1957 Johnson 35HP model number?

jrloomis · Jul 8, 2008

I can't seem to locate the specific model number on my Johnson Javelin 35HP. From what i have read it should be RD-RDL-19, RDE-RDEL-19 or RJE-RJEL-19. Could someone tell me where to look on the motor to determine this number? Thanks!

tashasdaddy · Jul 8, 2008

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP model number?

just above where the clamps are to clamps it to the transom. should be a 1"x2" plate. if not there look for a welch (freeze) plug on the block.

jrloomis · Jul 8, 2008

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP model number?

Thanks for the info, unfortunately i don't see anything like you have described on my motor. I have looked it up and down. Basically i would like to get a manual for this. Is there really a difference between these that would be an issue depending on what manual i got? I saw that there are 3 different manuals available.

Jason

F_R · Jul 8, 2008

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP model number?

There is a large difference between the '57 and '58-up 35&40hp motors. A 33hp from around 1968 is a close match, but don't rely on the parts numbers.

jrloomis · Jul 9, 2008

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP model number?

Well as far as ive read the one i have appears to be the Johnson Golden Javelin which it looks like was only 1957. My question is are they all 1957s and is there a big difference between all the 1957 models? Is there a serial number on the block or something i could check because i cant see a model number plate? I dont want to mess something up should i need to fix it and have the wrong manual. I saw that they are available here on iboats. Sorry if this seems like a bad question but this is my first boat and its all brand new to me. Thanks!

tashasdaddy · Jul 9, 2008

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP model number?

look for a plug like this. on the block.

jrloomis · Jul 9, 2008

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP model number?

Cool, thanks. Ill see what i find and post a pic of it.

JB · Jul 9, 2008

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP model number?

If it has electric start it has and "E". If it is a long (20") shaft it has an "L".

I don't really know the differrence in the "D" and "J" engines, but it might be that a "J" is the Javelin.

F_R · Jul 9, 2008

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP model number?

The 1957 35hp Johnson motors are all very similar. They came in Manual Start, Electric Start, and the Javelin. The Javelin is just a regular 35 electric start with a fancied-up hood.

If it actually is a 35hp and has a metal hood that flips up from the rear it is a 1957 or (some) 1958s. Some 1958 models have a one-piece lift-off hood instead of the flip-up one. Those are a totally different motor underneath.

Bottom line is if it is a 35 with a flip-up hood, a manual for a 1957 electric start motor will serve you just fine.
EDIT
RD-xx = Manual Start
RDE-xx = Electric Start
RJE-xx = Javelin

jrloomis · Jul 9, 2008

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP model number?

So...based on that info i should in theory have a RJE-19 ( L if its long shaft). Attached is a PIC of it....she isnt the prettiest. But it runs!

F_R · Jul 10, 2008

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP model number?

Well,l,l,l, no, not not exactly. Looks to me like somebody has put a Javelin hood on a RDS. As I said, that is the only mechanical difference. But the Javelin should be white, not red like the RD/RDS. You COULD even have a 1956 30hp there. Again, the Javelin hood would fit it. Take a picture with the hood open and I can tell you. FYI, Javelin hoods are in demand by collectors. Yours needs chrome restoration, so I can't say how much demand.
EDIT: Typo error. Should have said RD/RDE. The RDS came later and is a different critter.

jrloomis · Jul 10, 2008

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP model number?

Well the red actually appears to be the color of the metal underneath. It appears as though this thing was painted and all the paint is flaking off....if i get the serial number off the block like the picture above shows will that be able to tell me what the heck this thing is?

Now i'm really confused....i'll post some more pics with the cover off and see about that serial number.

F_R · Jul 10, 2008

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP model number?

The primer on the powerhead is red on all of them. Yes, I have the serial number list up through 1961. See my edit to previous post.

jrloomis · Jul 10, 2008

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP model number?

Alright thanks....i'll see about getting home from work today to find out that info. This is bugging me. I just want to know what the heck i got!

tashasdaddy · Jul 10, 2008

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP model number?

clean the crud off here, you may find the info you are looking for.

jrloomis · Jul 10, 2008

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP model number?

Alright well to go over what i've discovered this morning. The spot where the plate with the model should be is missing. It looks like something should be there right over the lock release but theres nothing. So...i found the serial number on the block. It looks to be G809-8140. I'm attaching pictures of what it looks like without its cover. Thanks for all the help so far.

F_R · Jul 10, 2008

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP model number?

Well, my friend, I don't know what you have either. Did that number come off the round disc on top of the cylinder? It is not a Johnson number. Nor an Evinrude number. Possibly a Gale number, but I can't find it.

I truly believe you have a mongrel. A Heintz 57 somebody put together from a pile of parts. I can see signs that it probably is a 1958 35hp RDE-19 or equivelent. The funky green paint throws it all off, making me further suspect it has a Gale powerhead on it.

Bottom line: You have a mongrel

jrloomis · Jul 10, 2008

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP model number?

yes, that number came off the round disc. So basically this motor is crap is what you are saying then? It runs for now...but there will be no way i can repair the thing then....

tashasdaddy · Jul 10, 2008

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP model number?

i'm going to say RDE 19C 1958 has the bosses on the bypass cover of never fuel pump. 1957 did not have them.

jrloomis · Jul 10, 2008

Re: 1957 Johnson 35HP model number?

From what im seeing the Gale and Johnson outboards are very similar... if the motor looks to be a 1958 RDE-19C.

Would anyone know the serial number G8098140?

Man this is turning out to be a mystery........wrapped in an enigma.

1957 Johnson 35HP model number?

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