'59 Johnson steering problems

[Ordneb]

My '59 Johnson 18hp is on a '57 Lonestar 14 footer. When under load and even on plane the boat turns right. I have to pull hard on the tiller to keep her straight. I'm a novice at this. Any old salts have some advice? Thanks. <br /><br />On a side note, thanks to everyone for all the help in restoring this motor. I replaced a clutch dog, dressed up the forward gear, shortened the shaft, rebuilt the carb, replaced the coils, wired up the electric start and she runs like a dream. I couldn't have done it without your help. Thanks again.

 

[DJ]

Re: '59 Johnson steering problems

Look for a tab hanging down over the prop. On your engine it may also be an exhaust outlet.<br /><br />If it has a bolt in the center, it's adjustable-side to side.<br /><br />If it is adjustable, turn the trailing edge of that fin in the direction of your pull. In your case, to the right (standing behind).<br /><br />That fin is known as a trim tab and is there, just for that purpose.<br /><br />On some older engines, that were not adjustable, there was quite frequently a wedge bolted on there. Does it look like anything is missing?

 

[Ordneb]

Re: '59 Johnson steering problems

There is no adjustment tab on this motor. There doesn't look like anything is missing. However, the right rear corner of the cavitation plate has been broken off but I didn't think that this would affect the steering. Now what?

 

[DJ]

Re: '59 Johnson steering problems

Are you sure the exhaust outlet didn't get broken off with the cav. plate?<br /><br />The missing right side "could" be causing drag.<br /><br />One option may be to bolt on a small hydrofoil that has torque tabs you can mount on the underside.<br /><br />There are several types to choose from here:<br /><br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cg...ord&keywords=hydrofoil&submit.x=32&submit.y=7

 

[Ordneb]

Re: '59 Johnson steering problems

Nope. The exhaust outlet looks good. I can see where the bolt hold would be if it were adjustable but there is no hole.

 

[DJ]

Re: '59 Johnson steering problems

See my post above your last post.<br /><br />Also, make absolutely certain that the engine is mounted perfectly straight, up and down and is in the center of the boat.<br /><br />Other than that, you may have to live with it. Some prop torque is unavoidable. Ususally you can nuetralize it with a tab.

 

[Ordneb]

Re: '59 Johnson steering problems

I'll give your suggestions a try. Thanks so much for your help. Happy boating.

 

[steelespike]

Re: '59 Johnson steering problems

Some of the older motors have a tension bolt on the pivot bracket this will help to hold the torque a little.Also check all the rubber vibration mounts.Check the virticle height if it can be raised a little it might help and you could gain a little speed as well.Also try some trim adjustment.

 

[itstippy]

Re: '59 Johnson steering problems

Take a good look at the bottom of your Lonestar. If it's sat on a trailer for a good period of time, and that trailer has unparallel pads or the boat wasn't centered, the bottom can develop asymetrical bulges/depressions where the rear pads are. It may not be the motor at all.