Old Motor Help

[horseshoes]

Have a chance to buy a 16 ft john/trailer and 18 hp johnson motor and I'm wondering if someone can tell me the year of the motor. Model # is FD-12
S/N is 708 581. Motor runs great just trying to figure out the year. And yes it's a Sea horse.Thanks in advance.

 

[lbentz]

Re: Old Motor Help

Your motor is a 1958. These are great motors and if it's in good condition, it will offer years of good service. I would check over the condition of the ignition system and lower unit, before you put it out to the water. On the flywheel, you'll see a small access cover where you can get a visual of the coils. If you see cracks on the outsides of them, then I would replace them.
Check the oil in the lower unit and see if it is milky white. If it is, then there may be a bad seal, under the water pump or prop. These are the only two main things to watch out for. Fortunately, these are not bad issues and if the motor and boat are in good condition, it's worth the time and effort to replace them. Doing so would only better your performance and reliability.
These motors were also built with the best hardware and hold up better than the newer ones.

Good Luck. I hope you have good service with it.

Leon

 

[horseshoes]

Re: Old Motor Help

Your motor is a 1958. These are great motors and if it's in good condition, it will offer years of good service. I would check over the condition of the ignition system and lower unit, before you put it out to the water. On the flywheel, you'll see a small access cover where you can get a visual of the coils. If you see cracks on the outsides of them, then I would replace them.
Check the oil in the lower unit and see if it is milky white. If it is, then there may be a bad seal, under the water pump or prop. These are the only two main things to watch out for. Fortunately, these are not bad issues and if the motor and boat are in good condition, it's worth the time and effort to replace them. Doing so would only better your performance and reliability.
These motors were also built with the best hardware and hold up better than the newer ones.

Good Luck. I hope you have good service with it.

Leon

Thanks Leon. I thought maybe it was in the 50's.As for the running part they were using the boat and motor during the last Flood on the Mississippi back in Aug. So it should be ok. They said the motor runs strong. Got to find a pull rope assembly for it. The darn thing broke this morning.Darn it anyway.

 

[PatMills]

Re: Old Motor Help

I have a johnston outboard motor model number RDS-25D serial number C390270 , and was wondering if anyone can tell me the year of the motor, and also where i might be able to pick up a manual for it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Old Motor Help

Pat, welcome, here's what you need. http://www.outboardbooks.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=models.main&year=1963&ID=110643

 

[lbentz]

Re: Old Motor Help

Your RDS-25D is a 1963 40hp.

Seloc Volume 1 is a great manual and quite reasonably priced. You should be able to find one at the local marine dealor.