Johnson Cork Float issues

[gm280]

I have researched cork float issues on here and read a lot of interesting posts concerning them. I too have an old Johnson 40 HP OB engine and it has a cork float that was literally covered in a black crappy tar like substance when I disassembled it a few days ago to rebuild it. The original sealer on the cork has long since dissolved and the only thing left was the cork itself (actually under all the tar). I obviously looked to purchase another float but only could find the original shellac coated cork versions which will not work with the ethanol fuels used today. SO, I tried to see if they made a plastic version like they do for some other models. I see lots of plastic floats for smaller OB HP sizes, but haven?t seen one listed to work with this 40 HP engine. However, has anybody tried to recoat these cork floats with a two part epoxy type coating to work with today?s fuels? I use to fly R/C aircraft and used two part epoxy to saturate the engine compartments so the fuel would not penetrate the balsa wood frame with the nitro methane, alcohol and oil based fuels. It worked great too. Just wondering if anybody tried this on these cork floats? Any ideas or part numbers for other type floats..? Here are a few pictures of what I had...

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Johnson Cork Float issues

I very often recoat floats.

HOWEVER, not that one! lol That has to be one of the worst Ive ever seen. As you know, the floats coating only prevents the mould growth on it, which will then cause it to sink. It doesnt need it to actually float. I use model airplane dope. Be sure to get the fuel proof kind.

The newer floats are indeed ethanol proof. They are different than the originals, and will be fine. You can spot them as they are a lighter brownish colour as opposed to the darker brown you see before you.

 

[gm280]

Re: Johnson Cork Float issues

I very often recoat floats.

HOWEVER, not that one! lol That has to be one of the worst Ive ever seen. As you know, the floats coating only prevents the mould growth on it, which will then cause it to sink. It doesnt need it to actually float. I use model airplane dope. Be sure to get the fuel proof kind.

The newer floats are indeed ethanol proof. They are different than the originals, and will be fine. You can spot them as they are a lighter brownish colour as opposed to the darker brown you see before you.

Yes this old engine has been sitting for a long time before I bought it over a year ago (actually boat, motor and trailer all together). I have been refurbishing everything and finally decided to rebuilt this carb. That tar crap was soft and I easily cleaned it off with some carb cleaner and lacquer thinner. I tried to locate a plastic replacement but they seem to have made plastic replacements for every model but this 1976 Johnson 40 HP standard model. Now if it was a 1976 Johnson 40 HP Commercial version engine, I'd have a new plastic float by now... But for some strange reason they skipped this model (40E76R). GO figure... I'm use to using two part epoxy to fuel proof R/C airplanes so I'm looking to do that first and see...

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Johnson Cork Float issues

Your call, but I think I would personally write that one off.

 

[gm280]

Re: Johnson Cork Float issues

Your call, but I think I would personally write that one off.

HighTrim, Actually the cork float cleaned up very nice. The black tar crap cleaned off really nicely. The actual cork is in great condition as is the tab. So I am going to try the epoxy coat and see. If I come across a plastic replacement I surely will replace it at that time... But I am not wanting to buy another cork version to arrive at the same thing I presently have... I am actually thinking of making a Styrofoam version as well and coat it too with the epoxy... Never know...

 

[lindy46]

Re: Johnson Cork Float issues

I have bought many new cork floats for the 35-40hp Johnnyrudes (OMC factory-type) and have had no problems with them. I guess they use a different coating that resists the ethanol. I believe any 60's to early 70's 40hp floats will work in all the 40hp single carb motors.