Restoring a 1953 Johnson Seahorse 5hp

GrampsGirl

Cadet
Joined
Jun 22, 2003
Messages
15
I originally posted this awhile back in the wrong forum, so for those of you who have viewed it already, please excuse the duplicate post. I thought that maybe I would get some more feedback from other owners if I posted it here. And thank you to those who responded.<br /><br />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

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Restoring a 1953 Johnson Seahorse 5hp

Hi, GG.<br /><br />You posted in the wrong Forum again. I will move this to the JohnnyRude Forum for you, where other Johnson owners are more likely to see it.<br /><br />If you intend to sell the engine, which I think is too common to be considered an antique or collector item, I would sell it as is. The cost of rehabbing it could exceed its market value.<br /><br />Good luck. :)
 

alcan

Commander
Joined
Dec 14, 2001
Messages
2,505
Re: Restoring a 1953 Johnson Seahorse 5hp

Hi Gramps<br />Ditto JB. If you want go get the motor running you will need a manual. You may find a copy of an after market manual at your public library. These book cover many year, many models. Most date back to 1956. Thats fine, the info for the 56 model is the same for a 1953. These are dandy fishing motors. Reading a manual will help you with the nomanclature/lingo thing. In which case it will make it easier for us to help you.
 
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