1957 Johnson 35hp short to long shaft

Thomas73

Thomas73

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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?
 
Thomas73

Thomas73

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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
 

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airshot

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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

Thomas73

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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

jimmbo

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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.
 
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racerone

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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

Thomas73

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racerone said:
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.
Click to expand...
I am already assuming they are going to need a going over regardless. Water pump, lower seals, all the consumables like you said.
 
Thomas73

Thomas73

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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
 

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jimmbo

jimmbo

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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
 
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Crosbyman

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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 !!
 
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