Old Johnson Sea Horse 3HP outboard

[photodonn]

I picked up an old Johnson Sea Horse 3HP outboard for my dingy and would like some info on it and where I can get a manual. Model JW13 and I think the Ser# is 14939.

..Donn

 

[JB]

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse 3HP outboard

Ahoy, Donn.

Welcome to iboats.

You have acquired the best little outboard ever made by anyone. JW-13 is a 1957.

B&S=1-9/16"X1-3/8", 5.28ci. 4.88pints fuel tank. Weighs 33#.

Spark plugs Champion J4C (Normal operation) or J6C (mostly trolling). Either gapped at .030"
Set points at .020".

Instructions for fuel mix vary, some places say 24:1, others 16:1 or 20:1. I used 24:1 in my JW-13.

Manuals can be had (OEM only) at www.outboardbooks.com.

Good luck.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse 3HP outboard

The decals will specify 16:1, as are the 5.5's and 7.5's. No needle bearings in that motor at all, so I wouldn't go lean on the oil.

http://www.nymarine.ca/57JO3WEBPIC.gif

 

[Bubonik]

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse 3HP outboard

that's a neat Gif there Zephyr
do you happen to have for an HD-25 ?

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse 3HP outboard

Well, that is actually a decal set online for your '57 JW, but yes, I do actually have a 1941 HD-20 in my collection

 

[JB]

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse 3HP outboard

The decals will specify 16:1, as are the 5.5's and 7.5's. No needle bearings in that motor at all, so I wouldn't go lean on the oil.

http://www.nymarine.ca/57JO3WEBPIC.gif

Yup. No matter what you say about fuel mix for that outboard someone will yabut you. All of the ratios I quoted come from official documents published at different times. In the case of my JW-13 I followed instructions in the 1964 Johnson Service Manual. . ."all outboards prior to 1964 use 24:1".

Running 16:1 certainly won't hurt your outboard. That is what they recommended in 1957. It certainly will produce more stink, smoke, pollution and carbon than 24:1 unless you use a 100% synthetic (TC-W3) oil.

The next time the EPA decides that 2 stroke outboards are going to doom the planet BRP will probably switch back to 24:1.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse 3HP outboard

One thing to also take into consideration, is the contruction of the outboards too. The 10hp's and larger consisted of needle bearing crank and rod set (non-friction) ups in those years and the manufacturer specs recemended 24:1 on those models. The 7.5hp and smaller, didn't have any needle bearings at all (friction)and ran metal to metal rod to crank set ups. So, it would make sense to me why the heavier mix would have been an issue. Another thing I noticed is the 7.5's and smaller had the 4 gallon gas tanks, hence the 1 quart per tank, making it a 16:1 ratio, where as the 10hp and larger had the 6 gallon tanks, hence the 1 quart per tank, making it a 24:1 mix. Since these motors are older now and a bit worn, 24:1 should run just fine.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse 3HP outboard

Plus the oils are significantly better now....IMO..

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse 3HP outboard

Plus the oils are significantly better now....IMO..

I think that that is one of the most signifigant points.

They also reccomended Type C oil for the gearcases, but the Hi-Vis oils of today are by far superior to that. My neighbour at the trailer insists on using Type C in his QD16, since that is what is reccomended in the 1955 Service Manual.

I personally run 24:1, although I use XD50, and the Johnson/Evinrude Hi-Vis Gearcase Lube for my lu's

 

[cajuncook1]

Re: Old Johnson Sea Horse 3HP outboard

Here is a nice little link with some good information.

http://outboard-boat-motor-repair.com/Evinrude%203%20HP%20Lightwin%20Outboard%20Boat%20Motor/Evinrude%20Johnson%203%20HP%201952-1967%20Tune-Up%20Procedure.htm

Here is a link to a electronic parts diagram for your engine.

http://www.marineengine.com/parts/vintage-evinrude-johnson/377017/catalog.html?http://www.marineengine.com/parts/vintage-evinrude-johnson/377017/37701700001.htm

Great motor you got there.....I have one my self and it runs great. Personally I run fuel oil ratio of 16:1 and use synthetic TWC-3 2cycle oil. Experts at the antique outboard motor club inc recommend this ratio highly. But that is my opinion, the others have given good advice with 24:1, because it is consider acceptable.

Good luck (post pictures of the little beauty if you can!!!)