1959 QD-20 Starts and dies *Pics

[Beefer]

Just picked up a 1959 Johnson QD-20. It'll start and run for about a minute, and then it dies. It'll start right back up. Where should I start in diagnosing this? I haven't done anything with it as of yet, other then bring it home.

 

[kbait]

Re: 1959 QD-20 Starts and dies

Re: 1959 QD-20 Starts and dies

Sounds like you're not building pressure in the tank (2-line pressure tank).. Could be o-rings in connector. If you keep pumping the primer on the tank will it keep running? If yes, and it builds pressure in the tank and dies after a minute of not manually priming (especially if it's 'hard' to press the prime button), I'd suspect a clogged filter in the glass sediment bowl, or other fuel obstruction.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1959 QD-20 Starts and dies

Re: 1959 QD-20 Starts and dies

HI beefer. I have a '61 QD-22. These links helped me bring her back to life. They might help you too. These are great little motors and well worth the effort. If you find that something is wrong with your 2-line fuel set up, you can convert it to a modern, single-lined system if you want. Give these links a read and holler if you get stuck.

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/07/columns/max/index1.htm
http://www.sschapterpsa.com/ramblings/johnson_QD.htm
http://www.sschapterpsa.com/ramblings/Converting_dual_fuel_line.htm
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167352

 

[Beefer]

Re: 1959 QD-20 Starts and dies

Re: 1959 QD-20 Starts and dies

The previous owner put on a fuel pump, and there is a fuel line that has a newer Johnson connection for the line from the tank. The guy I got it from gave me the fuel line he used to show me it started, but he took the connector (didn't realize that :facepalm: ) so I can't do much until I get the connector.

The pics show the fuel pump he put in, and the connection. Do I still need a pressure tank for this, or will a regular tank work? I have a Moeller Tempo 6 gal tank I was hoping to use.

The fuel pump:

The connection:

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1959 QD-20 Starts and dies

Re: 1959 QD-20 Starts and dies

Yep, you can use a regular vented tank with a standard Johnrude single line connector...

 

[Beefer]

Re: 1959 QD-20 Starts and dies

Re: 1959 QD-20 Starts and dies

Sweet!

I smell a small project on my horizon. Was going to use this as a kicker, but it's a short shaft, and won't work. So now I'm going to get something to put this on. What will this (comfortably) push? I was thinking a 14' Jon Boat or an inflatable?

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1959 QD-20 Starts and dies

Re: 1959 QD-20 Starts and dies

Yup. You can use a regular/modern OMC gas tank and fittings. You can get 'em at Wal-mart, or any marine supply store. Looks like the previous owner did the job properly, and it's good that you've seen it run too. It should get most boats up to about 14' (12' to be on the safe side) on plane with one or two people in it. My '61 is just shy of getting my 14', v-hull, aluminum boat up on plane, but it could probably do it more easily if I tinkered with the tilt/trim and weight distribution a bit, but I just got a 20 hp instead. LOL!!! When in doubt, more power!!!! I still have my 10 hp though and it's great. Pound for pound one of the strongest motors ever made. 50+ years old and ready for another 50 more. Keep us posted.