1959 Super SeaHorse Fat Fifty Tune-Up

[chicago_glasspar]

Hi Everyone,
I have a 1959 Johnson Super SeaHorse motor on the back of my 1964 Glasspar Tacoma 200 and it's due for a tune-up! The motor ran strong when I took the boat out of the water back in '97 to restore it, but it hasn't been back in since then. I am trying to find a local Marine in the Chicagoland area that would be willing to work on the motor, but want to make sure they do the right things. What should I have adjusted, replaced, or examined to get the motor running in top notch condition other than plugs, oil, etc.?
Somewhat of a noob so any and all information is appreciated!
Thanks!

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1959 Super SeaHorse Fat Fifty Tune-Up

If it has sat for 10 years it's likely the carb has gummed up unless it was stored properly. Read the thread at the top of the forum on how to awake a sleeping outboard... most of the work is easy to do yourself. it will be hard to find someone to work on that behemouth.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1959 Super SeaHorse Fat Fifty Tune-Up

Check the local/regional chapters page at www.aomci.org
You want someone local who knows that old campaigner top to bottom...a local antique outboard person/club is you best bet to find someone like that.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1959 Super SeaHorse Fat Fifty Tune-Up

If you could locate a service manual for that motor, it would be good. You should clean the carb, points and any madneto connections. The manual will tell you how to time the motor and sync to the carb. High speed needles are 5/8 turn open for initial setting, if memory serves. Low speed needles initial setting I cannot remember, maybe 1-1/4 turn.

Point gap is .020 for both sets of points. Plug gap is .030, using J4C or J6C Champs.

 

[chicago_glasspar]

Re: 1959 Super SeaHorse Fat Fifty Tune-Up

If you could locate a service manual for that motor, it would be good. You should clean the carb, points and any madneto connections. The manual will tell you how to time the motor and sync to the carb. High speed needles are 5/8 turn open for initial setting, if memory serves. Low speed needles initial setting I cannot remember, maybe 1-1/4 turn.

Point gap is .020 for both sets of points. Plug gap is .030, using J4C or J6C Champs.

Just ordered the manual and parts book for the motor off this site! Probably the most expensive books I've ever invested in as well!

Just looked up these plugs - I don't have my manual handy quite yet so can I go with either one? Based on the research I conducted it looks like the Champion J6C might be better suited for my application.

Can't wait to get this thing back in the water!