Best years for OMC 10 horse?

[chris-p]

I have done a dozen or so mid 50s QDs in the last year, where I rebuilt the powerheads with NOS parts from the ’61 to ’63 QDS. All the items Frank mentioned above. Best of both worlds.

[fleetwin]

quote ShoestringMariner:

Thanks guys. The newer Motors might have full roller bearings, but I just love the 50s style Motors.

I hear ya buddy, and agree!

[weedlessdrive]

I’m in process of changing out my boat to a 58 Johnson 10hp. I just think it’s the best fit for me. I struggle between the 10hp and 18hp in terms of power to push heavy loads with speed. I like the tens size in terms of ease to work on and rope over compared to the eighteen.
I like the 57 and 58 styling the best. I have mine converted to fuel pump and like the smaller gear case. Check the hinges on the hood to make sure they aren’t cracked when you get another. The hoods can be costly to buy in good shape. There are lots of donor motors out there though just involves some searching.
All the style and class of the 50’s to turn heads wherever you go
SeaHorses are beasts get your wings.

[chris-p]

I have a ’58 10hp actually that has been a project in line for many years! Not sure if you saw it in the basement or not? I could look it over and see what it needs if you want. Im sure it would need all the usual tune up stuff. It doesn’t have a gearcase on it right now, but im sure I have 1 or 2 laying around!

[fisherman6]

I really like the ’58 styling too. I have a 7.5 and missed out on a nice 10 on CL last week. Still looking for one of those myself along with a 3, 5.5, and an 18 in ’58 Sea Horses. That would make a ‘nice rack’ 😎 on the wall. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. 😆
-Ben

OldJohnnyRude on YouTube

[jeff-register]

I agree too!
The older motors have charactor & are fragile but are so basic & simple too. I just treat them accordingly & don’t run them at full throttle for long runs. I over power the boat so no running hard with an oversize motors. The weak rods are not the best without bearings. The 1950 Mercury’s were fully bearinged. I not sure how far the Evinrude started running real bearings, not bushings. They all are fun at any rate if it is rebuilt correctly. Even my Firestone collection runs very well. The original Scotts had many needle bearings too. I like the studs & nuts used on the head bolts too. Each brand had great quality’s like early fuel pumps & remote tanks like many other brands. Then again my 85hp Evinrude 1978 motor is no oldie but is much better on fuel & oil mixture but the tight tolarances on the newer motor when I bought it. It seems to be in the transision period but still a super motor. Didn’t mean Johnson is weak, just the early rods were & at the time OMC corrected their bad design. Every brand had weak & strong points to sell the builds. My Firestones too had needed imporovements on the sealing of the gearcases too. The driveshaft seal is almost a lost cause too, but adding a second seal helped very much too. That required our friend Frank to add his golden touch to the assembly too.
Jeff

[chris-p]

Nah, the 50s Johnsons aren’t fragile!

Mine all run at either WOT or off 🙂

[jeff-register]

Chris,
You are right. The few Johnsons I have had were very old & I have rarely ran them at sustained wot just being careful as I couldn’t afford to buy another of the same horse power & vintage because the rarety of good motors. My 1958 Johnson 18 hp runs & starts well, but it is electric start too! It was a good buy because it needed crankshaft seals & was missing badly as the mag was oil soaked & needed correct service to be performed. In fact I have an extra 10hp green gearcase if anyone needs one. Still running in good shafts & gears too. Case good too.
Best,
Jeff

[reivertom]

I have a ’55 Johnson and I wouldn’t trade it for any other 50s 10hp models. I like the green color scheme and the heavier lower unit. It’s just a matter of taste as far as color. I don’t hate the holiday bronze or white, but the green just has the classic look I like.

[fleetwin]

I agree, have always love the 55 Johnson 10 color and styling, unique and very cool indeed.

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