Need Manual for Johnny CD 12- 5 1/2- 1955

Scaaty

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May 31, 2004
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Any leads to where I might find a Manual for a old, but lovable Johnson CD 12 (5 1/2HP, 1955)? I have someone who is a novice, and wants to rebuild one...Thanks!
 

F_R

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Re: Need Manual for Johnny CD 12- 5 1/2- 1955

To be fair to our host that provides this forum, they sell Seloc manuals right here at iboats. The Ken Cook reprints of factory manuals are great, but pricey.
 

tashasdaddy

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Re: Need Manual for Johnny CD 12- 5 1/2- 1955

FR if he's a novice wanting to learn, he should learn for the best available, knowledge has no price. i support the iboats store as long as the offer the best available, at a competive price. beside these are cheap compared to some of the others manuals kencooke has.
 

F_R

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Re: Need Manual for Johnny CD 12- 5 1/2- 1955

tashasdaddy, hey I have no arguement on that. I always support going for the best, whether books or tools or whatever. Just wanted to be fair to our host.

We could have also suggested checking with his local library. And e-bay has tons of manuals all the time, both OEM and generic. I have several vintage OEM parts books that I recently listed and didn't even get starting bids.
 

Paul Moir

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Re: Need Manual for Johnny CD 12- 5 1/2- 1955

acmeoutboards.com sells the early Johnson and Evinrude OEM manuals on CD, which is a economical choice compared to the Kencook.com one. Since back then the service manual for all models covered in one book, these ones are more expensive to reproduce and rarer on ebay.
The Seloc isn't too bad. I have one in addition to some factory literature. But it has serious deficiencies in both the carb rebuild section and the link & sync section. Not to mention some outright errors. Where it shines is it's coverage of accessories, common issues, and explanations for the beginner.
It is probably not important, but the Seloc only claims to cover '56-70.

I do want to echo checking the local library though. I'm blessed to have one nearby that carries a few original OEM manuals in addition to the typical generic fare. At the very least, it's worth comparing what's written in a couple service manuals to get clarified on a procedure.
 

tashasdaddy

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Re: Need Manual for Johnny CD 12- 5 1/2- 1955

i have bought all my manuals off ebay, sometimes having to wait, the links gives the info to look for. i'm sure Scaaty, knows to shop around, and help his student.
 

Scaaty

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Joined
May 31, 2004
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Re: Need Manual for Johnny CD 12- 5 1/2- 1955

Good responses all, and thanks. I think I'll end up sending him to Iboats, and also introduce him to the forums (and the DO's and DON'T's of the forums!). Thanks again...
 

wbeaton

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Jul 30, 2006
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Re: Need Manual for Johnny CD 12- 5 1/2- 1955

I bought a multi-year Clymer manual when I bought my first 1950's Evinrude. It is ok, but I think the factory manual would be much better. The Clymer and Seloc manuals do not offer a lot of specifics for the earliest motors. If your friend wants to rebuild it then I’d say a parts manual would be more useful then the aforementioned manuals - IMO. I seldom use my Clymer, but frequently use the parts manual. It also ensures you get the right part when dealing with your local marina.

There is a great website devoted to those motors that will help your friend. It shows step by step procedures for tuning up a 1958 5.5 Johnson and has a small discussion board. 1955 Johnson/Evinrudes are almost identical to those produced from 1956-58. Only the cowl and exhaust tower are different.

http://www.outboard-boat-motor-repair.com/

These are very simple motors and the parts are easy to find and relatively inexpensive. Good luck to your friend. They will have a good time with this motor.
 
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