In search best starter motor

[Ryanc2]

Hi,

I just sold my Royal Scott 40hp 1960s motor that came with a Larson project boat.

My grandfather worked in the Johnson factory so I’m looking to get a Johnson on my boat in the 40 hp range.

Being new to working on vintage engines I’m looking for advice on a good Johnson motor to use. Any good or bad years to look for in the 50-70s range. Or models?

Anything as far as which models I can stilll find some replacement parts would be great.

Thanks

Ryan

Columbia 23
Larson Playmate
Royal Scott 40hp
Johnson RDS-23 40hp

[frankr]

All the 40hp motors from the 1960’s are good in their own way. The ones from the later ’60’s are preferable. The Electric Shift models are good, but to be avoided because of obsolete/expensive parts, and people are afraid of them.

[Ryanc2]

frankr wrote:

All the 40hp motors from the 1960’s are good in their own way. The ones from the later ’60’s are preferable. The Electric Shift models are good, but to be avoided because of obsolete/expensive parts, and people are afraid of them.

Ok thanks for the info, there is a 66 manual shift near me I’ll go look at it!

Thanks

Columbia 23
Larson Playmate
Royal Scott 40hp
Johnson RDS-23 40hp

[Ryanc2]

Looks like I have a new project. 1966 Johnson SuperSeahorse 40hp… Motor is not locked up, looks clean, no idea if it runs yet.. anyone have a PDF of the manual shift model in 1966 it know where to find one?

Thanks

Columbia 23
Larson Playmate
Royal Scott 40hp
Johnson RDS-23 40hp

[Steve D]

You could use MarineEngine.com for now until a pdf shows up…
http://www.marineengine.com/parts/johnson-evinrude-parts.php?year=1966&hp=40

[billw]

They are a pleasure to listen to, when they are working right. Very quiet. Some of the problems that I remember as being sort of common were torn up spark plug wires, leaking top crank seals, jumping out of gear because of a worn clutch dog and forward gear, which was sometimes caused by a worn shift linkage piece under the power head and last (in my mind) but not least, poor idle with the cover on, due to the failure of a big rubber seal under the Super Quiet covers in the midsection……and THAT being likely caused by failed rubber motor mounts. No, really, they are decent engines when all that stuff is working as it should. I think half of all the engine parts could fall off under way and it would still get you home, in some kind of fashion. Not real speedy but a lot of torque.

Long live American manufacturing!

[Ryanc2]

Guys thank you for all the tips! The seller did inform me it had new spark plugs wires so I guess that might check one thing off the list of needs done. I’ll get some pictures and more info this weekend!

Also thanks for the link to the parts diagram very helpful!

Columbia 23
Larson Playmate
Royal Scott 40hp
Johnson RDS-23 40hp

[Ryanc2]

Upon investigation the Johnson is actually a 1961 RDS-23! Finally had time to look it over more. It does turn freely. Gear shifting feels smooth and much easier then my Royal Scott.

It came with controls and an extra prop. I can see I missing some kind of part from the top of the cylinder head looks like a bar or something is supposed to connect up around the fly wheel. And the positive cable on the starter motor had exposed wire in a bend in the insulation.

It has a water intake on the front side of the exhaust vent, with a hose attachment for flushing. But there is also an intake on the side of the lower unit?

Columbia 23
Larson Playmate
Royal Scott 40hp
Johnson RDS-23 40hp

[Author]

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