Best service manual for '58 3hp johnson

[WALLEYE DIVER]

I have read thru this link:<br /> http://www.maxrules.com/fixtuneitup.html <br /><br />I want to order the kit that comes with everything... carb kit, condensors, water pump... <br /><br />The site has a good description and detailed pics to do the job, but I want to get a good service manual in addition to these pages. Any suggestions of where to buy one or which version to get? Would ordering a service manual right off their site be the best way to go? I see there is a ton on ebay as well, I just am not sure which manual would be best for what I am looking to use it for. <br /><br />Anything else somebody has to add about doing this job would be welcomed! These little motors are cool, and there isn't much to them. I am sure that some of you have learned tricks to changing out these things that come with the kit. <br /><br />hopefully after I get done with this project I will have a motor that I can have a little more confidence in it being dependable.<br /><br />thanks in advance!!!

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Best service manual for '58 3hp johnson

The factory service manual, which maxrules sells, is by a long shot the best. But at close to $70 for that one, it's pretty darn pricey. There's a number of places that sell that manual, but they're all around the same price since they all originate from kencook.com.<br />An alternative you might want to consider is acmeoutboards.com. They sell the service manual on a CD for a lot less.<br />As for the kit, it's not a bad price. It's got all the important things although I hardly ever replace points & condensors myself. But I'm a cheapskate who would rather buff out the old set. Condensor failure is very rare. <br />Check out the actual price list it's currently at $117. I estimate you could probably put it together for around $90 if you shopped around, but you need to get the carb kit from maxrules or your local dealer. The aftermarket one doesn't come with a float. Take a close look at the plug wires while you're doing the ignition.<br /><br />Check out Tom Travis' site if you havn't already:<br /><br /> http://www.outboard-boat-motor-repair.com/ <br /><br />The Seloc and Clymers manuals are often found in the library in the reference section. They won't add a whole lot to what you can find at those two sites though.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Best service manual for '58 3hp johnson

kencook.com says around $40

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Best service manual for '58 3hp johnson

That little engine remained unchanged up through the 70's, and is very easy to work on. Get the carb kit with the float. On an engine that age, replacing the coils' will be a given, as to age cracking. If in sound condition, it will run like a watch.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Best service manual for '58 3hp johnson

tashasdaddy, before about '64 or so (depending on J or E) all the service manuals came in one big book. KenCook sells that big book for $73. After that time, they seperated the manuals into those thin things that are all over ebay, which kencook wants $40 for. I don't think there were any significant changes, so perhaps one of those later manuals would suffice. (-'68). Can't say for sure though.<br /> http://www.kencook.com/evinrudejohnsonmanuals/index.cfm?fuseaction=models.main&year=1958&ID=110570

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Best service manual for '58 3hp johnson

paul, thanks for the clearification.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Best service manual for '58 3hp johnson

No trouble. I made that same mistake not too long ago as well.

 

[WALLEYE DIVER]

Re: Best service manual for '58 3hp johnson

Paul, thanks for that link there is a lot of good info on there... I had not seen that page before. <br /><br />$73 for a manual! might have to just try and wing it, without it... or would I be better off to bite the bullet and get myself one of these manuals? I actually have 2 of these motors.<br /><br />They both run pretty good, I just don't trust them in the cold out duck hunting. "Most" of the time I don't have any problems.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Best service manual for '58 3hp johnson

Yeah, that's why I mentioned the library and acmeoutboards $25 CDs. But frankly, there's so much good information out there I think you could easily "wing it". There are a few things to keep in mind though that they miss and that a good manual will actually get you thinking about.<br />The things that seem obvious to me are:<br />Head bolt torque is 70 in/lbs (use an in/lb reading wrench!).<br />Never, ever pull up on the driveshaft at all when the water pump housing is off, or it's a real pain to put it back in.<br />I think Tom was under the tutalage of an old-timer about the head gasket. Modern head gaskets have glue in them so they should be installed dry.<br />While you have your head off, check this out:<br /> http://www.shareaproject.com/pages/imageDetail,p,182,i,2538,00.html <br /><br />I would go to sea with one of these old engines before many modern and newer ones. They are extremely reliable, but you do have to service them. Keep after the water pump, ignition system, and lower unit lube and 24:1 in the tank and they'll run forever.

 

[WALLEYE DIVER]

Re: Best service manual for '58 3hp johnson

thanks a lot!!