1956 Johnson RJE-18 30HP Carb Info Needed

ByteWalker · Sep 15, 2003

Hi again... Just me needing a little help again, please

Got the motor running, but I think the carb should be rebuilt before taking it out. I don't have a clue when it was done, if ever. Wants to die when idling, so I would feel better doing it. Now for the question. I was given a P/N for the carb of 376709, but they said that they couldn't find a number for the kit, or if there even was one. They didn't even have a list of the gaskets separately. So, if possible, could someone list the gaskets with part numbers so that I can hopefully get them somewhere around here? I would sure appreciate it!

oldboat1 · Sep 15, 2003

Re: 1956 Johnson RJE-18 30HP Carb Info Needed

should be able to locate a Sierra kit at NAPA based upon make/yr/horsepower. (should be listed in the NAPA marine catalogue).

Droll · Sep 15, 2003

Re: 1956 Johnson RJE-18 30HP Carb Info Needed

Sierra kit w/o float 18-7024 Sierra Needle & seat 18-7093 ( 1956 30hp , Sierra 2003 Catalog ) Droll

rolmops · Sep 15, 2003

Re: 1956 Johnson RJE-18 30HP Carb Info Needed

Does opening or closing the upper needle valve make any difference while under a load at about 300 rpm? Quite often the right adjustment there makes a world of difference.

ByteWalker · Sep 15, 2003

Re: 1956 Johnson RJE-18 30HP Carb Info Needed

Have I told you lately how great you guys are?

I called the second Johnson dealer that is 'somewhat' close. I gave him the numbers you posted and he said he has the kit - OEM. From what he looked up, he said the same kit fits 1957-59 35HP, also 1965-70 40HP, and 1972-78 40HP. Dealer also told me the P/N for the carb itself is 376709. You guys agree with that? He said the OEM kit comes with the needle & seat in it. I sure hope he's right! I KNOW you guys are right, just that he had to cross it back to OEM since he doesn't carry anything but! I didn't go back to the first place when I started this project, 'cause he's the one that sold me the RedLine Tune-Up kit that was wrong! He still swears it was the right one, but as soon as I got the right one from the second guy, everything fit and worked just fine! I wasn't able to get to his place today, but will first thing in the morning and will post the Kit number here so it will be in the archives. Yep, Rolmops, tried opening and closing the needle valve on top and wasn't able to get it to adjust so that it would idle at low rpms. No tach on it, but I could 'hear' that it wasn't right. Had to rev it up so that it wouldn't stall out. Haven't had it in the water doing it, just in the can, so no load on it. Took out the needle valve on top and you can see where it has probably been out of adjustment for a very long time and there is a worn area. Looks like someone didn't have a clue what it was for and just jammed it in and didn't bother to adjust it at all. Maybe the previous owner just revved it up and only drove in forward gear

I have to rev it up so high that I wouldn't be able to shift. No adjusting worked. Since it's going to come in the kit..... might as well. I'll post the kit number when I get it tomorrow and let you know how it goes. Again, many, many thanks! Hopefully she'll be ready for her bath in a day or so.

Mark R Groves · Sep 15, 2003

Re: 1956 Johnson RJE-18 30HP Carb Info Needed

BW: The needle and seat included in the kit will be for the float not the low speed. The low speed needle is a separate part, it may not be available anymore. Though, someone is bound to have some old stock out there somewhere. If you can't locate one you could take your existing one and place it in a drill (or beter yet a lathe if you have one) give it a spin and take some emery cloth or fine sandpaper to the needle to work out the groove (try your best to maintain the original taper). Also, because these old motors didn't have cooling system thermostats, the idle on these motors is sometimes rough until they are warmed up sufficiently. I know this is the case with my '56 30hp. However, once it is warmed up it "purrs like a kitten" and will idle down to a crawl. I hope this helps... MG

rolmops · Sep 15, 2003

Re: 1956 Johnson RJE-18 30HP Carb Info Needed

Suzie,if you need a needle valve,reach me at dharrin1@rochester.rr.com I can get them here.

ByteWalker · Sep 15, 2003

Re: 1956 Johnson RJE-18 30HP Carb Info Needed

MG, VERY helpful information.

I probably didn't give him the right information today when I called. I thought it would be the low speed needle and seat (which is what I need). Maybe I'll get lucky and find one. I sure would appreciate a part number for them if you have it? And maybe for the high speed one too? I would rather replace them if I can. I do have some very fine emory cloth. And I also have my handy-duty Dremel (my most favorite 'tool') That may work too if it will fit in the chuck. I've cut 3/8" stainless rigging on my sailboat (the forestay) while pitching up and down in the open ocean, about a thousand miles from anywhere! Now, that was a chore. Always carry spare wire rope on a long trip, you never know when you may need it!

Let's hope after all of this she will purr too! Thanks again!

Mark R Groves · Sep 15, 2003

Re: 1956 Johnson RJE-18 30HP Carb Info Needed

BW: Here's the part number for the needles: Low Speed Needle Valve: 303966 High Speed Needle Valve: 303965 It looks like the seats are machined into the carb body castings. So the seats are not serviceable. I would think polishing or replacement of the needles along with replacement of the packings (these do come in the kit), should address any issues in this area of the carb. MG

ByteWalker · Sep 16, 2003

Re: 1956 Johnson RJE-18 30HP Carb Info Needed

Not the best way to start a post, but that was the kind of day it was. Went to get the carb kit today after calling him yesterday and he said he had the one I needed.... yep... wrong kit! I told him the 18-7024 Sierra number that Droll gave me and that should have made it a slam dunk

The kit number he sold me is 439071. Over-all the kit was about 3 sizes too small! And of course, I didn't open it until I got home... He must have gotten his eyes crossed looking at his microfiche! I called Twin Cities (have seen their name on the forums and heard that they are very helpful with 'older' parts

They were and he looked it up for me ... he said the correct number should be a 439075. I'll make some calls in the morning, since everyone rolls up their carpets here about 4pm. Rolmops, I didn't find the needle valves new, but I did talk to one place that I am going to check out tomorrow. He said he has some good used ones. MG, it sure helps to know the part numbers... again, thanks! Any chance I could get you to confirm the 439075 kit number for my motor?

Mark R Groves · Sep 16, 2003

Re: 1956 Johnson RJE-18 30HP Carb Info Needed

BW: My old parts manual I got the needle numbers from doesn't seem to list a kit.Maybe they didn't do kits in those days??? So, unfortunately, I can't confirm that number. However, I can tell you I rebuilt my carb a couple of years ago using the Sierra Kit # 18-7024 and it worked fine. If a NAPA or Sierra dealer is not close by you can order from www.theshadconnection.com. In fact I just took a quick look for you and they have it very competitively priced at $9.23. They also state on their site that this kit replaces OMC p/n's 385356/382053. If you do check out the online catalog at "The Shad Connection" you will probably notice a few parts in the kit that don't look familiar. Don't worry about this... as this kit covers many variations of this style carb which was used by OMC for many years. So, if you get this kit you will end up with extra parts not required for your '56. MG

ByteWalker · Sep 17, 2003

Re: 1956 Johnson RJE-18 30HP Carb Info Needed

Another one of 'those' days... update, but first MG, thanks for all the input, it got me on the right road, just that I ran into a little side road today that needs to be taken care of. Yes, there is a carb kit for the motor, OEM P/N 439075, and also the Sierra kit number that you gave me. Unfortunately the dealer didn't have the right one, so I went back to the first guy that handles RedLine and they make one too. I left the kit down at the motor in the front 40, so will post the P/N later. Now for the side-road.... After more carefully inspecting where the slow idle needle inserts, (after carb removed), I now know why it won't adjust. Somebody has stripped all the threads where the needle valve threads into the carburetor. BADLY stripped. Those threads are needed in order to do the slow idle adjustment, so it has to be 'fixed' or replaced. The needle valve 'nut' threads are fine. The only 'fix' I can think of is perhaps tap it and put a heli-coil in????? Not me of course, but a good friend has a machine shop and the equipment to do it. I've worked on his computer for him, so I'm sure he would do it and get it all nice and lined up straight

If the heli-coil is done right, do you think it will work as a fix? I might be able to get another part, or another carb, but there would be no assurances that it would be good either. So, if possible I think this is my quickest answer so that I can get her in the water SOON!

Paul Moir · Sep 17, 2003

Re: 1956 Johnson RJE-18 30HP Carb Info Needed

The outside threads for the idle needle is actually a pressed in insert on a bunch of those carbs. Perhaps it would be easier for your machinist to make a new insert. You might consider finding an outboard graveyard and a new to you carburator with good needle. If the 500lb gorilla managed to strip the low-speed needle valve's threads, the seat is probably pretty wrecked to.

Paul Moir · Sep 17, 2003

Re: 1956 Johnson RJE-18 30HP Carb Info Needed

Just a thought. Are you sure the threads are stripped? It seems to me that that would be really hard to do. I have one carb here that had it's threaded insert ('bushing' according to OMC) come loose. A good yank on the low speed needle without the packing nut in place pulled the whole works out. I hope this is the case, cause all you'd have to do is restake the outside of the insert and drive it back in. Mabey use some loctite on it. Good luck!

ByteWalker · Sep 17, 2003

Re: 1956 Johnson RJE-18 30HP Carb Info Needed

Paul, It didn't look like an insert/bushing to me, just threads really stripped, but you may be right (I hope you are

) I'm going to take a trek down to the 'Front Forty' where the boat is and bring the carb part to the house..... get out my trusty magnifying glass and a flashlight and see if I can tell. I'll post back if I can see anything clearer. I've been guilty of stripping threads myself, but I have never stripped any as bad as these look. Thanks for the help. I think it was a 1000 lb. gorilla

Back soon...

ByteWalker · Sep 17, 2003

Re: 1956 Johnson RJE-18 30HP Carb Info Needed

It's really dark outside

I brought the carb parts to the house. I thought I might be able to get a picture, but it didn't really show inside where the threads are. Looking carefully, it's maybe possible that it's an insert/bushing. I'm sure my machinist friend will be able to tell for sure. I was fortunate that the dealer gave me a copy of the exploded view of the carb and parts list. I scanned them and put up a page with part of it. I couldn't see anything on the parts list that would be an insert, but then this is my first old gas motor

Maybe you might want to take a look and see if I missed it: http://webpages.charter.net/suzieb1/JohnsonImages/Carb.htm Thanks again everybody for your patience, 'cause she really needs a bath

Paul Moir · Sep 17, 2003

Re: 1956 Johnson RJE-18 30HP Carb Info Needed

Part 100. Needle Valve Bushing. It's as pictured, and tapped out (threaded) in the middle. I wouldn't have known it was there if it didn't fall out.

ByteWalker · Sep 17, 2003

Re: 1956 Johnson RJE-18 30HP Carb Info Needed

Thanks Paul.... I was afraid you were going to pick that number

.... I guess I'm going to be on a parts hunt again tomorrow. It doesn't come in the carb kit

I may still have to go see my machinist friend if nobody has one. He does some really precision work (well, I guess all machining is supposed to be precision

) It's getting late and my eyeballs are crossed. I doubt that anybody close to me will have one.... but it's my turn to get lucky

I don't want to start any messages tomorrow with a frown! Again, thanks....

ByteWalker · Sep 18, 2003

Re: 1956 Johnson RJE-18 30HP Carb Info Needed

It took a bunch of time today, but I finally found a carb today! WITH good threads and all its' parts.... almost looks new, but isn't. It isn't together (yet), but that's the project for morning. I stopped and saw my machinist friend and after looking at the one that's messed up, he wasn't very encouraging that it would be a good fix for it, so I went hunting. I even located the enough new packing to complete the job. It cost $40.00. Seemed like a fair price to me? Hopefully all will go well tomorrow and she can finally have a bath Saturday! Thanks for all your help and I'll let you know how it goes. Rolmops, if you're out there, I sent you 4 messages and they all bounced back to me. Don't know which end caused it, but I just wanted to say thanks to you too!

ByteWalker · Sep 20, 2003

Re: 1956 Johnson RJE-18 30HP Carb Info Needed

I guess you can tell that it was a good day! In fact, it was a GREAT day! She finally purred! Low speed idle adjusted, high speed idle adjusted.... caught some fish, Started every time on the first try after anchoring for a while to fish. Got great gas mileage.... and a BIG THANK YOU to everybody that helped me!!!! I appreciate your patience and expertise immensly! Thanks guys!

1956 Johnson RJE-18 30HP Carb Info Needed

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