1958 Johnson Super SH, Hi/Lo adjust. knobs loose.

[twin_cedars_ranch]

The adjustment knobs W/linkages have come loose from the shafts on this RDS-20. I don't know where to set the shaft positions prior to re-securing the knobs. (How many turns from fully screwed in). I recently bought this outboard at auction along with a 16' Wacanda hull. I'd like to sell the whole setup ASAP so I can spend a bit more time salmon fishing on one of my other boats, but I'd like to hear it run before I sell it. Thank you for any and all replies, I really do appreciate the help. Jim

[Paul Moir]

RDS-20 = 1958 2 cylinder 35hp Seahorse. A super seahorse of that year is a 50 hp V-4.If it is the inline 2, then you *lightly* seat the high speed screw, and then out 3/4 turns. For the low speed, lightly seat again and then out 1-1/2 turns. Tighten the packing nut at the mixture screws's base to tighten the settings.

[twin_cedars_ranch]

Thank you, Paul, for your reply. The cowling says "Super Sea Horse 35" (maybe replaced?) but this IS a twin, with a model # of RDS-20 on the ID plate. I'll set the shafts as directed, then try to secure the linkage-connected adjustment knobs to the shafts. Thank you again for all the help! Jim

[bhalsdorf]

Paul....the 35 hp is a super seahorse.....I have one....and it says Super Seahorse right on the cowling and the Manual.

[bhalsdorf]

The RD-19C was a 1958 35 HP Seahorse. The Model RDS-20 and RDSL-20 were 1958 35 HP Super Seahorses.

[Paul Moir]

Thanks, I was looking at the RD-19C. Some how I missed this.

[bhalsdorf]

Paul, I have that same boat in the upper left of that brochure. I am restoring it now. Already have the Johnson restored for it.

[Paul Moir]

Off topic, but what the heck!I see why you're restoring it, that looks like one sweet ride! It's a lot like the boat I hope to build for my Johnson 28hp Seahorse, which is just a paint blast away from finishing. (paint prep is done)

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

the "Super" in Super Sea Horse refers to the Super Starter ... no struggle string antics for those old girls ... plain old Sea Horses had compression release pull starters - I have two Super 40's and a plain Jane 35 ... however, I dooooo believe the starter will transplant over to the 35(however, in their infinite wisdom, the engineers did provide for incapacitation of the electrics by including ye olde struggle string)Since there are a lot of old Johnson guys looking at this post, any thoughts on putting a 1960 40 horse powerhead on a 59 35 horse lower unit? the catch is, I have to put a head on the 40, would the head from the 35 fit the 40? (I have this vision in my head of twin 40's on the back of the Starcraft 18)

[bhalsdorf]

Ray,Actually the Super isn't because of the Starter. I also have a compression release on my Super SeaHorse. The Super refered to is because it is a Super Quiet as the 50 hp is also a Super Quiet. The Cowlings Seal from top to bottom so the noise is less. Check out the link Paul has in the above message....it explains it.

[Paul Moir]

If you look closely, the Super Seahorse 35 also has a super suction fuel pump!It's amazing what this board can teach you..Sorry, no thoughts on the powerhead swap. Where are the other 8 lbs I wonder...

[bhalsdorf]

Paul,I knew you were watching this one....LOLI was wondering where the other 8 lbs was too.

[steelespike]

Lost in the shuffle here was TC needs to fine tune at speed after the initial settings. The powerhead swap might work.About a year ago there was a Bucaneer 22 on ebay with I believe a 30 or 35 powerhead installed.

[bhalsdorf]

The 1960 Powerhead is the same as the 1959 Powerhead. When Johnson first went to the 40 HP it was a 35 Hp block that was used.

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

I thought the settings were figured out, as well has how to lock the needles down ... RDS-20 = 1958 2 cylinder 35hp Seahorse. A super seahorse of that year is a 50 hp V-4.If it is the inline 2, then you *lightly* seat the high speed screw, and then out 3/4 turns. For the low speed, lightly seat again and then out 1-1/2 turns. Tighten the packing nut at the mixture screws's base to tighten the settings.Doenst that do it?Now, back to the powerhead thing, lol, the 59 has a one tube water pump and the 60 has a two tube water pump ... doesnt that affect the swap?thanks againPS - My standard sea horse has insulation in the bonnet and is sealed ... only saw supers with starters, figured that was the connection!ah well, live and learn!

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

RUMP!!!*kick in da buttt for this post*

[bhalsdorf]

Ray,I'm not sure if that matters with the powerhead or not. My 58 35hp has 2 tubes and so does the 60hp I have sitting in the corner waiting to be canibalized. Didn't know the 59's had only one.

[bhalsdorf]

oops....60 40hp

[twin_cedars_ranch]

I'd just like to thank everybody for the wealth of info on this RDS-20. I made the adjustments as described, installed new spark plugs, verified spark to the plugs, and verified fresh fuel entering both cylinders. Unfortunately, despite a good spin from the starter, she won't even fire. I guess it's time to order a manual and see just what is going on. This is my first time under the cowling on an outboard, and I always enjoy a learning experience. I've already figured out lesson one.... When buying an outboard at auction, HEAR IT RUN before bidding! Anyhow, thanks again to all! ... Jim