Johnson Sea Horse 3 HP

[doug3386]

The model is JW 13. The serial number is 241339. Does anyone know when this would have been made? Is a full range of parts available? Any comments on rebuilding? I just pulled the carb tonight. It's clean now but will need the felts, gaskets, needle and seat valve replaced. Compression seemed low too. Rings and crankcase seals?? Spark good. Lower end inspection? I'm new to the marine stuff. Have had lots of practice with bikes though.thanks

[JB]

That little jewel was made for the 1957 model year, Doug.Fuel mix is 24:1Champion J4C plugs, gapped at .030"Magnetos points gapped at .020"Don't do any more until you have a Service Manual.Any parts you can't get here: http://www.boatmotors.com/parts/ you should be able to order from your BRP dealer or NAPA store. Last resort is a dismantler like tcoutboard.comWhat sort of compression "seemed low"? What was the spread between cylinders?Those engines die more often from being "fixed" without a manual than from all other causes combined.Good luck, and welcome aboard.

[TTravis]

Doug,You might reading about my 3 HP Evinrude Lightwin tune up project which is the same motor. http://www.outboard-boat-morot-repair.com Tom Travis

[TTravis]

Oops, I did it again.The correct URL is http://www.outboard-boat-motor-repair.com/ Tom Travis

[JB]

Have you tried the Edit Post button, Tom? Works great.

[TTravis]

No, but I will try that next time I make a mistake.Tom Travis

[doug3386]

Thanks for the info JB. I went to the OMC dealer today to pick up a carb kit and was pleasantly surprised. The cost was less than I expected and the kit included the float and needle/seat combination. I guess since Bombardier picked up the line after OMC went tits up I get the advantage of in country distribution. What a rare treat! (I live in Canada.) Anyway he suggested that I use a foaming decarboniser/gum out called OMCtune up. I have always been sceptical of chemical fixes but he said basically what you said that rarely do these engines need to be taken apart. At any rate I am hopeful that this thing has possibilities to run. Thanks to Tom Travis too. That is a really good article on restoration!Doug