johnson 5hp repair

what66

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 29, 2004
Messages
244
HI I need advice I have a 1953 tn-28 5hp johnson outboard<br />with a sized powerhead the gear work fine I found 2 power heads at a outboard junk yard one is from a tn-28 and is in good conditon with no carb and no igntion for $30.<br />the other one is from a tn-26 and it's complete with the carb and igniton and runs now for $60.<br />what do you think is it worth fixing or should I just wait for another one.<br />Thanks
 

Chinewalker

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
8,902
Re: johnson 5hp repair

Hi What66,<br /> Either one will work for your motor. However, given a choice and the budget wasn't too much of an issue, I would grab the one with the carb and ignition. Many of those parts are no longer available and having spares is not a bad thing. As it is now, your motor is stuck and you don't know if you even have spark. If you go through the trouble of reassembling it with the shortblock powerhead and it has no spark in one or both cylinders, you'll wish you had grabbed the one with the extras.<br /> If the one with the ignition system has good coils (no sign of cracking, etc.) then it is well worth the extra 30 bucks. I am pretty sure 1953 was the first year of the common OMC ignition on the TN series, in which case the coils, etc. are still available - however, all new components would run you about $50 - $60 depending on where you get them.<br /> Bottom line is, have fun and enjoy the experience. Nothing like roping it over for the first time and hearing it pop off!<br />- Scott
 

what66

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Mar 29, 2004
Messages
244
Re: johnson 5hp repair

I took the engine apart it was only a lit rusted<br />and the coils are brand new :) <br />I think I could get it running again execpt<br />I broke one of the pistion rings. :( <br />I think i'm going to get the head with thae carb thanks.<br />any info on this engine would be great.
 

Chinewalker

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
8,902
Re: johnson 5hp repair

Hi What66,<br /> The TD (no neutral)/TN (neutral) series of motors (and their predecessors, the LT and LS) were, and are, great running little motors. I ran a TD-20 quite a bit when I was a kid. Run them rich with a 24:1 mixture of gas and good quality TC-W3 rated oil. They can get caked up with carbon in the exhaust passages, so a good decarboning might be in order.<br /> There's a modern plastic Mercury float available that's a close match for the original cork one used in the TDs and TNs. NAPA part number is 18-7208, OEM part number is 1395-8983.<br />- Scott
 

what66

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Mar 29, 2004
Messages
244
Re: johnson 5hp repair

Well I just got another one of theses engines but this one in not froze up all it needs is igntion and a carb kit.<br />I know what igntion to use but I don't know where to find a carb kit any ideas?
 

ke4rocket

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 18, 2004
Messages
45
Re: johnson 5hp repair

I am rebuilding the same motor right now and I was told by the great people here that htere is no carb kit available for this motor. <br /> it was suggested that you lap the float valve with toothpaste or similar lapping paste.<br /> Also you can get a Mercury float and make it work like it says in the previous post.<br /><br />"There's a modern plastic Mercury float available that's a close match for the original cork one used in the TDs and TNs. NAPA part number is 18-7208, OEM part number is 1395-8983."<br /><br />These motors are very easy to work on so go at it and have fun.<br />joe
 

what66

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 29, 2004
Messages
244
Re: johnson 5hp repair

Thanks I was sure there wasn't one but I was hoping.<br />My carb is ok I just need to clean it I think It will be running in a week.
 

what66

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 29, 2004
Messages
244
Re: johnson 5hp repair

well Good news it's ready to run now all I need is gas. :) <br />Ill find out tomarrow.<br />I have spark and lube its a good day.
 

what66

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 29, 2004
Messages
244
Re: johnson 5hp repair

It runs great thank you all for your help.
 
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