Restoration advice - 1960 Johnson Seahorese 5 1/2 HP (CD-17)

H

hempfarmer

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Oct 13, 2009
Messages
80
Hi everyone,

This thing has been sitting unused for 15-20 years. Compression is 81 and 79. I am hoping to wake this thing up and make it a reliable back country fishing boat engine.

I will be performing the following service:

- Replacing entire ignition system
- Rebuidling the carb
- Replace the impeller
- Replacing the gear lube screws and gaskets
- Replaceing the gask tank and external line
- Replace gasket between powerhead and exhaust shaft

Would you also?
- Replace the head gasket? (plus get a chance to look in the cylinders)
- Replace the fuel hoses on the engine (they are original, really stiff and seem strong)
- Recommend anything else?
I am willing to spend the money for additional work as this engine needs to be reliable and I plan to use it for a lifetime.

Thanks!
Russ
 
D

dockrat100

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 22, 2011
Messages
144
Re: Restoration advice - 1960 Johnson Seahorese 5 1/2 HP (CD-17)

Yes, replace all fuel lines, and spark plug wires while you are in the electrical system. I would change the head gasket.
 
lindy46

lindy46

Captain
Joined
Nov 27, 2008
Messages
3,886
Re: Restoration advice - 1960 Johnson Seahorese 5 1/2 HP (CD-17)

Comrpession looks good, so I wouldn't replace the head gasket. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. You can always replace it later if it needs it.
Yes, definitely replace the fuel lines.
 
H

hempfarmer

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Oct 13, 2009
Messages
80
Re: Restoration advice - 1960 Johnson Seahorese 5 1/2 HP (CD-17)

Thanks.

On the outside the spark plug wires look good. Is there something that happens to them internally over time?
 
lindy46

lindy46

Captain
Joined
Nov 27, 2008
Messages
3,886
Re: Restoration advice - 1960 Johnson Seahorese 5 1/2 HP (CD-17)

Core can corrode, outside may look good, but that rubber deteriorates and you can get arcing through the rubber. If you've got it all apart to replace the other stuff under the flywheel, I'd replace the wires. Use 7mm Hypalon copper core wire, available at most marine stores.
 
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