Converting pressurized Johnson to fuel pump system.

jmanderson

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I have a 1959 Johnson, FD-13, 18 hp motor I want to convert to a fuel pump system. I understand there was a kit for this at one time. Anybody know where I might find one. The local dealer says they no longer stock the vacuum adaptor, however, the pump is avavilable.

As an alternative, could I tap a hole in the bypass plate for a vacuum nipple and use a pump with a vacuum nipple on it?
 

F_R

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Re: Converting pressurized Johnson to fuel pump system.

It is true that a fuel pump kit was sold as an accessory at the time. So installing a pump does not make your old motor "incorrect". If you can't find a used bypass port cover with the fuel pump mount (there ought to be lots of them around), an alternative is to make an adapter plate from a piece of flat aluminum plate. Using a bypass cover gasket as a guide, drill the four holes and also drill and tap the required holes for mounting the pump. Fill the cavity in the bypass cover with Marine Tex or something, Sand the outside of the flange flat, and use new longer screws to remount it with your adapter plate with a gasket in between. Needless to say, drill a pulse hole all the way through both parts before mounting. Then mount a pump to the adapter, hook up the hoses, Replace the double connector with a single one, and you are hot to go.
 

tashasdaddy

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Re: Converting pressurized Johnson to fuel pump system.

i still don't see the point in changing a proven system. laingsoutboards.com has all the repair parts for the system. i've seen many engines ruined while trying to convert.
 

jmanderson

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Re: Converting pressurized Johnson to fuel pump system.

Thanks for the responses.

I neglected to let you know I have no pressurized tank or dual port hose and replacement of these old tanks is quite expensive for ones that have been reconditioned. (I was quoted $200.00).

Know any used part places that sell over the NET?

Thanks in advance.
jmanderson
 

R.Johnson

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Re: Converting pressurized Johnson to fuel pump system.

Tashasdaddy; Where did you see an engine damaged from this confersion, All you need is a 18, 20, 25 by-pass cover,and the pump, plus the hose. I have made these change's many time's. Just stay with the proper fuel ratio on these older engine's.
 

Scaaty

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Re: Converting pressurized Johnson to fuel pump system.

I have a good shape repainted 6 gallon P-tank going on ebay in a day or two. Also have 2 more that will go up for auction soon. Starting at 9.99. They show up at ebay all the time. .......hose (new) can be had for 2 bucks a foot. You can eliminate the expensive female twin hose fitting by just running a straight hose right to the carb and block, then just use a spare gas can to fill up the one in the boat.
 

tashasdaddy

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Re: Converting pressurized Johnson to fuel pump system.

when i was a kid, probably before the kits came out. and after withpeople who probably didn't know what they were doing.
 

F_R

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Re: Converting pressurized Johnson to fuel pump system.

Evinrude/Johnson' so-called "poor" Gale cousins never did have the pressure tank. They had pumps from the get-go. E/J finally caught up in 1960 after selling the conversion kit for several years. The pressure tank's fuel connector is worth as much as the whole rest of the tank.
 

Scaaty

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Re: Converting pressurized Johnson to fuel pump system.

Good article....all you need now is an expensive fuel pump and one more thing to go bad. Tanks on ebay for 50 bucks, repair kits IF needed 25...just too damn simple...and I explained how to bypass the 95 dollar female fitting......or you could re-invent the wheel
 

F_R

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Re: Converting pressurized Johnson to fuel pump system.

Brand NEW single line gas tank right here at iboats = $22.25. NEW hose and primer bulb here at iboats = 11.75. NEW 18-7351 fuel pump about $43. Engine side fuel connector, used not over $5. Coupla pieces of fuel hose and clamps, under $5. Engine mounted fuel pump more troublesome than the primer pump in the pressure tank? Whatever floats your boat.
 
D

DJ

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Re: Converting pressurized Johnson to fuel pump system.

I converted one a long time ago. A 1958 7.5.

I did so because I was using the engine as a kicker/spare alongside a 90 that had the single hose.

That way I could use the same tank. It was easier/safer to add oil to the 90 tank than to pour gas from one to another.

For a single engine application on a small boat, I'd probably go the pressure route, if I already had the tank. It's now an economics question.
 

R.Johnson

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Re: Converting pressurized Johnson to fuel pump system.

The trouble with the pressureized tank is the poor guality of the double hose as supplied today. If you store that tank with the cap closed, and the hose should burst, such as in your basement or a heated garage, you have a serious fire problem. They stopped using that system for a reason, probably lawsuit's.
 

Scaaty

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Re: Converting pressurized Johnson to fuel pump system.

F_R said:
Brand NEW single line gas tank right here at iboats = $22.25. NEW hose and primer bulb here at iboats = 11.75. NEW 18-7351 fuel pump about $43. Engine side fuel connector, used not over $5. Coupla pieces of fuel hose and clamps, under $5. Engine mounted fuel pump more troublesome than the primer pump in the pressure tank? Whatever floats your boat.

Expierence, class and style....this Forum is for opinions...adding yours without bashing others is showing class..........(you forgot to add shipping)
 
D

DJ

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Re: Converting pressurized Johnson to fuel pump system.

The trouble with the pressureized tank is the poor guality of the double hose as supplied today. If you store that tank with the cap closed, and the hose should burst, such as in your basement or a heated garage, you have a serious fire problem. They stopped using that system for a reason, probably lawsuit's.

That is correct. The last "double line" I used I had to cut off about an inch, every year. They seem to crack at the connections.

You can also create your own "double line" using modern single line fuel hose. Did that on a friends 5.5.

Still OK.,after a couple years.
 

R.Johnson

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Re: Converting pressurized Johnson to fuel pump system.

Your repacement hose is probably braided hose, the double line is not.
 

Scaaty

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Re: Converting pressurized Johnson to fuel pump system.

Double hose sold today is in my opinion, for show only. Any Auto store, double feet of what ya need in the proper I.D, couple black wire ties......
 
D

DJ

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Re: Converting pressurized Johnson to fuel pump system.

Double hose sold today is in my opinion, for show only. Any Auto store, double feet of what ya need in the proper I.D, couple black wire ties......

You're probably right, on that point.

I've got a bunch of single line tanks around, only one double.

That's why I did, what I did. That 7.5 is still alive and kicking, in dad's shed.
 

jmanderson

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Re: Converting pressurized Johnson to fuel pump system.

Everyone:
Thanks for the advice and opinions!

I'm going thr conversion route as I have a modern tank, single line, etc. I've ordered the pump, gaskets, and engine side single hose fitting. Looks like it will be less money than a replacement tank route plus I like the challenge.

jmanderson
 
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