1959 35hp Johnson

[jwsimmons]

I have a 1959 35hp Johnson Sea Horse that was my grandpa's. I had it running a few years ago but after two or three times out on the water, It would break down. I gave up on it after this had happened a few times. I'm finally getting beginning to gain the confidence of working on it myself after working on a few small motors I've picked up at garage sales and using this site for any questions I have. <br /> I just tried took a good look at the motor and it's not getting any spark at all. I put new pluggs in it so that's not it. I've been thinking it could be the caps, wires or coils. <br /> Does anyone have any other ideas of why it could not be getting spark?<br /> *I also need a good service manual for the motor and don't know where to find them. I haven't checked my library but I think I'd rather buy one anyways. Any Ideas?<br /> I always appreciate any help/advice given. <br /> Thank you, Jon

 

[lark2004]

Re: 1959 35hp Johnson

Iboats has some manuals for sale, as does Ken Cook.<br /><br />With the spark, make sure that the two black wires coming out from under the magneto plate aren't shorting out any where.<br /><br />If they are fine and you still have no spark, you will need to pull the flywheel (this can take some effort, try seaching this forum for "bigtwin flywheel") and check the coils, and make sure that the points are gapped to .020".<br />Also make sure that the wiring is not damaged anywhere inside here.<br /><br />When the flywheel goes back on, make sure that you torque it down to 105ft-lbs.<br /><br />[edit]<br />Since you haven't run it for a while, I would also change the water pump impeller and clean the carb out. Rebuild the carb with a kit from the dealer that includes a plastic float.

 

[rolmops]

Re: 1959 35hp Johnson

The coils that were installed in 1959 were of a type that was covered in a resin that detoriates and gets cracked after a number of years.<br />Although it sounds complicated and expensive,it is really a good idea to lift the flywheel and replace the coils and contacts so you wont get stuck 3 miles out.All these parts are cheap and readily available through your very own Iboats together with a Seloc manual that describes these engines in a very nice way for beginning do it yourself mechanics.(Seloc Volume one, 2 cylinder engines up to 40hp from 1956 to 1972).The great thing about these engines is that they were built in such a way that they will probably keep on performing for another 50 years.

 

[jwsimmons]

Re: 1959 35hp Johnson

Is there special fittings that you have to get so you can fit it in the puller holes in the top of the flywheel. or are they all standard? I think I'm gonna pull the flywheel off the motor. I do know it has a 3 holed pattern on the top of the flywheel and it is for pulling it off. Although, I don't know what all I need to do so. I also don't know where I can get them or how much they cost. <br /><br /> As you can see I've never done this before. I'm planning on ordering a manual tonight so I don't screw anything up. <br /><br />Thank you

 

[itstippy]

Re: 1959 35hp Johnson

If you learn to use the red "Search" button near the top of this page, and search for items you are interested in (like "flywheel" or "bigtwin" or "40hp") you will find an unbelievable amount of information about your outboard. At your fingertips and no waiting!<br />Here's a thread going on that will help you out, and fun to read too.<br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=28;t=035512

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 1959 35hp Johnson

Yup, a manual is a very good idea. It's not all that difficult to pull the flywheel, but the manual will help you with installing the magneto parts correctly, and has illustrations.<br /><br />Actually, for this job, the Seloc manual is just fine.