anyway, you have yourself a sand blasting cabinet yet?
 
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tmcalavy

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Re: Old Johnson Restore

One of the best OMC motors ever made. Check the Top Secret File at the top of the Johnson/Evinrude forum...the Awakening A Sleeping Outboard thread tells you how to proceed.
 
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CJTaylor

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Re: Old Johnson Restore

While checking this engine I found out that it is 6 volt. Is there an easy way to change this to a 12 volt system? :confused:
 
jbjennings

jbjennings

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Re: Old Johnson Restore

I have the same motor. Keep the 6 volt starter. Just get your motor tuned right before you use the starter so that you only need to crank it a few seconds before it starts and the 6 volt should be fine with a 12 volt battery. The 6 volt electric choke, however, is a different story. I'm thinking of getting a resistor and putting it in series so it will reduce the voltage so I can use the 6 volt choke. I'll post on your thread if I get one pretty soon if you're interested so you'll know where I got it. I'm going to try radio shack.
My motor cranks over nicely with the 6volt starter.
JBJ
 
wbeaton

wbeaton

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Re: Old Johnson Restore

jbjennings said:
I have the same motor. Keep the 6 volt starter. Just get your motor tuned right before you use the starter so that you only need to crank it a few seconds before it starts and the 6 volt should be fine with a 12 volt battery. The 6 volt electric choke, however, is a different story. I'm thinking of getting a resistor and putting it in series so it will reduce the voltage so I can use the 6 volt choke. I'll post on your thread if I get one pretty soon if you're interested so you'll know where I got it. I'm going to try radio shack.
My motor cranks over nicely with the 6volt starter.
JBJ
Click to expand...

I just picked up a 12V choke solenoid at a club meet for $10. Actually, I got the whole carb (I think) to an early 1960's 40 hp. The solenoid is the same just 12V instead of 6V.

Have fun removing the paint. Coils, impeller and probably gearcase reseal will be required. You might also consider new a carb kit and points and condensors.
 
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CJTaylor

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Re: Old Johnson Restore

This is great information. I was hoping to use a 12 volt and any other information would be great since I am just getting into it. Is there some why to tell a 12 volt from a 6 volt? cjtaylor
 
wbeaton

wbeaton

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Re: Old Johnson Restore

CJTaylor said:
This is great information. I was hoping to use a 12 volt and any other information would be great since I am just getting into it. Is there some why to tell a 12 volt from a 6 volt? cjtaylor
Click to expand...

Not that I now of. Just make sure it comes from a 1957 or newer. Its very unlikely anyone would switch out the 12V system for 6V on a newer motor.
 
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CJTaylor

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Re: Old Johnson Restore

Thank for the information. Something that I need to find out is the two line gas system from the tank. I do have the tank but it has a lot of parts missing. Is a two line system needed or can it be changed to a one line? cjtaylor
 
wbeaton

wbeaton

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Re: Old Johnson Restore

It can be converted to a single line tank. It'll be cheaper to buy a good pressure tank in the long run, but its your choice.
 
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CJTaylor

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Re: Old Johnson Restore

Are pressurized gas cans available for this type of two line hook up?:confused:
 
1946Zephyr

1946Zephyr

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Re: Old Johnson Restore

wbeaton said:
Not that I now of. Just make sure it comes from a 1957 or newer. Its very unlikely anyone would switch out the 12V system for 6V on a newer motor.
Click to expand...

You could take it to a auto electric shop and they could tell you, by the numbers. If you don't want to remove the starter, then I would just get all the numbers off of it and see what they find:cool:

Last year, a customer of mine spent 200 bucks having a starter for his Starfight 75hp:eek:
 
wbeaton

wbeaton

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Re: Old Johnson Restore

1946Zephyr said:
You could take it to a auto electric shop and they could tell you, by the numbers. If you don't want to remove the starter, then I would just get all the numbers off of it and see what they find:cool:

Last year, a customer of mine spent 200 bucks having a starter for his Starfight 75hp:eek:
Click to expand...

Sorry, for the confusion. I meant you can't tell the 6V solenoid from the 12V. The 6V starter has a removeable band around the bottom whereas the 12V does not.
 
14ftgrumman

14ftgrumman

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Re: Old Johnson Restore

You can convert the dual line to a single, but it takes some extra parts and some ingunity.
Best to find a pressure tank on fleabay or a used parts dealer. Just make sure that the inside is not rusted.
 
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BoatBuoy

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Re: Old Johnson Restore

jbjennings said:
...I'm thinking of getting a resistor and putting it in series so it will reduce the voltage so I can use the 6 volt choke. I'll post on your thread if I get one pretty soon if you're interested so you'll know where I got it. I'm going to try radio shack.
My motor cranks over nicely with the 6volt starter.
JBJ
Click to expand...

Here's a thread with a conversation between me and Paul Moir and how I built a 12volt-to-6volt solenoid resistor, with Paul's help.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=1143275&highlight=resistor#post1143275
 
C

CJTaylor

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Re: Old Johnson Restore

I am finlly getting some parts in for the start of rebuild. Question the face plate has a slot that takes a cable. I have an idea that it is for a engine cut out? If this is the case what does it hook up to and will the motor start if I leave it off? thanks :confused:
 
samo_ott

samo_ott

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Jun 18, 2006
Messages
5,125
Re: Old Johnson Restore

As usual a good thread. Just a note that that engine was only made that one year so cowling parts can be tougher to find like the face plate. I have the same engine that I might get running one of these years.... It sure does need a paint job though! Btw, where is Starke, it looks like it's in the Florida snow belt? :)
 
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CJTaylor

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Jan 25, 2010
Messages
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Re: Old Johnson Restore

So far so good I have been able to find a face plate, two line gas can, starter parts, junction box, several manuals. I can also get parts for the water pump so if there are no majors blow out I should see it run one of these days. I found a 14 foot Starcraft 1965/69? to put it on and am currently getting it ready to paint. Then replace the wood and get the trailer rebuild. If that all comes together I will go fishing. Starke is located between Gainesville and Jacksonville, since I am from Michigan no no no snow. :)
 
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