Restoration of a 1953 Johnson Seahorse 5hp

[GrampsGirl]

I have been holding on to this 1953 Johnson outboard motor for a long time. I have recently decided to find it a new home. Being the age that it is, I am assuming that it is classified as "vintage". Problem is that I can't get it started. I have never used it. It was passed down from my grandfather. My father used it and then passed it on to me. It hasn't been started up for maybe 20+ years. It is in good shape. The engine isn't locked up. There is fuel leakage coming from the carborator. I have replaced the spark plugs hoping that it would at least start up...but didn't. Any suggestions on where I might need to start in order to see if it will run will be appreciated. This is my first experience as a boat mechanic so "lingo" could be confusing for me.

 

[JB]

Re: Restoration of a 1953 Johnson Seahorse 5hp

Hi, GG.<br /><br />Vintage? Not particularly. There are many many small 1950s JohnnyRudes in regular service.<br /><br />If you want to get the engine running well you will need a Manual.<br /><br />Then you will need to overhaul and clean the carb, replace the water pump impeller, replace the gearcase oil, clean and gap the points and probably replace both condensers. Then replace the "O"rings in the fuel hose and ensure that there are no air leaks in the hose or the tank and that the primer pump on the tank pumps gas to the carb.<br /><br />If it was running well when retired it should start and run well after that.<br /><br />Yes, I know it sounds like a lot, and some of it may not be needed, but that is what I would do. . .OR. . . I would sell it as is to someone who can then do all that.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[GrampsGirl]

Re: Restoration of a 1953 Johnson Seahorse 5hp

Why thank you JP. Looks like alot of work ahead!

 

[SquirrelQueen]

Re: Restoration of a 1953 Johnson Seahorse 5hp

The early fifties Johnsons are great little motors, we have a 1952 JW-10 3hp and a 1953 TN-28 5hp in our collection. Not antiques, but most certainly classics. <br />The JW-10 is my favorite, purrs like a kitten. Gave it a quick check to make sure nothing was broken, it had spark and great compression, started right up. You will need a new impeller, for that call Laing's: http://www.laingsoutboards.com/ <br />And a manual will help, try one of these:<br /> http://www.precisionserv.com/Default.htm <br /> http://ww3.kencook.com/evinrudejohnsonmanuals/ <br />Or email me with your model number and I may have one I can copy for you. <br /><br />We use a fuel mixture of 24:1 on both.

 

[GrampsGirl]

Re: Restoration of a 1953 Johnson Seahorse 5hp

SquirrelQueen,<br /><br />I would love to email you, but I don't see a link for this and being new here, I am not quite adept at navigation yet! My motor model is TN 28. Does this help any for getting a copy of owners manual?<br /><br />GrampsGirl