1956 Johnson FD-10 15hp.

[Bman2895]

Just here to ramble on mostly. While scrolling marketplace i was on the hunt for a 10-25hp outboard. I tend to stick with Johnson/Evinrude. I wanted to be in the sub 200$ range and around here that doesn't leave you much. Usually older worn out motors 5-10hp that run or 10-25hp that tend to need some love to get going. Occasionally you get a stray steal.

Almost got a 9.5 Johnson. But that fell through. Then a 9.9 that fell through. Another 60s 10hp Johnson, but again seller was impossible to keep in touch with. Came down to 2. A 1956 15hp Johnson or a 1958 Gale 12hp. Well after some back and forth with both sellers I settled on checking out the Johnson.

Well when I went to check out the Johnson I was beyond impressed with its condition. All the rubber components in great shape. The cowl seal, bumpers, and rubber strap that holds the cowl back are perfect. Tiller controls are smooth, everything moved like new. It was converted to run a fuel pump which is nice. Loved the way the paint looked. I was sold. Previous owner said he never saw it run. Didn't know anything about its history. But I took it home.

I dont usually pick them this old. But I scored a sweet heart of an outboard. 70 years old in shockingly great shape. Got it home and i dug in alittle deeper and gave it a once over. Spark was strong. Compression feels great(tester is awol) , but i did bore scope it and the cylinders and pistons looks fantastic for an engine 70yrs old. Set it up in a tank and hooked up fuel and it just fires right up. Pumping water great. Revs and idles Smooth. No idea if this is a refresh or simply a survivor in great shape? It doesn't look like a restoration as much as cosmeticly its kinda gotta a patina thing going on paint wise.

I genuinely feel guilty owning this outboard. Im kinda hard on them. Im so used to having ratty units from the late 60s-70s with ugly cowls, abused over the years. Leaky foot seals. Etc. But just reliable enough to run ya down the water. Honestly. If theres anyone on here on the east coast. Near east Tennessee who has a 10-25hp that runs reliably they'd wanna trade thats not super nice. Im talking something i wont feel bad about scratching/dinging up id be interested.

 

[jimmbo]

It has been modified, a 56 would not have had a Fuel Pump.
Word of Caution, that engine, may require a 16:1 Gas:Oil mix. While it has Anti-friction Bearings on the Connecting Rods and the Upper, and Center Crankshaft Bearings, it still uses Bushings on the Piston Pins, and Lower Crankshaft

 

[racerone]

It has had paint work done.---It appears to have overheated at one time.----Fuel pump is a recent Amazon item.

 

[Crosbyman]

?? so what is the bottom line ? a keepr & happy or selling it ?

 

[Bman2895]

It has had paint work done.---It appears to have overheated at one time.----Fuel pump is a recent Amazon item.

Yeah I figured as much on the paint. Like i say not sure if its an attempt at a patina look or just somebody painting on it over the years. I still enjoy the appearance. Over heated? What makes you say that? The litte jb weld repair on the head? I would have thought an overheated engine would have a bunch of scoring in the cylinders? Saw very very little on my bore scope. And yes the guy did say before he was ill he started to tinker with it and attempted to replace the fuel line and it broke the old pump.

It has been modified, a 56 would not have had a Fuel Pump.
Word of Caution, that engine, may require a 16:1 Gas:Oil mix. While it has Anti-friction Bearings on the Connecting Rods and the Upper, and Center Crankshaft Bearings, it still uses Bushings on the Piston Pins, and Lower Crankshaft

Yeah I remember the old 2 line pressure tanks. My papaw had a similar year 5.5 that used one. Im glad its been modified for a pump.
16:1? How do I confirm this? I kept seeing 24:1 while digging around online.

?? so what is the bottom line ? a keepr & happy or selling it ?

I love the motor. Reminds me of the old 5.5 Johnson my papaw had and was the first outboard/boat i was ever turned loose with. And it seems to be in pretty good shape mechanically. Chances are i keep it maybe look for something period correct for it to go on and simply buy another old motor to toss on this boat.

 

[Crosbyman]

book to work on oldies incl 5.5

store- print and bind locally

https://www.socalaomci.com/library/johnson_service_manual_10th_edition.pdf

 

[airshot]

Years back had a 56 model that was 30 hp, great motor. Mine used 24 to 1 oil ratio....if the motor runs well, why sell it ?

 

[racerone]

Paint shades on the block clearly indicate that motor has overheated !

 

[Bman2895]

Paint shades on the block clearly indicate that motor has overheated !

Ah. I knew when paint looked flaky that was a sign. I figured age simply took some color with it. How bad do you think it was over heated going off the paint?


I obviously dont wanna trash the engine. It runs great and cylinders and pistons DO look good. Upon starting it fairly quickly starts pumping water out of the exhaust. And its a pretty good volume as well. I know these engines are open loop(no thermostat) so would the pumping water indicate i should be okay?

 

[Bman2895]

Years back had a 56 model that was 30 hp, great motor. Mine used 24 to 1 oil ratio....if the motor runs well, why sell it ?

Im gonna run it, it starts easy, is way smoother than most other old engines I've had. Not nearly as loud either, but i assume thats got to do with the metal cowl and silencer on the carb.

 

[racerone]

There is no over heat warning horn on that motor.-----No shutdown switch either.----A wise man would install a new impeller !

 

[Bman2895]

There is no over heat warning horn on that motor.-----No shutdown switch either.----A wise man would install a new impeller !

I may actually have one that fits. And this one does have the access to undo the shift linkage

 

[racerone]

Yes, I know how those motors work.----And what they look like inside and out.

 

[Crosbyman]

shutdown can bedone with the choke or install a "normal open" switch with wires hooked up to the points.