DIY Overhaul/Tune UP

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grover777

Seaman Apprentice
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Jul 10, 2004
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44
Hi,<br /><br />I have a 1959 Johnson 50 Hp Super Seahorse. Needs to be tuned up. Has run well in the past, but now, hole shot is slow and starting is tough. I would love to learn how to take care of this motor myself, it seems that finding mechanics to work on vintage engines is becoming harder and harder. <br /><br />Any help, guidance would be appreciated.<br /><br />Daron <br />Mahomet, IL :cool:
 
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petrolhead

Chief Petty Officer
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Oct 16, 2003
Messages
614
Re: DIY Overhaul/Tune UP

Before anyone else says it "get a good manual"!<br /><br />These 50s motors are pretty basic, servicing them is not rocket science, very few special tools are needed and all the service parts are easily available, and cheap too.<br /> <br />You've probably found, as I have, that the professional mechanics just don't want to know. They would rather sell you a new motor than bugger about with yours, and their minimum fee is probably more than the motor's worth anyway!
 
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grover777

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Jul 10, 2004
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Re: DIY Overhaul/Tune UP

Thanks for the advice! Any suggestions who makes a good manual?? I think there are a few out there.<br /><br />Daron
 
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petrolhead

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Oct 16, 2003
Messages
614
Re: DIY Overhaul/Tune UP

My Seloc manual for '56-'70 1.5-40hp 2 strokes is very good, I'm sure they do one that covers your motor too.<br />It's an excellent manual for the DIY enthusiast, very clear and it doesn't assume that you know anything yet! I understand the OMC manuals are a bit more technical and assume you are rather more familiar with outboards.
 
JB

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Mar 25, 2001
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45,907
Re: DIY Overhaul/Tune UP

For that level of work I recommend the OEM Manual, Grover.<br /><br />Try www.kencook.com.<br /><br />Good luck. :)
 
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petrolhead

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Oct 16, 2003
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Re: DIY Overhaul/Tune UP

Are the OEM manuals not aimed at those more familiar with working on outboards JB?<br />That's the impression I got from reading here, and from checking out a couple at my local marina, some of it looked pretty technical with little explanation of basic principles.
 
Droll

Droll

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Jul 30, 2003
Messages
514
Re: DIY Overhaul/Tune UP

This is something you hopefully do not need but ... if you do , here is your chance .<br /> New block at ebay
 
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grover777

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 10, 2004
Messages
44
Re: DIY Overhaul/Tune UP

Droll,<br /><br />Thanks for the ebay link. I am fortunate that things are not so bad as to need a new block!!<br /><br /><br />Yes, I am a novice, and would like the most "user friendly" manual out there.<br /><br />Daron
 
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