1956 Johnson QD-17 10 HP Fuel Line/Tank Conversion

[crx]

I am new here and I hope that i am posting in the right section!

I have recently obtained a 1956 Johnson 10 HP Seahorse QD-17. The motor is all original and I got two double line tanks with it but out of safety concerns with these types of tanks from what I have read on the internet, I wish to convert. I have done a lot of reading on the fuel pump conversion and have a few questions.

1. The conversion can be done on this motor correct? Just curious as I took the motor to a local repair guy with 30 years experience and he says I cannot do the conversion because of the style of carb on the motor. Also this motor should have the check valves correct? Do I have to remove these or can I just put a bolt and hose clamp on the air pressure line?

2. Is there a bypass cover plate out there on the market or from another year of motor that I could use on it that already has the nipple and will fit correctly? I would like to save the original in case in the future I decide to return the motor to its original state.

3. I am very new to outboard motors..this is my first boat motor. Is there anyone on here who could guide me to all the proper parts and part numbers that I will need to do this?

4. If anyone on these forums live in the Quinte West, Ontario, Canada area and has done this type of conversion and wouldn't mind giving me a hand please let me know...I just don't wanna fubar this motor as it has a sentimental value to it as well.

Thanks in advance to anyone who has good advice.

[1946Zephyr]

I would just use the dual line tank. A lot of guys here will tell you that they're fine to run. If the pressure tanks are in good shape, then you may as well just stick with them. I have a couple old 18's with them and they work just fine.

[samo_ott]

Is Quinte West down by Trenton?

And I agree with Zephyr, I'd leave the pressure tank on it. I have many many engines that I run all the time with the pressure tank and have never had a problem. On posts on this forum nobody else has heard of a problem. The pressure tank concern is kinda of an old wives tale. They would not have made them for close to 10 years if they were a problem.

#1+2 - yes a conversion can be done on any engine. All you have to do it get a bypass cover from a 1960 or later 10hp and use it. Then plug the pulse hose out of the intake manifold.

#3 - I have the same engine and the parts manual I can email you if you private message (PM) me your email address.

#4 - I'm reasonably close but have never converted any of my engines (I have over 60, most of them are dual line), I have no problems with the pressure tank system.

and btw, welcome to the iboats forum

[samo_ott]

I would just use the dual line tank. A lot of guys here will tell you that they're fine to run. If the pressure tanks are in good shape, then you may as well just stick with them. I have a couple old 18's with them and they work just fine.

And Zephyr, that stupid bug of yours drives me crazy!!!

[lindy46]

X3 - I've run pressure tanks forever and never had a problem.

[crx]

@samo_ott

Is Quinte West down by Trenton?

Yes Quinte West is Trenton...Trenton is Quinte West! Just some name change political stuff that happened 10 years ago!!

But anyhow so it seems like I am on the right track for the conversion, but now a couple of you guys got me thinking about leaving it, and seeing as I do have 2 tanks in great condition. Maybe I will buy a couple of the gasket kits and freshen the tanks up. I do know the O-ring's in the female adapter are shot. The mechanic I went to said he has a ton of the old female ends laying around and said he would give me one for my second tank....and by the looks of the price of these things a free one is a good deal.

I guess another way to look at it is how many people on here have had a tank blow off a cap or anything else along that line??? The wife's grandfather owned this motor and tank since 1969 and recently passed away...I know he would say that those tanks are as good as the day he got them and that he ran them for all those years and never blew up!!!

Anymore input would be appreciated from anyone, thanks for the quick response guys. I will keep updates on the motor.

[Chinewalker]

I've been running pressure tanks for years. Only thing you really need to be careful with is make sure the cap is loosened when you're not running the motor to release the pressure. If you leave it pressurized, it is possible to push fuel through the motor, particularly if the carb needle is a little worn. Just open the cap 'til the air hisses out and leave it. Just remember to tighten it and give a couple pumps on the primer before you head out the next time...
- Scott

[moira123]

Is Quinte West down by Trenton?

And I agree with Zephyr, I'd leave the pressure tank on it. I have many many engines that I run all the time with the pressure tank and have never had a problem. On posts on this forum nobody else has heard of a problem. The pressure tank concern is kinda of an old wives tale. They would not have made them for close to 10 years if they were a problem.

#1+2 - yes a conversion can be done on any engine. All you have to do it get a bypass cover from a 1960 or later 10hp and use it. Then plug the pulse hose out of the intake manifold.

#3 - I have the same engine and the parts manual I can email you if you private message (PM) me your email address.

#4 - I'm reasonably close but have never converted any of my engines (I have over 60, most of them are dual line), I have no problems with the pressure tank system.

and btw, welcome to the iboats forum

Hi there,

I would love to have the parts list I need to do this conversion. I have the same engine. If you have any pictures that would help. This is my first motor and I am just learning. Any help would be so much appreciated. thank you moira

[samo_ott]

Send me a PM with your email address and model #.

[kfa4303]

2 line systems are fine, but if you want to convert it to a modern single line here's how...

http://www.leeroysramblings.com/Conv..._fuel_line.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtG4M...eature=related

http://www.marineengine.com/parts/vi...7674700001.htm