New to Johnson 15hp

[torbjorn]

Re: New to Johnson 15hp

I've just got a '78 15hp johnson seahorse to work on - looks like it had been looked after till it was stored a few years ago.

Missing the idle adj on the side, missing an ac lighting plug next to it, and an air box/silencer.

First question is can anyone point me to a resource that tells me what is different about the 15BAL78B ? I've seen it referred to as a 'recreational' model. I intend to use it in fresh and sea water. I see a lot of other 15hp model designations, - don't know what the implications are but I need a manual and don't see any genuine ones for a BAL model? I can see manuals for a 15R78 and a 15E78 so would another '78 15hp manual be OK?

If I have to go aftermarket, is Seloc or Clymer preferred? I've enjoyed browsing www.sschapterpsa.com but would like some tech exploded views and specs as well from a manual.

Theres no spark yet, comp was 75psi on both with the plugs out pulled over by hand (not electric start) which seemed low - hope its sticky rings. Going to try ignition system first, but can the powerpack and or coils be upgraded to later CDI ones or should I stick with the correct model year fitments? (Think its the CD2 PP fitted)

Scanning for spares in the UK but seems as well to get them from the US where availability seems very good.

Is there anything you guys would reccomend to do first to bring this motor back to life?

Head gasket/thermostat/fuel pump overhaul/carb clean and overhaul/new plugs/ gearbox oil and impellor seems like an expensive way to begin but probably eliminates further issues later?

The best manual is original OMC, you can get one on ebay. You may check the BRP parts list

http://shop2.evinrude.com/Index.aspx?s1=jfq6dffgmba1e09h6r8d54ced7&catalog_id=0&siteid=1

for model differences. Parts are available from BRP and from Sea-Way Marine in Seattle, I found it far cheaper to order the parts from the U.S. and pay the shipping and import tax than to buy them in Germany, where the parts prices were ridiculously high from the BRP distributor.

 

[Sailpower]

Re: New to Johnson 15hp

Hi - thanks for the information. I managed to find an original manual on ebay, second hand but very usefull for a 1978 model which was close enough to the model I have. Its nice to have the original check/ test proceedures for the different systems and a process for dimantling / reassembly. Mine only differs by having an AC charging option which isn't going to be used anyway.

I used the on line parts diagrams and lists to come up with a shopping list runnng to around $350 dollars - it should give me a very nice reliable motor which is easy to maintain. I think with the US cost plus shipping its around 40% cheaper than prices in the UK - apart from some parts not being available here anyway. The parts have been ordered and are currently in customs so I don't know exactly how much more they will cost for import tax, but hopefully it will still make them worth ordering from the US. I pubished the name of the US supplier in a previous post but it was removed, so I won't do it again!

I was tempted to get the original parts list on ebay as well, but since so many part numbers have been superceded, the on line lists are probably a better bet. Still, nice to have the original literature for these old motors.

Thanks again for the advice.