Given a '41 Johnson TD 15...Q re manuals, parts & use

[guy48065]

In the past on this forum I asked some questions about the care & feeding of Eska & similar lightweight air-cooled outboards & often got the response "they're junk--get an old johnny-rude". Well the beat-up old Sears is still humming and I've just been given a very nice, very old Seahorse TD 15. This has been stored in a basement untouched for 20 years and likely much longer since it's been in water. It still wears about 98% of the original paint--even the prop only has paint rubbed off the very edge.

Anyways--is this possibly TOO old to be considered a good candidate to replace my fishing motor? They're both 5-ish HP but the Johnson weighs much more so it'll be lots more effort carrying it the block from the dock to my cabin.
Some typical questions:
Can I safely run this 50:1 on synthetic? I don't want the hairy eyeball from neighbors for too much smoke or oil slick.
Will I find it hard to find common parts like a carb kit, impeller & points for this antique?
I searched for manuals and found them very expensive--how necessary? Is there an online version with the basics to adjusting one of these? I'm unfamiliar with the controls on this one. (For instance the "Starting" sticker mentions adjusting both needles but I see only one)
It appears there's no telltale on this outboard so should I replace the impeller and just trust the flow or was there some other way of knowing back then?

Any other tips on care & use of an antique outboard?

Any advice for this relative newb would be very appreciated. Thanks.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Given a '41 Johnson TD 15...Q re manuals, parts & use

contact the antique outboard society for parts and info on that motor.

Because is only has brass bushings instead of ball or roller bearings, it needs at least a 24:1 gas oil mix with today's oils. The original mix was 16:1 - a half pint of oil per gallon of gas.

 

[guy48065]

Re: Given a '41 Johnson TD 15...Q re manuals, parts & use

Considering the wealth of responses to this one I'm gonna call it "too old" and look for another. At least the price was right

Available soon on a Craigslist near me! Woohoo!

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Given a '41 Johnson TD 15...Q re manuals, parts & use

That is a pre-war motor (1941-42). I think you should restore it and/or preserve it. I'm in process of restoring an HD-20, the same year and it's been a kick in the rear. I was actually able to pick up all new internals for the powerhead, at sea-way marine

You can run it at 24:1, but running it at 16:1 will only prolong to life of it. Once those crank journals get worn and fuel air mix starts blowing back and forth to each crank case, they won't idle very well. Those old TD-s are sweet running motors, when all the internals are tight.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Given a '41 Johnson TD 15...Q re manuals, parts & use

I run my TNs, TDS, HDS at 16:1 as well. Forget the 50:1, lol.

I cannot say for the TD, but I know the TN impeller is NLA, and you have to port out an impeller from a 5.5 hp motor of 50s vintage. Not a huge deal, but something to know.

Most of the other parts are not too hard to find. The leather washers in the carb need to be ordered from a member of the aomci, LLoyd Lautner. If you end up restoring this, I can pass along his info, and some online manuals. These can be a little tricky, you will need them for the first time.

There are 2 needles, the idle/low speed, which is the L handle, and the high speed, at the top of the carb.

If you need any other info let us know.

 

[guy48065]

Re: Given a '41 Johnson TD 15...Q re manuals, parts & use

Leather washers? Holy smoker! What are the odds an oldie like this that hasn't been touched in decades will be fine with just cleaning? Or will those washers fall to pieces when I disassemble the carb to soak it?

Googling "sea-way marine" got only hits for a transport company. ?

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Given a '41 Johnson TD 15...Q re manuals, parts & use

I have the parts manual for the TD-20, '46-'49 if you want it. It wont be exact but it will be close. If yes, PM me your email address and request.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Given a '41 Johnson TD 15...Q re manuals, parts & use

Yea, I think the TD-15 will be virtally identical to the TD-20 with part numbers. I think the only changes were paint color from pre-war, to post-war. Like I said, try Sea-Way Marine for any parts you need for that old jewel. They did really well for my HD-20 and it's the same year as yours. I was almost floored, when they had everything I needed. If they can't get it, then try Engine Blade and Prop. They helped me out on some N.O.S. parts for a 1937 Evinrude I had.
You might be surprised at the leather washer. LOL it might swell up and seal things up nicely, once fuel mix hits it. But right now, while it's dried up, is the best time to pull it out, because it should come out a lot easier.