1956 Johnson 10HP

[BassBlaster29]

Hey all, I've been reading these forums for years and finally decided to join up.

I'm getting ready to go pick up this old Johnson. Former owner says it started and ran a couple years ago but he has no clue how many years it has set prior to him owning it. He never used it, just been sitting. This thing looks amazeing for its age. I'm makeing a list of parts I need to buy to get this baby running and want to see if there is anything I am missing. So far I am ordering, new coils, points, condensors, plugs, carb rebuild kit and plastic float and a water pump kit. Is there anything I am missing? Obviously, I'll change out the lower unit oil as well before use. Also, where do I get the plug wires? I know I need a solid core wire. This also comes with a pressure tank and I'd like to replace the gaskets and o rings in the tank. Where can I find those? I'd appreciate any help you guys can give me. Thanks.

It wouldnt be fair to post up a bunch of questions and not at least share a couple pics...

 

[Mas]

Re: 1956 Johnson 10HP

That's a beauty!!! Looks like it would run as it sits! Lube up the cylinders and then give it a try! Keep an eye on the temp if you do however, because it may not cool if the impeller is weak or bad!

For drill, check spark quality and compression. Also, check LU for water...you many need additional parts to rebuild gearcase.

All the of parts you mentioned are available here at iBoat...look under the marine store.

What did you have to give to get her?

For your first post, you've raised the bar with that beauty!

Mas

 

[kbait]

Re: 1956 Johnson 10HP

301824 are the proper fuel connector o-rings. If the tank holds pressure and the primer button works w/o leaking, it's fine.
Nice motor!

 

[BassBlaster29]

Re: 1956 Johnson 10HP

Thanks for the replies guys. I paid $200 for the motor and the tank. Since my first post, I have found a complete tank rebuild kit on ebay for $35 and the tank decals on nymarine.com for $30. My in-laws neighbor owns a powder coating business so given the price I'm seeing these tanks go for, I think its worth doing a complete retore to it. These tanks are listed on ebay from $150 to $200 and they dont look as good as the one that came with this motor!!

Any assistance with the plug wires? They have me kinda confused and I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking for. I have a shopping cart full of parts here on iboats but want to get the plug wires also before I order.

This is only my second outboard and the other I never worked on so any assistance will be welcomed.

Thanks again for the replies. I'm looking forward to learning more and hopefully being able to eventually contribute!!

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1956 Johnson 10HP

Hi Bass Blaster. Those are some great lookin' motors! Is that a '60-'61 10 hp in the background too? Anyway, you need to get metal/copper core sparkplug wires. NAPA usually has them in stock and sells it by the foot. I'm sure other auto parts stores carry them too. The key is to make sure they're copper core not the modern graphite core used in cars. You shold probably get new s'plug boots while you're at it too. Depending on how in volved you want to get you should probably get a tune up kit too, which consists of points and condensers. With a tune up kit, new s'plug wires and a couple new spark plugs you'll be making great spark. A new impeller/waterpump is probably a good idea too. Here's a great link on how to tune up one of these little 10 hp. It's for an evinrude, but it's the same as a johnson. Good luck. Keep us posted. That's a great looking motor you got there! I have a '61, but it's nowhere near that good lookin, but it runs like a top thanks to all the help here in the forums.


http://www.sschapterpsa.com/ramblings/johnson_QD.htm

 

[BassBlaster29]

Re: 1956 Johnson 10HP

Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure what the one in the back round is. The pics I posted are the pics the guy I got it from had sent me when I was first interested so thats his motor. I didnt realize NAPA sold plug wire by the foot. Guess I'll swing into there for the wires then. Any particular size I need or is there just one size? I allready plan to order all the other stuff you mentioned. Thanks for the link also.

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1956 Johnson 10HP

7mm Hypalon copper core. Johnnyrude dealers should also have it. I pay about 60 cents a foot. That motor looks so pristine, I'd check to see if it actually needs all those parts you're planning to buy. Check the coils and points, change the impeller and gear oil, and give her a try. May be fine.

 

[BassBlaster29]

Re: 1956 Johnson 10HP

I havnt tore into it yet, but the former owner told me that the coils and points needed replaced. he said when he got it was looked over by a marine mechanic who told him it needed those parts and thats why it has been sitting because he never had time to do it. Those parts are all cheap enough that I'm just gonna replace them all anyhow. Thanks for the heads up with the plug wire size. I think I can order everything I need now.

 

[AlTn]

Re: 1956 Johnson 10HP

look for some threads on here concerning removing the flywheel...it'll take 3 Grade 8 bolts..1/4" x 20 tpi...and some type of puller...I use a harmonic balancer puller from Harbor Freight <$10 or so..it's adequate for this job>...I put Grade 8 washers under the bolt heads, then thread each bolt ~ 3/8" into the flywheel..level the puller up...and tighten up on the center bolt...more than likely the fw will be on very tight...tighten the center bolt and tap on the outside of the fw with a soft faced or plastic faced hammer...try to avoid tapping on the center puller bolt as it can damage the bearings if your not giving an equal force lifting up on the fw..< I used to tap the center until I learned better on here> ..I also put the fw bolt back on level with the top of the threads to keep the puller and fw from flying off if it's on really tight...but I'm also with the crowd of not doing anything before determing that something needs to be done...if you have a healthy spark, not much to be gained

 

[BassBlaster29]

Re: 1956 Johnson 10HP

Ive read all the info in the "top secret file" and read just about every thread ever posted on this year and size motor. Unless I'm mistaken, the info in the secret file says to tap on the puller bolt and never tap the flywheel with anything. So which is it?

 

[babysdaddy]

Re: 1956 Johnson 10HP

Wow!!! Your engine looks like what I want my engines to look like after restoration. I am restoring a pair of 1956 Johnson 15hp Seahorses. Good luck with your project and it seems that you are on the right track.

 

[Sea18Horse]

Re: 1956 Johnson 10HP

You want to tap on the puller bolt if necessary. But first make sure you lift up slightly on the flywheel so that you are not pounding directly on the thrust bearings for the crankshaft. If you lift up on it you will feel a certain amount of end play. You want to lift it up so it's against the upper limit of this play. First you don't need to tap near as hard and second you don't risk damaging anything. For spark plug wires you might think about getting a pair from laingesoutboards. They come complete with boots and clips for $5.00 a-piece. Just cut them to length. Of course if your boots are in good shape the Napa stuff will do fine. Just make sure you get metal core. Have fun!

Cheers.......................Todd

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1956 Johnson 10HP

That's a beauty. It looks like you have been following the basics here really well too, before you signed up.
To answer kfa4303's question. I think the one in the back ground is a 5.5hp probably about 61 or later.
I think those both will offer many years of service.

 

[BassBlaster29]

Re: 1956 Johnson 10HP

I placed my order today. Got lots of goodies coming. Hopefully I can get this thing tuned up and running by next weekend possibly!!

I did get time to go out and tinker with it a little today. The compression readings were exactly 85 pounds on both cylinders.

I was hoping to get that flywheel under a little pressure today so that it pops by the time my parts come but the grade 8 bolts I purchased were 2 short. I didnt realize how thick my puller was, I havnt used it for awhile. I'll get some longer ones tomorrow and get started.

Thanks for all the help guys. This site has been so much help!!

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1956 Johnson 10HP

Just looked at your thread and was glad I did. What a nice motor. The plug boots from laings wires are blue----I'd pull them and put your nice black ones on. I own a '56 10hp as well, but nothing nearly as nice as yours. Mine also has 85psi in both cylinders and runs really nicely. Glad you posted your compression as well, because I was curious from the start of the thread. You will really enjoy running that motor. They idle and accelerate very smoothly.
Good luck,
JBJ

 

[BassBlaster29]

Re: 1956 Johnson 10HP

You know, I didnt even pay any attention to those being blue when I ordered them. Dang it!! The boots that are on there look practically brand new so I'll reuse those. Guess I should have just went ahead and checked NAPA for the wire. My total for 2 wires after shipping wound up being just over $17. Oh well, no biggie, just excited to get my parts!!

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1956 Johnson 10HP

Great looking engine. I think I have one of those in my shed.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1956 Johnson 10HP

Awww c'mon Steve, you should know exactly what you have. LOL

 

[AlTn]

Re: 1956 Johnson 10HP

concerning the flywheel removal, i.e. striking the center puller bolt...fwiw...a dyereck quote from an official factory manual , 1978 evinrude 9.9/15 hp..."The flywheel may not "pop" from the crankshaft taper when tightening the puller bolt. To "pop" the flywheel, use a heavy plastic mallet and tap the outside diameter of the flywheel or puller. Do not hit the center bolt to remove the flywheel." Sooo..that's the info..do as you will

 

[BassBlaster29]

Re: 1956 Johnson 10HP

Can anyone tell me where to pick up an OMC repair manual? I have downloaded 2 different manuals in PDF format. Both are Clymer manuals. I found a Solec manual on amazon. I'd like to find an original manual and a hard copy. It will be a pain running back and forth from the computer to the garage.