Re: 1957 Johnson Javelin 35HP Compression
Thanks JB for the input, even if it is a little bubble-bursting. Here's the story with the motor and boat. I built a Glen-L Squirt and finished it with mahogany decking to look like a classic boat from the 50's
(click to see boat), and so I want a classic motor to go with the boat. I bought a 1956 15HP Johnson, but the boat needs more power. It's only an 11 foot boat, but with all the decking, framing, steering, battery, stereo, chrome, etc., it's not a light boat. I began looking for a vintage 25HP, but had a difficult time finding one with electric start. Then I ran across this Javelin on Craigslist that I bought for $100. It has a perfect cowling with no dings or dints and all the chrome trim and I figured worst case, I could sell the cowling and trim and get my $100 back, so I bought it even though I was suspect of the motor. But I'm pretty committed to having this cowling going on my boat sitting atop something even if it's another RDE or RJE that I paint white to look like the Javelin. Both you and Zephyr stated to pull off the bypass covers and I plan to. I actually plan to pull off everything that won't be too much trouble to put back together, clean, and repaint it. Also, I have a RDE parts motor and my plan is to disassemble it first to increase my knowledge before disassembling the Javelin, particularly the lower end which I have absolutely no knowledge of at present. I changed out the ignition and rebuilt the carb on my 15HP, so, I'm pretty familiar with that and also have the old ignition parts I pulled from it (the 35HP uses the same coils, condensers, points); so, I can use these to try and get the Javelin running. While I don't want to throw away time or money, I'd really like to restore this motor. But if it don't work out, I'll have learned a lot from trying and whatever parts I buy can be used in the RDE or RJE I buy to replace it.
By the way, yes, I'm a little concerned with the 35HP being too much motor, not because of the power but because of the weight, but with my battery and fuel tank moved to the front I think it will be okay. You can see from the pictures the boat presently sits pretty low in front with the 15HP Johnson on back. Additionally, while I haven't experienced any splash over the transom when slowing down, I set the boat up with a continuous drain motorwell in event I did.
This forum is a terrific resource and I appreciate greatly the knowledge and experience you all are sharing.