Info on 1958 Johnson 50HP

jddenham · May 26, 2007

I might be getting a free boat with this motor. Does anyone have any info or opinions of this motor? How many cylinders is it? Any pictures out there?

TIA

R.Johnson · May 26, 2007

Re: Info on 1958 Johnson 55HP

Re: Info on 1958 Johnson 55HP

They did'nt make a 55 in 58. Do you have a model number

F_R · May 26, 2007

Re: Info on 1958 Johnson 55HP

Re: Info on 1958 Johnson 55HP

Maybe a 1968? Evinrude called their version the Triumph. And it was a whole new design and a good one. Of course it has been perfected some since then.

It has certain needs like clean, proper oil in the lower unit and clean and tight battery terminals, and don't mess with the electrical if you don't know what you are doing. Get a factory service manual if you plan to do your own work.

jddenham · May 27, 2007

Re: Info on 1958 Johnson 50HP

Ok let's try this again . . . . it's a 1958 50HP V-4 Super Sea Horse long shaft electric start. any opinions?

samo_ott · May 27, 2007

Re: Info on 1958 Johnson 55HP

Re: Info on 1958 Johnson 55HP

It was the first year of that engine.

F_R · May 28, 2007

Re: Info on 1958 Johnson 55HP

Re: Info on 1958 Johnson 55HP

A good motor, a real work horse that can suck in the sides of a 6 gallon tank in nothing flat. Also affectionesly known as the "Fat Fifty" a name given it by Mercury with their "Skyscraper Six".

It was the first V-4 outboard and the forerunner of today's motors.

Chris1956 · May 29, 2007

Re: Info on 1958 Johnson 55HP

Re: Info on 1958 Johnson 55HP

The Fat-Fifty was a prototype of sorts for the V-4 Motors that OMC made from 1960 on in HP ranges 60, 70, 80 and 90, and others. Being a prototype, it seemed to be robustly designed, although with a low tech design. It has 70.7 Cu Inch displacement, a two barrel carb, two sets of points, one condenser and a distributor with magneto ignition. It will; be easy to get it to run, but they take a bit of carb and ignition maintenance to keep them running. It's weakness was the shift dog and gears in the LU, which tend to wear a bit and the motor will jump out of ghear every 10 sec. I also found that the carb on the one I had stunk, and discharged 1/6 of the fuel into the water unburned.

jddenham · Jun 13, 2007

Re: Info on 1958 Johnson 50HP

I got the boat and motor. I plan on repowering the boat with a 1973 Johnson 115.

I'd like to tune up the old fat fifty and either sell it to someone who would appreciate it, or find a suitable hull of the same vintage.

I have seen a 50's or so 16 footish cuddy cabin(small) with wood on the front deck and an old johnson 40hp. I think the boat had a fiberglass or fiberglass over wood hull. It looks like a fun job and I think the fat fifty would do well on it.

If I do sell, what is an approximate value assuming good compression, new points, water pump/impellor, carbs rebuilt, and running good - with matching controls?

crowe_dc · Jul 3, 2008

Re: Info on 1958 Johnson 55HP

Re: Info on 1958 Johnson 55HP

hi i have a question about this motor to. i have just bought this boat with the super sea horse. i put a carb rebuild kit on it and took it to the lake to adjust it when i realized that the pump wasn't working. now that i have put a new water pump on it, the motor will not start. what could the problem be? i also was wondering what you meant by the ignition maint? i was also wondering about the timing marks.

rolmops · Jul 3, 2008

Re: Info on 1958 Johnson 50HP

A fat fifty is a very expensive boat anchor,unless of course,you get it for free.

samo_ott · Jul 3, 2008

Re: Info on 1958 Johnson 50HP

Or you have a 2nd one for the hard parts... I assume the soft parts are still obtainable...

jimmbo · Jul 4, 2008

Re: Info on 1958 Johnson 50HP

They had a very consistant fuel consumpion curve, very thirsty. They burned almost as much fuel at full throttle as they used at idle

jddenham · Jul 7, 2008

Re: Info on 1958 Johnson 50HP

I parted the motor out. I posted this over a year ago. I still have the lower unit and powerhead for sale. I also have a brand new fuel pump for sale.

tnts7433 · Dec 4, 2008

Re: Info on 1958 Johnson 50HP

i have a '58 johnson 50hp. i just had it checked by a mechanic. it runs but needs a water pump and the compression is 90,90,85,50, not good. mechanic said to part it out. foot is good. goes into gear good. any body have an ideal what would be the best why to get out of this? thanks. cleveland, tn

jasper60103 · Dec 4, 2008

Re: Info on 1958 Johnson 50HP

any body have an ideal what would be the best why to get out of this?

I would recommend craigslist. It seems to work well here in Minnesota. Cleveland is between Nashville, Atlanta and Birmingham (albeit furthest of the 3). But for a good price, I think someone may drive the distance. You can have someone post it for sale on craigslist (on all 3 cities) if you're not familiar with it.

tashasdaddy · Dec 5, 2008

Re: Info on 1958 Johnson 50HP

i would pull the head on the low side, could just be a head gasket.

Info on 1958 Johnson 50HP

Petty Officer 1st Class

Rear Admiral

Supreme Mariner

Petty Officer 1st Class

Vice Admiral

Supreme Mariner

Supreme Mariner

Petty Officer 1st Class

Recruit

Vice Admiral

Vice Admiral

Supreme Mariner

Petty Officer 1st Class

Recruit

Commander

Honorary Moderator Emeritus