1957 Johnson 35hp short to long shaft

[Thomas73]

Hello all. I just picked up a 1959 lone star El Dorado and looking for a new outboard for it as the one it came with has a lost title. I found twin 57 Johnson 35hp sea horses nearby for $500. Last ran around 2020. Electric starter, 12v generator, all wiring, control boxes, and throttle remote included. And most importantly, titles in hand for both.
Only issue is they are both short shafts, and the boat measures 21" at center of transom. Would really like to use the engines in the boat. So my opinions are find the parts to convert them to long shaft, or much less desirably, use a drop down plate to mount them.

How available are the parts to convert these to long shaft?

 

[racerone]

Should be easy to find the parts.----Your location ?----Look on E-Bay for the kits.

 

[Thomas73]

Central Texas. Any idea where to find a part number for the kits? Did some looking online but didn't come up with anything. Im use to running i/o. This is my first experience with outboards

 

[Crosbyman]

see personal message in small enveloppe top right

before spending to much $$$$ do basic checks ... like compression .

Duckworks Magazine

visit AOMCI site where oldies are the main focus..lots of support available under
ASK A MEMBER .

Antique Outboard Motor Club,Inc

www.aomci.org

 

[Crosbyman]

to service your oldy all you need in is in this book...cheap for 600 pages $20

1922-1964 Johnson 302231 Outboard Service Manual

Johnson Outboard Motor Service and Repair Manual # 302231 Tenth Edition covers all Models 1922-1964 .pdf download

watercraftmanuals.com

 

[airshot]

Or, look for some donor motors that have long shafts. If I remember correctly, in those days, that 5" extension could be added or removed whatever you needed. Back in those days, long shaft motors were a little scarce around my neck of the woods, but lots of used kits were around. Happy hunting !

 

[Thomas73]

Awesome, thanks! And i assume its more than just the housing needed. Drive shaft, water tube and shift linkage are things i think of i would assume need to be changed aswell.

And yea I'll definitely be bringing my compression tester with me to look at them. Assuming good compression and seeing if the shifter engages, does that sound like a good price to y'all? I don't really know what these would go for. Only others ive seen nearby are in pretty poor condition

 

[jimmbo]

Does it have a Spark strong enough to jump a 5/16" Gap?
If you use the Pull Stater for the compression Test, you will have to disable the Compression Relief Mechanism. If using the Starter Motor, not necessary.

 

[racerone]

In my opinion 1957 motors need a total evaluation of condition.----Tear down / inspection / replacement of consumable parts.----Unless they have warranty / proof that it was done recently.

 

[Thomas73]

In my opinion 1957 motors need a total evaluation of condition.----Tear down / inspection / replacement of consumable parts.----Unless they have warranty / proof that it was done recently.

I am already assuming they are going to need a going over regardless. Water pump, lower seals, all the consumables like you said.

 

[Thomas73]

On one, the generator is stuck, and the other the engine itself is stuck, so wasn't able to get a compression test. I went ahead and took them anyway for a little less than what he was asking. Not afraid of them because a project. Neat thing is, they are sequential serial numbers. So they've been together since the day they left the factory. Also included was the dash controller, which is neat to have.
Both engines have also been converted to single line fuel pumps

 

[tphoyt]

Identical twins! Pretty cool find.

 

[racerone]

Take these motors apart.

 

[jimmbo]

Is the Hull a Flat Bottom at the Transom, or does it have some Dead Rise? If it does, the Short Shaft Engines might be fine

 

[Crosbyman]

at a bare minimum pull the cyl head for a peek on that stuck engine. . I have unstucked a 9.5 with simple & firm hammer wacks and wood peg with patience and wd 40 . Took 4-5 days for wd 40 to soak in and free it up but has run great ever since. motor was $50 CDN

drop the GC cases anyway to see if stuck in the GC or top side. change impellers etc...

any history... last used ??? etc... download the book you need it !!

 

[Thomas73]

Is the Hull a Flat Bottom at the Transom, or does it have some Dead Rise? If it does, the Short Shaft Engines might be fine

There is rise. I measured it out and im pretty sure I'll need to extend them.

 

[Thomas73]

I will be ordering the book soon

Only history i know is that they last ran sometime around 2020. And they were converted to fuel pump somewhat recently hours wise as the pumps still look brand new and clean inside.

I have penetrating oil soaking in the cylinders, gunna let that sit and keep spraying some in for a few weeks to see if it'll come loose in it own before i pull the head. Then I'll see what a compression test says. Looked inside the cylinders and they look pretty clean.

Was already planning in pulling the gearcases and doing waterpumps and checking seals and shift engagement on both regardless

 

[jimmbo]

Perhaps the Gearcase has seized and that is what is causing the no Rotation

 

[Crosbyman]

unless something bad happened storage for 4 years should not have locked it up. did you try removing the starter recoil group on top.... it may be why it does not turn

 

[Thomas73]

I don't think its the gearcase, prop spins easy in neutral. And engages in forward and reverse easily, but never know. Certainly could be the starter recoil. The pull handle is missing on that motor, rope could be all tangled in there.
Haven't started pulling anything apart yet, sprayed oil in the cylinders and set them aside in my living room for now. Replacing the floor and transom on the boat is my main focus right now. I'll try to get the recoil off this week to see if that makes a difference.