new project – 1954 QD-15 – tips and hints?

[The red boat]

Hi all

I recently acquired a 1954 QD-15 that has been sitting in a barn on my in-law’s property. It’s been hanging on a wood rail for at least the last 30 years (at least). I haven’t tried to test compression or do anything except view it in the barn.
someone repainted it a long time ago to be blue and white (huh?) but it otherwise looks intact and undamaged/

I have a couple of questions:

is this a desirable and dependable motor and easy to run?
does it have any rarity?
worth the rebuild? parts easy to find?

what do you guys think?
any tips, tricks, or pitfalls about taking this on?

I recently restored my grandfather’s RD-17 so I have that one under my belt. It had been sitting for well over 20 years when I got it.

[frankr]

Great motors back in “The Day”. Of course, now it all depends on it’s condition.

[Buccaneer]

My QD-14 packs a lot of punch for a 10 hp, great motors if in good condition,
as Frank says. For me, the fun is fixing them up, so if you like to tinker, go for it.

Not rare for sure, but dependable and a lot easier to work on than many!
Parts are out there.

Prepare to be boarded!

[crosbyman]

https://www.duckworksmagazine.com/06/columns/max/index6.htm reading material
see RED book johnson manual Inner sanctum Garry’S box

good motor strong like bull…..

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[labrador-guy]

TRB the OMC 10hp motors of that vintage can be great runners. I have a bunch of them. The one I am running becomes my favorite until I get another one out! There are faster ten horse motors but that QD will plane a tin boat with two people in it and take you fishing with style. Sending a picture of mine. The leg has been painted the hood is original and it runs great. (it also has carbon plug wires in it don’t tell anyone)

dale

When you come to a fork in the road…..take it! YB

[Bob Wight]

In addition to being a great running motor, I like it just for the Seahorse logo cast into the exhaust housing!

Bob

1937 Champion D2C Deluxe Lite Twin
1954 Johnson CD-11
1955 Johnson QD-16
1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18
1957 Evinrude 3022
1958 Johnson QD-19
1958 Johnson FD-12
1959 Johnson QD-20

“Every 20 minute job is only a broken bolt away from a 3-day project.”
"Every time you remove a broken or seized bolt an angel gets his wings."

[elgin2]

I have one too.Like everyone else says,they are great runners.

[crosbyman]

sold mine 🙁 converted to a Mikuni pump new owner loved it and nobody will steal it ….. they do love gas 🙂 keep it well oiled

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[JOHN HOLBIK]

QD15 my favorite of all the tens and I have ran them all.A bit noisier than the 55 up tens but lighter and faster than them automaticaly locks the lower unit when you put it in reverse.They troll the best of the tens.You need the skinny blade original weed less prop to get best all around performance.

[The red boat]

thanks for all the replies!

I’ve read somewhere that the throttle lever/arm has an effect on the carburetor and how the motor runs. Like if you raise the lever, the motor dies or something?
can someone elaborate on that for me?

is that a unique feature for this motor?

[Author]

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