Johnson 50

[maggun]

We have a Johnson 50 outboard engine wich has recently started to make a constant sirene/beeping sound when running in idle. No sound occurs in speed, and also dissapears if it made noise when in idle. There is a steady stream of water wich isn't very hot, about body temperature. The engine block doesen't seem to get too hot either, from what I can remember. Someone has suggested however that the water pump is probably due for replacement. But the water stream is there, so im not sure if this is true or not ? I would really like to have a repair manual or ANY other documents on this outboard engine. As I would like to know what parts I should probably replace considering the engine being rather old. Also, in my opinion it runs rather unsteady in idle, sounds like it is about to stop, and is somewhat hard to start, takes some attempts using choke several times. Would be nice to tune and fix this so it can run as smoothly as possible.<br /><br />Engine details:<br />Manufacturer: Johnson<br />model: Johnson 50 / J50BELCRM (??)<br />Serial nr.: 322898-1 (??)<br />Date: unknown (just above/around 80's)<br /><br />Hope this is correct and sufficent for anyone to get more on this engine. Please notify if something is incorrect, or what/where to get correct or more information from the engine.<br /><br />Hope anyone can help.<br /><br />Magnus

 

[JB]

Re: Johnson 50

Howdy, Maggun.<br /><br />Your engine is a 1984. 19 years is not old for a well-maintained OMC twin looper.<br /><br />Aftermarket repair Manuals are available here, click on Repair Manuals at the bottom of the page. You can get an OEM Owner's and Service Manuals from a dealer, or from Ken Cook's website.<br /><br />Parts with a finite operating life are included in routine maintenance schedules. They include water pump, fuel pump and carburetor overhaul, spark plug cleaning, regapping or replacement and lubrication of about a dozen lube points.<br /><br />The linkage and synchronization procedure and replacing gearcase oil are also a routine service items.<br /><br />Good luck, you have a good engine.

 

[maggun]

Re: Johnson 50

Thank you for your reply. What you said has interested me enough to ask for a little more. You say this is a good engine, how so ? Is there anything in particular you would point out ? You say something about OMC twin looper, what does it mean and what exactly is this ? Interestingly enough, the boat has the letters OMC written on the side and on the steering console. The boat is named "Musling", unsure if this is the model name or given name. The boat is bought in Norway if that is of any interest.<br /><br />And as to the problem with either the cooling system or the thermostat (assuming the sound we get today is because of the thermostat complaining about the temperature.), what is your thoughts on that matter ?<br /><br />Best regards.<br />Magnus

 

[JB]

Re: Johnson 50

Hi Maggun.<br /><br />From about 1970 to date Johnson has offered a 2 cylinder (twin), loop scavenged (looper) family of engines. They have been offered as 40, 50 and 60hp rated versions.<br /><br />They were 20 years ahead of their time when introduced and are still among the best engines available in that power range.<br /><br />Until 2001 Johnson was a brand of Outboard Marine Corporation, who also offered several versions of the twin looper as Evinrudes.<br /><br />When OMC went bankrupt in 2001, Bombardier bought the outboard divisions from the court and now markets Johnson and Evinrude engines.<br /><br />That help?

 

[maggun]

Re: Johnson 50

Hey JB.<br /><br />First of all I would like to thank you, you have been very informative !<br /><br />I find it almost hard to belive that this engine _still_ is amongst the best engines available in that power range. Surely, later<br />technologies must have some advantages over a engine from 1984 ?<br /><br />I called a local johnson dealer today to query about a manual and/or repair and tuning book/manual. And just got the answer that they don't sell repair and tuning book to us mear mortals, it is aimed at repair shops only. Ordering something was also totally out of the question. So no luck there. The general answer on owners manual here was that the engine was too old, for them to have any documentation to sell about it. They _might_ be able to get something here though. I get the feeling the service around here sucks, what do you say ? Not totally sure wich book to get wich discuss the engine I have either, if I had asked the local dealer, he would probably not give me the answer anyway.<br /><br />Since you have not answered the question regarding the noise the engine makes in idle today, I assume you either don't know anything about it, or that you just don't care.. <br /><br />Best regards.<br />Magnus