1947 TD 20 Seahorse. Questions

[savage_sultin]

Hey folks, I just bought a 1947 (?) TD20 Seahorse and not sure how to set it up to run best. I turned the knob on the side all the way to lean to start and slowly start to turn to rich as it runs. its the first time its been running in many years, after about 2 mins running it will sputter like a miss and then slowly die out. should I start on lean or more rich? also any suggestion on setting the jets

 

[racerone]

Have you checked the filter in the tank ?-----------Tried pumping the knob to prime it for starting ?

 

[savage_sultin]

[No message]

 

[savage_sultin]

Have you checked the filter in the tank ?-----------Tried pumping the knob to prime it for starting ?

no I didn't. ill check it

 

[flyingscott]

I believe there is a second adjustment on that motor. Underneath the shroud on the front of the motor you will see a little L shaped handle sticking out. That is adjustable.

 

[Crosbyman]

http://boatinfo.no/lib/johnson/manuals/1922-1964johnson.html#/0

 

[oldboat1]

Appears to be in great shape. Don't have a chart in front of me, but think your fuel ratio would be 16:1. If you put it on a sawhorse with the barrel tucked underneath, it's a little above the exhaust -- water maybe half way up the shaft. Figure on replacing the impeller (don't want an old one to bust up and scatter in the water passages).

 

[F_R]

I guess whatever works for you. But my experience is that the slow speed needle should be very close to 5/8 turn open (extremely sensitive). The high speed needle on the tank about a turn open to start, and adjust from there at wide open throttle (on a boat, on the lake). I find it odd that you have to set it at full lean.

 

[savage_sultin]

I believe there is a second adjustment on that motor. Underneath the shroud on the front of the motor you will see a little L shaped handle sticking out. That is adjustable.

found it, adjusted it and working better. I took the carb apart to make sure the old fuel didn't leave any varnish residue and to clean the filter in the tank. working better. thanks

 

[savage_sultin]

I guess whatever works for you. But my experience is that the slow speed needle should be very close to 5/8 turn open (extremely sensitive). The high speed needle on the tank about a turn open to start, and adjust from there at wide open throttle (on a boat, on the lake). I find it odd that you have to set it at full lean.

adjusted it with the secondary adjustment that was suggested above, works a bit better. Now I have the dial on the tank set closer to mid way and runs good. Thanks for the advice ill check the needles today

 

[racerone]

There is no impeller on a TD model.----It has a wobble type rotor in front of the prop.

 

[savage_sultin]

what about the gear grease, it mentions something on the front sticker about replenishing the gear grease as needed. where would that be located? sorry but this is my first outboard motor, I've only ever used electric motors before. I know my way around small engines just never owned a gas outboard. Any tips or suggestions feel free to offer its the only way ill learn. thanks for the advise everyone it helps

 

[clemsonfor]

what about the gear grease, it mentions something on the front sticker about replenishing the gear grease as needed. where would that be located? sorry but this is my first outboard motor, I've only ever used electric motors before. I know my way around small engines just never owned a gas outboard. Any tips or suggestions feel free to offer its the only way ill learn. thanks for the advise everyone it helps

It probably is talking about the gear oil in the lower unit. It's marine 80w-90 . Most motors have a fill and drain pkug. This motor I can't say for sure, that sucker is OLD!

 

[oldboat1]

Get a pump for the gear oil -- a little less messy (attaches to the bottle). Typically, should be a drain and vent screw -- both large slotted screws. Avoid the Phillips screw.

Water will separate out -- let the drained oil settle in a glass jar. (Water will be at the bottom, with gear oil riding above.) Milky color usually means some water. Replace the crush washers for the drain and vent screws when you refill the gear case (local shop will have the washers along with the gear oil and pump.)

 

[racerone]

Most of these motors did use grease.-----No shift so likely no philipps screw to worry about.--Use ----Lubriplate 105 ----John Deere---cornhead grease in these non shift lower units.