'57 Seahorse Commitment?

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sub1

Recruit
Joined
Aug 26, 2003
Messages
1
I just bought my 1st boat (16' alum, trailer, and motor) for $200. The motor is a 35 HP Johnson model RD-19. I spent some time with the motor today, cleaning the carb, replacing fuel lines, but never could get spark. I've already gathered a lot of usefull info from this sight, but my main question for people who know is this: What kind of commitment is this motor? I am an average back yard mechanic with wheeled vehicles and pretty isolated from any real boat shops. Looking at it today, the motor impressed me but I fear a saga that ends with dead end trails for parts and the purchase of a newer motor. Opinions, please?
 
T

The Marine Doctor

Commander
Joined
Jul 25, 2003
Messages
2,177
Re: '57 Seahorse Commitment?

With that type of motor, look for compression around 100psi on each cyl. Next expect to have to put in new points cond and coils. Rebuild the carb and check the waterpump. If all this is done...it should work for a while. Just take care of it.<br /><br />TMD
 
JB

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: '57 Seahorse Commitment?

Hi, Sub.<br /><br />Your engine is a 1957.<br /><br />Ignition is by dual magneto. No spark on either plug suggests something common to both. . .ignition switch, kill switch, etc. <br /><br />You will do no harm by replacing both sets of points (set at .020) and both condensers. Plugs should be Champion J4C, gapped at .030.<br /><br />I have no idea what you mean by "commitment", unless it is compression. Doc's 100psi number would be on a warmed up engine. Gotta get it running first.<br /><br />Good luck. :)
 
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steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: '57 Seahorse Commitment?

That is a great old motor.They are pretty much bulletproof.Routine maintenance parts are readily available at places like NAPA auto parts and<br /> Any well established E/J dealer among others.<br />More difficult parts can be had at <br />places like www.tcoutboard.com.<br /> About the only drawback these motors have<br /> is they are pretty heavy on gas and the mix is<br />24:1.
 
rolmops

rolmops

Vice Admiral
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Feb 24, 2002
Messages
5,740
Re: '57 Seahorse Commitment?

I have three of them. I find they are easy to work on, and they do not need a lot of work
 
M

Mark R Groves

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 5, 2001
Messages
45
Re: '57 Seahorse Commitment?

If your motor still has the original coils, you will want to replace them. The insulation on these coils would break down and cause loss of spark. The newer replacement have better encapsulation and do not have this problem. These are also available through NAPA/Sierra or Evinrude/Johnson.
 
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