Johnson CD-16

[steveh]

I’ve got a CD-16 up at the cabin that has been a workhorse over the years. Lately it’s gotten hard to start and probably hasn’t been serviced in about 30 years. Once you get it started it runs fine and is easy to start thereafter. But then it’s a pain again the next morning.

I’m headed there in a few weeks and thought I’d service the thing. My guess is new coils, shine the points, replace the impeller. Since I’m pretty remote there, I’m wondering if there are any other common items to replace/repair so I can have everything I need ahead of time.

Thanks!

[rjoynt]

Condensers.

[frankr]

A change of gear oil.

[Mumbles]

What? It sits neglected for most of the year and hasn’t been serviced for thirty years but is still expected to run like Jack The Bear on demand? Come on, it’s time to spend some coin on that ’59 Johnson so it will run reliably again for another 57 years!

Coils, points, condensers, spark plugs and possibly new plug wires should do the ignition while a carb kit including the float will help it breathe properly and a new water pump kit or impeller will help to keep it cool. Don’t forget to replace the thermostat! Fresh gear oil and a new drive pin for the prop should put it back in prime condition after synchronising the carb and timing. Greasing the swivel tube and lubricating all of the friction areas and linkage points will help to.

While you have the tools out, you might want to check out the gas tank for any rust or crud in it. Also check the dual fuel/air line for any cracks, deterioration or loose connections or bad O rings in the connector.

There’s something I like about ’59 Johnsons with the fiberglass hood. Here’s a ten horse I have squirreled away somewhere! 😀

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[Doug Wilson]

i have one that has been a work horse too survived my cousins abuse growing up will need a power head gasket since you have to pull it to drop the lower unit to replace the impeller check the lower crank shaft seal while the power head is off

Doug

how is it motors multiply when the garage lights get
turned off?

[steveh]

Thanks guys. I don’t use this motor much, preferring my TN-26. I didn’t even know this motor had a thermostat on it! Do you really need to pull the power head to drop the lower unit or does the driveshaft pull out like on the QD-12 I have?

[Mumbles]

quote SteveH:

Do you really need to pull the power head to drop the lower unit?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but, yes, you do have to pull the powerhead. It’s only seven screws and some other small stuff.

The two nuts (# 39) on the long shift rod have to be removed to undo the linkage and they are located right below the powerhead.

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[fleetwin]

Well-
I agree with getting some service work done. But, you say it runs fine once started cold, and starts fine hot as well…
Could be something as simple as the choke isn’t closing properly…..

[1946zephyr]

Yea, I’m betting the coills are getting weak. It likely has "antique" coils and they’re cracked.

[Doug Wilson]

pulling the power head is not a real big deal not worth the risk of overheating and burning it up. If the coils are original you are on borrowed time they all crack and quit working better pull the fly wheel and have a look. The ignition parts for these are not expensive and can find them about anywhere. When its warm should start on the first pull if cold maybe a couple of pulls some times, they are generally good running reliable motors, so are the QDs, when going fishing always use either the 5.5 or 10 the two motors I trust the most no matter the weather. if out showing off a motor never know what brand or age might use

Doug

how is it motors multiply when the garage lights get
turned off?

[Author]

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