1956 15hp johnson ?'s

[4.0l sahara]

I may buy a 1956 15hp johnson now instead of the 1956 10 hp johnson. Is the 15 closly related to the 10hp or the 18hp? Or is it the 10 related to the 7.5 and the 15 and 18 related? Is it as easy to get parts for it a as a 10hp? Is this just as reliable as the others? Does it share the same lu as the 18?

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 1956 15hp johnson ?'s

The 15, 18 are basically the same, the 10 is rather by itself.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1956 15hp johnson ?'s

i don't know which is related to what well enough to say. i will say i have had to mid 50's 15hp johnny/rudes. they both were the most dependable motors i ever owned. most parts are still available. and the are easy to work on.

 

[4.0l sahara]

Re: 1956 15hp johnson ?'s

So all the stuff like coils,points,condensors,lu seals,carb kits and other gaskets are still avalible?

 

[cannonford57]

Re: 1956 15hp johnson ?'s

yeah 4.0 most items are readily available,most even aftermarket

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1956 15hp johnson ?'s

If the choice was between the 10 and 15 and they're both in the same shape, no doubt the 15 is the better choice. They are both like Lay's potato chips to me, though.
JBJ

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1956 15hp johnson ?'s

Get the 15 if it is in comparable or better shape. They run forever if taken care of and make plenty of power if you like to take your buds along.

 

[4.0l sahara]

Re: 1956 15hp johnson ?'s

About the same. The 15 has a few more chips in the paint. But they will get new paint down the line anyway.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1956 15hp johnson ?'s

If you get the 15, pull the powerhead and replace the lower main bearing seal whether it needs it or not. It was a weak spot and when they fail, it totals the powerhead. Part number 303804.

 

[JB]

Re: 1956 15hp johnson ?'s

Your '56 15HP is model FD-10. The later FDs were bored out from 2-3/8" to 2-1/2" and rated at 18HP.

The '56 10HP was a QD-17. Though it had the same bore as the FD-10 it had a much shorter stroke; 1-7/8" vs 2-1/4".

Both are excellent engines when treated well. Both use a 24:1 mix, Champion J6C plugs (though I ran J4Cs in my FD-11) gapped at .030" and points set at .020".

I think the lower ends of all of the FD series are interchangable.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1956 15hp johnson ?'s

who cares about paint, dependability, and power are more important than beauty. this little baby, ran high 20's with me alone, low 20's with another 225 lbs.

 

[4.0l sahara]

Re: 1956 15hp johnson ?'s

I'll remember the lower seal on the power head. It has sat for a while so I will replace it.

 

[4.0l sahara]

Re: 1956 15hp johnson ?'s

Paint isn't important but is a nice touch when they look like new.

 

[cc67]

Re: 1956 15hp johnson ?'s

Paint isn't important but is a nice touch when they look like new.

Here is a 54 15012. I think it runs better since I got it painted.

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[wbeaton]

Re: 1956 15hp johnson ?'s

Both are good motors. Buy whichever hp fits your boat best.

I prefer the 15 hps, but 10 hp's are more plentiful. In fact, the 1956 is the only Johnson 15 hp or that era. I'd love one to add to my collection.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: 1956 15hp johnson ?'s

I haven't had my hands on one since I was a kid but thought that the 15hp Rude was a great motor. I had a friend who had one on a 12 foot trihull, which we used quite a bit - the motor ran great and the boat was very fast.

Good tips here on how to keep them going too!

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1956 15hp johnson ?'s

CC67, great paint job. did you do it yourself?

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1956 15hp johnson ?'s

4.0, how much for the 15 and how much for the 10 and are the compression #'s good?

 

[4.0l sahara]

Re: 1956 15hp johnson ?'s

don't know exact numbers but they both have good compression. The 10 had a tank and was 300. I may be able to get the 15 for under 200. Have to see what this guy wants.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1956 15hp johnson ?'s

A running 15 with a tank for under $200 is not bad...