Late 40's, Early 50's 5 hp Johnson Seahorse

[mwmather]

I have an old 5 hp Johnson Seahorse that has a couple of problems, yet runs. It is a Model TN26, serial # 850153. First, if I leave the tank vent closed when not in use, fuel leaks from nearly every fitting and gasket from the fuel petcock to the carburetor. Second, the guy who was going to fix all the leaks said one of the coils is bad and the motor is only running on one cylinder. Where can I get a new coil, and how much trouble is it to change? It looks like the coils are under the recoil starter. Would really like to get this motor running well so my 12 year old son can use it to go fishing.<br /><br />M

 

[steelespike]

Re: Late 40's, Early 50's 5 hp Johnson Seahorse

The motor is a 50.<br />Parts are around but my guess is only used.<br /> Try tcoutboard.com or laings outboards.<br /> Also try The antique outboard club:<br />www.aomci.org.<br /> Parts and parts motors of all types appear on ebay regularly as well.

 

[alcan]

Re: Late 40's, Early 50's 5 hp Johnson Seahorse

Your TN26 may very well have a bad coil. Before you go start looking for a new one check to see that the points are working properly. This motor still uses what I call the old style ignition. The parts for this system can still be had new. How ever the cost of these parts will far excede the value of your motor. I think if you carefully clean, lightly lube and reset the points sets you will be in business. These point sets have bakealite sticks that rub on a cam ground onto the crankshaft. This is what actuates them. Over time the bakealite sticks get stuck. You will want to be carefull so they don't break. You may also need a new cork float for the carb. Most all of these motors are pretty good a leaking fuel. I believe this is do to many years of heavy handed folks working on them. Removing the tank etc. Gotta small leak, thighten her down some more. This idea only goes so far on this type of fittings, then it makes things worse. The TD and TN motors were and still are great fishing motors. Yours just needs a little TLC. These problems are no real big deal. If it proves out that you do need a coil try to find a used one. Hec I get these motors all the time for free to $25. Good luck.

 

[mwmather]

Re: Late 40's, Early 50's 5 hp Johnson Seahorse

Just wanted to thank you both for your input. I may be a foolish mechanic Steelespike, but it keeps me off the street and happy!