1965 Johnson Super Seahorse 33 HP Compression

[DRC1973]

I am thinking about buying a 1965 Johnson Super Seahorse 33 HP Model RXEL 13B for $350. The owner showed me in his garage that it works. I ask him about the compression and he said it read 50 PSI. Is that a good number? I am looking for any information about this type of motor. Is $350 a good deal for a running motor at this age outboard? Thanks

 

[Solittle]

Re: 1965 Johnson Super Seahorse 33 HP Compression

The 33s are solid motors. 50 psi is a very low compression. You need to recheck with another gage. Low compression in your engine may not be an issue as I think some of those engines had a compression relief feature for easier manual starting. I had one many years ago.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1965 Johnson Super Seahorse 33 HP Compression

+1. I had a '66 33 hp myself. The compression should be closer to 100 psi per cylinder with the cylinders being within 10% of each other. Try a new gauge and/or spraying some WD-40, or Deep Creep in the cylinders prior to testing. You should also perform the test one with both plugs removed and using the electric starter, rather than pulling it over by hand. If the compression improves, then all the rest can be fixed pretty cheap and easy. You can get routine parts like carb kits, tune up kits, etc...right here at iboats for about $20 each. If it's a good runner $350 isn't bad where I'm from, but a lot of the price will vary with condition and region. There seem to be lots more intact vintage motors up North and out West where there are shorter seasons and freshwater, rather than in the Deep South or Gulf. Here's a handy link to familiarize yourself with these old "Big Twin" motors.

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/04/s/columns/max/24/index.cfm

 

[B-Dozer]

Re: 1965 Johnson Super Seahorse 33 HP Compression

That price is about a hundred dollars high. In the midwest anyway.

 

[DRC1973]

Re: 1965 Johnson Super Seahorse 33 HP Compression

Thank you Gentlemen.....this helped me with me decision. I bought it for $300. The compression did improve with a new gauge and both read at 95 PSI. Hopefully I can find a service manual and do sme preventive maintenance before I put it on my boat.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1965 Johnson Super Seahorse 33 HP Compression

sweet! Looks like a runner too. Here are some handy links. You can get any routine parts you may need right here at iboats too. I would also try to get a bigger test tank too. I used a little trashcan like that on my old 33 too, until the prop cut a hole in the side Congrats on the new toy!

http://www.marineengine.com/parts/v...ntage-evinrude-johnson/381417/38141700001.htm

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/04/s/columns/max/24/index.cfm