1956 Buccaneer 12hp with a Johnson powerhead?

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  • March 21, 2021 at 10:42 pm #234564
    free1986
    Participant

      US Member

      Hello,

      I just bought a 1956 Buccaneer 12hp to match a 3hp I inherited. I drove way too far (9 hours round trip) and probably way overpaid at $140 but I wanted one. Found out when I got there it had been used in salt some which is a big negative, but I was already there. Anyway, got home and got the covers off, it looks like someone has replaced the powerhead, block is Johnson red, but the head, hood brackets and reed cover are Buccaneer brown. The whelch plug has the Johnson seahorse and number 1392025. I’m assuming it can’t be original with the seahorse and non matching serial, and that the block is a from a Johnson, maybe 15hp? I wondered if anyone can tell what the powerhead came from by the serial? Also, since it has the brown Buccaneer head, aren’t the bore sizes of the 12hp and 15hp different? I guess the head size is close enough to the bore size that it works? He claimed it ran well when last used years ago (heard that one before). Quick picture of it in the back of the car

      March 22, 2021 at 12:12 am #234571
      JOHN HOLBIK
      Participant

        I dont have my serial list handy.
        15 hp from 1956
        18 hp from 1957 58
        10 hp from 1956 57 or 58
        The brown red color of your motor looks like 1958 to me.

        March 22, 2021 at 12:38 am #234573
        trex014
        Participant

          If you can post some more pictures of the whole powerhead then it can probably be told what you have.

          Going off of color, it looks like overheated 1957 johnson paint to me.

          March 22, 2021 at 8:22 am #234584
          frankr
          Participant

            US MEMBER PAY BY CHECK

            1392025is a 1956 15hp Johnson Yes, bore size is larger. 2 1/8 vs 2 3/8.

            March 22, 2021 at 11:08 am #234595
            wbeaton
            Participant

              Canada Member

              Sleeper! I can see how you might be disappointed to learn it has a Johnson powerhead. However, it’s still going to be a great user motor.

              Wayne
              Upper Canada Chapter

              uccaomci.com

              March 22, 2021 at 11:42 pm #234672
              free1986
              Participant

                US Member

                Here are a few more pictures. I’m somewhat concerned that they used the smaller bore head on this bigger block. Think there is anything wrong with that? I do find this engine harder to turn over than 1955 Johnson 10hp or 1958 evinrude 18hp I’m used to, but I took the terrible looking spark plugs out and the bores look good from what I can see. It also turns smoothly with the plugs out, so I’m not sure why it seems so stiff with them in. Also, does anyone know if the 12hp and 15hp carbs are the same? Since I have the bigger block I’d like to take full advantage.

                March 23, 2021 at 3:58 am #234684
                frankr
                Participant

                  US MEMBER PAY BY CHECK

                  The 12hp is harder to pull because it has the old round starter pulley instead of the newer elliptical polley.
                  As for the head, I don’t know what to say there.
                  Likewise, the carb. The 12hp might have a smaller venturi. Would have to look and compare.

                  March 23, 2021 at 8:51 am #234689
                  sydinnj
                  Participant

                    US Member - 2 Years

                    What are the chances that the smaller head is giving you a higher compression ratio

                    April 4, 2021 at 12:45 pm #235617
                    free1986
                    Participant

                      US Member

                      I’m still trying to figure this thing out. I’ve noticed that the shift lockout bracket on the mag plate hits the starter bracket at full throttle rather than the lockout arm. The throttle plate in the carb is not fully horizontal at this point. I see in the parts diagram that there is a version of the plate with two steps instead of three. Can anyone look at a 56 gale and see what kind they have?

                      Also, I’m used to the carb linkage having a rubber roller, this metal one seems to have chewed into the brass advance plate. Is this a problem? And can I added the roller type arm?

                      Also, from parts diagrams I can see that the reed plate is same as 53 evinrude 15hp. The intake opening is about 1″ and this carb is only about .88″. So I’d like to get a 15hp carb. I’m not sure what the rules are for asking to buy, but I’m looking for a carb, head w/ head bolts and the rubber roller arm that opens the carb linkage for a 53 or so evinrude 15.

                      April 10, 2021 at 6:33 pm #236117
                      free1986
                      Participant

                        US Member

                        Still need help with the questions in my last post, but have a new one. How should the plug wires be routed? Mine bind on the intake.

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