Johnson RDS-23 1961 40 HP acquired; need general advice

[Rodney Owen]

I am new to this club but based upon posts and responses, seems like all the experts are here.  I just retired and wanted a “project”.  A friend bought a tear-down home in AZ and there was a 1960 Starcraft 15′ with a 1961 Johnson Sea Horse, RDS-23, 40 HP on the back.  Craft last registered in 2013 and clearly baked in the AZ sun, 115 plus degrees for the last 13 years.  Bought a SELOC repair manual and removed lower unit to decrease drag.  I can hand turn the engine, and the starter turns the motor over very slowly, and Harbor Freight compression tester says about 70 PSI each cylinder, no spark.  First question, would anyone ever consider trying to rebuild this engine?  I am enamored with 2 stroke engines (cut my grass with my 1988 Lawnboy to this day), love the power to weight ratio which seems like cannot be reproduced.  I’m “okay-to-good” mechanically but not awesome but just retired and have time and money.  When “done” I want something almost good as new in terms of reliability.  Second question is I don’t see an AOMCI chapter in AZ but does anyone know anyone in AZ that would be willing to take a look and offer some hands on advice (plenty of dollars, whiskey, beers, whatever for thanks).

[labrador-guy]

Hello Rodney welcome!  Those 40’s OMC motors were great motors.  This company sold millions of those baby’s.   Here are some things to consider, they are heavy, they burn fuel at an incredible rate.  Parts are still available, new parts are expensive.  lots of parts on ebay but your always taking a chance on used stuff.   I rebuilt a ’63 Evinrude a few years ago.  Memories kicked in I guess ’cause I learned to water ski behind one of these old timers.   Your motor will probably need coils, fuel lines, fuel pump diaphragm, plug wires, head gasket and lots of love for sure.  If the motor has been setting for a few years the compression means little.  Points are probably dirty.  If you are up for an adventure dive right in!

dale

Time for an engine swap!

[JACQUES]

to service your oldy you may want tp download the Johnson service bible…  which covers your  1961 RDS 23

https://www.socalaomci.com/library/johnson_service_manual_10th_edition.pdf

it is free  and covers all you need  450+ pages you can store or print locally and spring binders.

comes in red or white 🙂     be warned… this is a very addictive hobby !

with all the help here… no reason to give up on it.

 

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[Author]

Posts