First Boat Project

[mattinglyt]

Hello all, this is my first boat project and first one w/ an outboard.

I have a 16ft Alumacraft with a 1953 Johnson Seahorse 25hp (RD-14). I'm planning on building a deck in the front of the boat and leaving the rear open. I've already made few repairs on the boat and some cosmetic repairs as well. The trailer is giving me fits right at this moment. I'm having a problem finding bearings for the home made trailer.

As far as the motor goes, I finally got it running after dropping a lot of hard earned cash on a tank, dual line hose and fuel fitting for the two line pressurized system. The carb leaks so I'm planning on rebuilding it.

One of my biggest questions comes after I drained the lower unit. The lube was milky, so I know there was water in it. Should I assume the gaskets are not holding and rebuild the lower unit, or should I flush and refill it and try it out? I don't know the history w/ this motor and it has not been run in at least a year or two. What kind of job and I looking at w/ rebuilding the lower unit? Is there any special tools needed or should I just take it to a dealer to have it done?

I've been trying to locate an engine manual for the Johnson, but am trying not to spend 50 bucks on a darn book. I found a parts manual that shows breakdowns of the motor, but there are not procedures for it.

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. I've enjoyed looking through the forum and I know what kind of work you guys have put in here. I'm a moderator on another forum. Great work.

Thanks
Ted

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: First Boat Project

Hello Matt..

Aye..the lower prob needs a reseal..but may only need a new o-ring

But if you can check the prop shaft for distortion..

No biggie on the reseal..but You need to find out why.. ( get new gaskets ).

Drain and fill your lower..check the gaskets on your lower fill/drain plugs ..

YD.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: First Boat Project

A single investment of $50 on a book is still cheaper than 1 hour of shop labor. Do yourself a favor and buy the book.

 

[mattinglyt]

Re: First Boat Project

Thank you gentleman, I did notice there's no gaskets on the drain/fill plugs. I think I'll start there and see where that gets me.

I'll probably end up buying the book, just trying to see if there's a cheaper way to get one.

I know I've got the boat bug bad, because I just sold one of my pistols to help fund this project

 

[gunner1]

Re: First Boat Project

Thank you gentleman, I did notice there's no gaskets on the drain/fill plugs. I think I'll start there and see where that gets me.

I'll probably end up buying the book, just trying to see if there's a cheaper way to get one.

I know I've got the boat bug bad, because I just sold one of my pistols to help fund this project

Hope that boat has a hollow point just in case anyone ever breaks in!

 

[mattinglyt]

Re: First Boat Project

Hope that boat has a hollow point just in case anyone ever breaks in!

Oh, don't worry about that

I feel sorry for the guy that ever tries to break into my house