early model Johnson

Hi every one;

I am new to this forum. In fact I am new to boating as well. So new I don't even own one yet. I am a woodworker though and have had it in my mind now for the last five years or so to build a boat of some kind. I am partial to the older mahogany Peterborough boats.
Any way, I was given an old Johnson, 3 hp. I am told. I think it will look just fine on the back if a home made flat stern cedar strip canoe.
I would like to find out as mch about this motor as I can includeing where I can find parts and maintenance manuals. I would like to know how old it is as well. I have found two numbers stamped on it just below the engin/gas tank houseing. The manufactures number is HD 25, the serial number is 657727. I would like to restore this complete with original color of paint and Johnson decals. It still runs well but has some issues with oil and lube leaking that must be dealt with before I put it in the water. Ecological minded you know.
If anyone can help me I would certainly appriciate it. I have been on a couple of Johnson sites but have not found one yet where I can input a serial number and get the info. I am looking for. Thanks again. Scott

Re: early model Johnson

You haven't said where you are, but you can always try here:
http://www.aomci.org/

Also, if you're in the US, call BRP customer service. They still provide mfg year for all Johnson and Evinrude motors.

Re: early model Johnson

A HD-25 is a 2.5hp. They can run great if they are right, but can be a pain if they are worn a lot. Parts are mostly obsolete, but some things like a water pump impeller are still available. If you want to get it leakproof, lotsa luck. They just didn't care about leaks in those days and are kind of sloppy. There is a guy that is making reproduction primer seals that will help stop some of the gas squirting out the top of the carb when priming.

Re: early model Johnson

Oh, they were made from 1946 thru 1950.

Re: early model Johnson

HD-25s were made '46-50, but that one was made in 1948.


EDIT: Too slow. Here's some additional info though:
HP: 2.5
WOT RPM: 4000
Displacement: 4.08 cubic inches
Bore x stroke: 1.375 x 1.375"
Weight: 29 lbs
Original price ( '48 ): $120
Spark plug: Champion J8J (J8C would be the modern equivalent).

'47 brochure:
http://old-omc.de/j_1947/john_1947.html
From the Old OMC Site:
http://old-omc.de/

Re: early model Johnson


HD 25 production ran from 46-50.Parts will be difficult to find.The JW series would be much easier to deal with parts wise.it is a 3 hp with about the same style as th HD 25.JWs were produced 52 to 68.64-68 motors are 50:1 mix (2.6 ozs. per gallon),there for somewhat more ecologically friendly.Your HD 25 is 16:1 mix (8 ozs. per gallon).

Re: early model Johnson

Well, yes, Shopsmith. The original oil mix was 16:1 using 30W non-detergent motor oil, but:

In 1964 OMC advised using a 24:1 mix with 2 stroke outboard specific oil for all OMC built engines made prior to 1964. I take that to mean that your HD-25 will do nicely with a 24:1 mix using any modern TC-W3 oil.

However, I agree with Steelspike that a JW or JH 3HP twin would be much more pleasant to use on a square stern cedar strip canoe. They only weigh 5LB more than the HD (34lb) and are the finest small outboards ever made, by anyone.

Welcome to iboats and don't be a stranger.

Re: early model Johnson

Hi boaters;

I realy appriciate all the help, including the web sites and history of the motors, etc.
Admiral I am not that far from you. I was born and raised in NS. Lived in the Annapoplis vally ,most of my life but am in Doaktown NB right now. Next year thiugh my wife and I will be moveing to Ont. for a few years before retiring to NS. Are you a member of a boat club. I have a sister inlaw with a Nunsuch sail boat. I believe she is a member of the Dartmouth yaught club, at least thats where she has moared her boat for the last couple of years.

Thanks again to you all for the info. and advise.
May be I can keep you up to date on my progress with the flat stern canoe. Although I will not be starting it until I move to Ont. next summer.

Regards; Scott

Re: early model Johnson

Scott,

My brother keeps his boat there (a Shark 24, another Hinterhoeller design) and I hold a crew membership. We're out pretty well every Wednesday for races during the summer. That wouldn't be "Summer Wind" would it?

I think it must be: I can't think of any other Nonsuch at DYC.

Re: early model Johnson

Shopsmith, I have one of those HD-25 motors, it's a 1947 and belonged to my grandfather. I've been slowly rejuvinating it in the basement for sentiments sake. Parts are not readily available for this motor, ebay turns up salvage and NOS parts occasionally. Otherwise a salvager would be a good place to look. I've found a maintenance manual and a parts manual for it on ebay (originals), and lots of step by step directions and tips from very helpful fellas here on this forum. Mine is almost ready to run now, needed some ignition system attention and a lot of gunk cleaned out of the fuel system and I am putting things back together whenever I can steal spare minutes.