OLD 18 H JOHN PLEASE TELL ME SOMTHING ABOUT HIM

[robtherep]

I HAVE AN OLD MOTOR THAT LOOKS GOOD ON THE INSIDE . IT HAS A 2 LINE OR HOSE GAS SYSTEM. DO I HAVE TO GET A TANK AND ATTACHMENTS FOR IT OR CAN IT BE CONVERTED. ALSO TRIED TO START IT BY PUTTING GAS /OIL IN GLASS RESERVOIR JUST BEFORE CRAB, CAN I WORK ON STARTING IT THIS WAY TILL I GET A TANK?
THANKS
ROB

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: OLD 18 H JOHN PLEASE TELL ME SOMTHING ABOUT HIM

You can run it by attaching a single line tank directly to the carburetor, and then feeding it with the primer bulb. If you need continuous operation, you can simply put the tank somewhere higher than the outboard and let gravity feed it.
Just block off the pressure line by plugging it's hose.

You can convert it to use a fuel pump, but you'll need a pump, single line connector, etc. One bypass cover needs to be drilled and tapped for it. Or you can make this sort of modification:
duckworksmagazine.com/02/columns/max/02/wawrzyniak.htm

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: OLD 18 H JOHN PLEASE TELL ME SOMTHING ABOUT HIM

read in the engine faq 'awakening a sleeping outboard" be sure to have a water supply before starting it. you can find the pressurized tanks on ebay. make sure it has the fitting that attaches to the motor, new ones are about $90. i have a '55 15 hp the best engine i've ever owned.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: OLD 18 H JOHN PLEASE TELL ME SOMTHING ABOUT HIM

Tanks are available on Ebay....

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: OLD 18 H JOHN PLEASE TELL ME SOMTHING ABOUT HIM

post the model number and we can tell you a lot more about the particular engine. i've seen a lot of people screwup a good engine trying to convert to the single gas line.

 

[Rick K]

Re: OLD 18 H JOHN PLEASE TELL ME SOMTHING ABOUT HIM

Paul, great article, thanks for posting that up...

Rob, your motor is a battle wagon. I have one of these and they're die hards. I have run this motor at WOT for 3 hours with nary a hic-cup. Heck, I have a 1 year old outboard that requires more attention!

Parts are readily available, and the prices are very reasonable. My preference is to stick with genuine OMC parts when available.

Post up the model #, and you'll be able to get absolutely TONS more info on it. Next order of business is to get a service manual. Clymer or Seloc is a good start. If you want the real service manual, go to kencook.com

First service related thing I would do though, is run a compression check. Pull the plugs, throw her into drive, go into wide open throttle, and crank the engine for about 3-4 seconds. If you don't have the starter feature, you'll need to pull that rope 2-3 times. Mine is 118/top - 116/bottom. This will give you a good reference as to what the numbers should be like.

You need that tank - you can get 'em off ebay for a reasonable price. Two different tanks are available, one has a plastic primer knob, and the older ones have the metal ones. Either will work, but if you need a rebuild kit, they're different.

Do an ebay search like "vintage outboard tank" - quite a few come up.

Parts lists and owners manuals can be had at ebay as well. If yours happens to be a 1959 (model FD13), I have parts lists and owner manuals. Email me at chevydriver37@yahoo.com, and I'll be happy to send you a copy.

And like tashadaddy says, I wouldn't bother throwing a fuel pump on there. These are good systems when properly maintained.

Good luck!

Rick