1962 Johnson First start

[dstroud1987]

hey guys, I've been working on fixing up and old fiberglass boat that i bought off of kijiji. I was supposed to do some fiberglass work this weekend, but it was kind of cold outside so i decided i would try and finally start the old motor it came with. Its a 1962 johnson 40 hp and it hasnt started in at least 2 years. When i took the lid off of it there seemed to be some sort of nest in there made from the foam thats on the inside of the cover. So i decided i would clean the nest out and throw some new plugs in it and see what happens. It took a little while and some loud bangs but she eventually fired up. Seeing as this is the first time i've ever seen a boat motor running in person, i thought it would be a good idea to post it here and see what you guys think of it.

It seemed to idle quite well, and it was spitting water from the pee hole, so i know thats a good sign. I just had a couple of question for you as well.

When i put it into gear the motor seemed to move quite a bit.. just seemed a little violet to me lol i wasnt sure if it was supposed to be really noticable when it kicked into gear, or more suttle. It went in out of gear thought a problem so im leaning towards believing that that was normal.

Also when i finished running it there seemed to be a lot of oil and/or gas in the bucket of water. Ive heard that these old motors tend to do that.. but when i stopped running i wasnt even able to see past the surface of the water because it had so much crap in it.

anyways, here is a video of it running.. let me know what you guys think.. and if you can answer my questions or give any tips or advise, that would be awesome.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1962 Johnson First start

Well, I would replace the impeller and check the ignition system over. It looks like a decent motor and should offer a lot of good service, once properly tuned. From the video, it runs pretty darned nice, so I think you got a nice one there. As far as getting a lot of crap in the water? Oooh yea. These will do it. It's perfectly normal, especially in that can that you're using. It would actually be better to have your water level about 6 inches higher too.

 

[dstroud1987]

Re: 1962 Johnson First start

Thanks for the advise! I wasn't too sure about the water levels in that bucket.. it seemed a little low to me as well. I was thinking that as long as it had water coming out the hole, i was good. I'm definitely looking to get a bigger bucket for next time i start it.

I know this is an awful question to ask you.. but what is the impeller exactly? I basically know nothing about any engine.. so you guys have to bare with me a bit lol

Thanks again for the advise.

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1962 Johnson First start

The impeller is a rubber finned propeller-like device which fits over the driveshaft and turns with the driveshaft. It sits in a housing on top of the lower unit and pumps water to cool the engine. An old impeller gets brittle and inflexible, and can break apart and clog up your cooling system. That's why it is recommended to replace them every 2-3 years.

 

[boobie]

Re: 1962 Johnson First start

It might be wise to get an OEM factory service manual. Lots of good info in them. You'll use this later on when you run into more probs.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1962 Johnson First start

Take a look at item number 11 in the attached photo. That is what your impeller looks like. If you go to marineengine.com, you can find a complete parts list.

I'm thinking your motor is newer than 1962. 1958 and later Johnson Super Quiet 40's were all white. I have a '59 and a '64 and they're both all white. Somewhere in the late 60's, they went to an Olive Drabb color, on the lower shrouding. I'm thinking probably 1967 or newer. Post a model number and that will help us determine the model year.

 

[dstroud1987]

Re: 1962 Johnson First start

I'm pretty sure that is a 1962, but i figured i would post the model number anyway so i can know for sure. I'm thinking maybe the guy before me painted it or something and thats why the color doesnt match what it was like when it was new.

anyways, the model number is RDSL-24L

let me know what year you think it is,

and thanks a lot for the help zephyr!

 

[bouttime007]

Re: 1962 Johnson First start

I'm pretty sure that is a 1962, but i figured i would post the model number anyway so i can know for sure. I'm thinking maybe the guy before me painted it or something and thats why the color doesnt match what it was like when it was new.

anyways, the model number is RDSL-24L

let me know what year you think it is,

and thanks a lot for the help zephyr!

Says its a 1962 40h here. http://www.marineengine.com/manuals/johnson/

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1962 Johnson First start

Interesting. Yea, that model number is correct for that year. It must have been repainted somewhere along the line. I bet you'll find white paint under the green. Well, I do have to say though, the 62 and later 40's were actually the best models. That motor in bouttimes007's signature looks like it's a '65 or later. In the pic below, is my '64 RD-26

 

[bouttime007]

Re: 1962 Johnson First start

Mine is a 1962 28h with a long shaft extension Zephyr. (RX-10)

The paint was a light grey on the LU originally, but someone made it into a longshaft and that LU was originally green. (I painted it white)

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: 1962 Johnson First start

Dave, I checked the wndshield. Sent you a PM.