Beginner with 6 hp Johnson (50th Anniv) questions

isuhunter

Cadet
Joined
Oct 13, 2010
Messages
6
Hi guys,

Looks like lots of good info out here. I have my first outboard motor and am looking at using it this weekend. Its a 50th annivesary 6hp Johnson. I couldn't find serial # on it but have been doing some research and believe its a have seen where someone said 1965 and 1972. (I would like to get a manual)

I looked through the cold start procedures on the sticky, VERY Helpful!

The question I did have is regarding the tin piece where it says start, shift, etc. The person I bought the boat from said his buddy somehow moved it. How do I know I have it in correct place? Also should the throttle handle spring back (like on motorcycle)? I've attached a picture.

Any other info you guys could suggest to me would be great. Thank you
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss287/isuhunter/IMG_1633.jpg

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss287/isuhunter/IMG_1632.jpg

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss287/isuhunter/IMG_1634.jpg

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss287/isuhunter/IMG_1630.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:

oldcatamount

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 4, 2010
Messages
1,740
Re: Beginner with 6 hp Johnson (50th Anniv) questions

Sweet motor! Doesn't appear like it's been wrenched on much (and that would be a good thing). The aluminum throttle locator plate is not very accurate anyway so don't worry about that. After you use your motor a couple of times, you will get the hang of it. Since no two motors run the same, you will get the "feel" for the motor you have. I think it's a '71 but check the aluminum freeze plug on the motor, or look for a tag on the transom clamp for a model number and post back with it.
 

jay_merrill

Vice Admiral
Joined
Dec 5, 2007
Messages
5,653
Re: Beginner with 6 hp Johnson (50th Anniv) questions

The original paint, which is showing on the powerhead and the interior of the lowwer cowl, suggests a 1972. If it was a '65 and had original paint, it would be white.

Look for the data plate, which will be located on the port side transom clamp, if its still there. If its a 72, the model number should be "6R72D or 6RL72D."

The answer to your question about the throttle being spring loaded like a motorcycle twist grip is no, it is not.



???
 

isuhunter

Cadet
Joined
Oct 13, 2010
Messages
6
Re: Beginner with 6 hp Johnson (50th Anniv) questions

Thanks for the info guys. Does the shift put the boat at slower RPM? The lever on the side is that for Forward, Nuetral, Reverse? I can't imagine this thing would have a reverse, but then again I know nothing little about these motors.
 

ezeke

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 19, 2003
Messages
12,532
Re: Beginner with 6 hp Johnson (50th Anniv) questions

It's not from 1965 - the cover latch was on the cover in 1965.

What's on the welch plug on the engine block?

The shift lever moves forward, neutral and reverse. Turn the tiller handle counterclockwise to increase RPM.
 

Vic.S

Rear Admiral
Joined
May 4, 2004
Messages
4,721
Re: Beginner with 6 hp Johnson (50th Anniv) questions

If it is a 50th anniversary model then it is 1972!
 

isuhunter

Cadet
Joined
Oct 13, 2010
Messages
6
Re: Beginner with 6 hp Johnson (50th Anniv) questions

Thanks guys. I'm going with 1972. Hopefully we can get it out and running tomorrow evening. Boats getting a little welding done tomorrow so it should be ready for duck season this weekend.
 

isuhunter

Cadet
Joined
Oct 13, 2010
Messages
6
Re: Beginner with 6 hp Johnson (50th Anniv) questions

Well I searched high and low for the identification plate. I believe its gone. I found two little studs where I would think it was mounted.

The boat motor ran last November and then I placed in my garage. When I take it out would you guys add any additieves in the fuel?
 

jay_merrill

Vice Admiral
Joined
Dec 5, 2007
Messages
5,653
Re: Beginner with 6 hp Johnson (50th Anniv) questions

You do know that you have to mix 2-stroke oil in the gas at a ratio of 50 parts gasoline to one part oil (50:1), right?



???
 

isuhunter

Cadet
Joined
Oct 13, 2010
Messages
6
Re: Beginner with 6 hp Johnson (50th Anniv) questions

You do know that you have to mix 2-stroke oil in the gas at a ratio of 50 parts gasoline to one part oil (50:1), right?



???


Yep, just curious is sea foam or a carb cleaner is necessary?
 

Grumman59

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 22, 2009
Messages
112
Re: Beginner with 6 hp Johnson (50th Anniv) questions

I have two of those Johnson 6HPs, about early 70s. They are great little fishing motors, very well built and very rugged, I think. They will idle all day long and they run very smooth.

Couple of things you should know. Use fresh gas mix, ditch the old. Check that the lower unit contains gear oil and that it's not milky, indicating water has got in. (Means the seals have leaked.) Have a spare shear pin handy.

And don't mess with the slow running mixture knob on the front of the engine if it ran OK before. The engine is very sensitive to that needle valve adjustment and it's best adjusted when the motor is good and warm. If you do get trouble with the needle valve, it is sealed inside with three fiber washers which should be installed dry behind the packing nut.

Here's some good stuff on those motors:-

http://www.sschapterpsa.com/ramblings/OMC_6hp.htm
 

jay_merrill

Vice Admiral
Joined
Dec 5, 2007
Messages
5,653
Re: Beginner with 6 hp Johnson (50th Anniv) questions

I have a '69 johnson 6hp as a kicker on my boat. It has thousands of hours of run time on it and is still very reliable. Now that its a kicker, it doesn't get used much, but it starts on the first couple of pulls every time.



???
 
Top