Help Me Identify Old Super Sea Horse

[Patrick1984]

Hi,

I just picked up a free old boat with an old 40hp Johnson Super Sea Horse that seems to be in good shape. I want to order a carb kit and some bits and pieces to give it a once over before I attempt to go out on the water with it but all the parts manuals and what not seem to need a model code. From what I can tell it's been painted over. There are remnants of a sticker above the clamps but it's near impossible to make out. Best thing I've found is the serial number on the block - J2598012.
Can anyone here tell me what year / model this is from that? If not from that maybe from these photos.
Thanks in advance,
Patrick

 

[racerone]

Looks like a 1965 or 1966.----Do a complete evaluation of this engine before spending any beer tokens.----Do a complete evaluation ( mystery repair on transom ? ) of the " free " boat.----Why do you want to start with a carburetor kit ???

 

[jimmbo]

If you get some Paint remover, and apply it to the area shown in the 2nd Picture, it should reveal the Model Number.
I would say it was a Rope Start model converted to Electric Start, as it doesn't have the Hot Air Automatic Choke Provisions on the Exhaust Cover

 

[Patrick1984]

Thanks, I did spray some brake cleaner on the top of the transom clamp but it didn't strip the paint back. I'll see what I can find in the shed then have another play and see what I can find. I was paranoid this would just take the old sticker with it. Is there no cross reference for year to serial numbers?
As for the carb rebuild. I was planning on checking compression then if it's all good rebuilding the carb, replacing the points, plugs, fuel filter, thermostat and impeller along with the leg oil. Is there anything else to check out on these older twins? I'm a mechanic so happy to play with the motor but this is my first boat so I also don't really know what I'm in for either.
Also what do you mean with mystery transom repair? I've knocked on the transom all over and it sounds good. I can lift hard on the motor or stand on it without it flexing or showing compression at the clamps. What am I missing there?
Cheers,
Patrick

 

[jimmbo]

Mystery Transom Repair... racer is likely referring to the Metal Plate on the outside of the Transom. It does create a Gap between the Transom and the Engines Transom Bracket. There is also some other signs of issues with the Transom. One neat thing about Glass Reinforced Plastic, it can be great until it fails. A rotted Transom Core will not be detected by knocking/tapping. Plates are often put on Transoms that are showing signs of bad internals, but they are usually placed inside.

 

[jimmbo]

If I recall, back then it was a Piece of Metal riveted to the Yoke that had the Model and Serial #s stamped on it. Use an actual Paint Remover, like the ones used for stripping Furniture

 

[Patrick1984]

No worries, thanks for confirming. I'll get something stronger on there and see. The top of the sticker has the rpm range and I can see a matching serial number at the bottom of it so hopefully I can uncover the rest of it.
As for the plate under the clamps it's got a similar one on the inside with bolts on the outer edges to keep them connected. Aside from knocking or levering up and down on the motor what can I do to confirm the transom is ok?
Thanks,
Patrick

 

[Faztbullet]

That transom has definitely had some "Bubba" repairs. Free is a way for people to get rid of junk without having to pay to have it disposed of.

 

[racerone]

I like the term ----" bubba repair "----That 7"X 40" aluminum plate is an obvious repair attempt !!

 

[Crosbyman]

no sense fixing the neglected engine if you are going to sink

Amazon.ca Something Went Wrong / Quelque chose s'est mal passé

 

[lindy46]

Looks like a 1965. Model number should be RD27 or maybe RK27 on that ID plate, if you can make it out.

 

[racerone]

RK is for electric shift.----This motor is NOT electric shift.

 

[jimmbo]

What in the world is being used as the Tilt Pin? It isn't even going thru Straight

 

[racerone]

The OP states----" motor seems to be in good shape "----I would consider it a parts motor.----Or a complete tear down for inspection !

 

[Scott Danforth]

That bandaid plate on the transom means the transom is soft

 

[jimmbo]

It looks like Starboard side of the Splashwell-Transom, Pics 7&8, show some Holes in the Glass

 

[Patrick1984]

What in the world is being used as the Tilt Pin? It isn't even going thru Straight

It's got a good old tent peg in there. Actual pin is on the list. Transom plates siliconed on. Has the plate you can see and a piece of angle iron on the back side the same width. If I lift the motor off then rip the alloy plate off what's the best way to be sure it's not going to crumble on the water?
What's not covered by the plate seems solid to me. Am I best to rip the plate off and see a boat builder?



Thanks,
Patrick

 

[Patrick1984]

Looks like a 1965. Model number should be RD27 or maybe RK27 on that ID plate, if you can make it out.

Thanks. I tried to uncover the plate but the id came off with the paint. I'll compare some of part numbers I can see castings for against an RD27 and see if it adds up

 

[jimmbo]

The Block/Heads/and many other parts were used for several years of the 40hp, it wasn't until 1971 where major changes occurred to the 40hp

The motor is likely a Rope Start, that was converted to Electric Start, as it doesn't have the Automatic Hot Aire Choke, and Exhaust Water Jacket Cover, has no provision for it. The engine cowl decal looks like the 1965 or 66. In 67, the Paint Colours changed

 

[jimmbo]

There has been some flexing going on between the Transom and the Splash Well(black circles). Missing Bolts(blue circles) certainly aren't helping any Questionable Bracing.


This area, has likely let a lot of water in


You might think I am trying to rain on your Parade, but this a boat/motor that is likely between 55 and 60 yrs old
I would recommend drilling a few 3/16" holes into the Transom(easy to fill with Polyester Resin with microbeads), to see what the wood looks like