Baitcaster needs more motor advice

[BaitCaster]

I found an 18 hp Johnson on CL. Guy says it starts easy, runs well, idles well, trolls well and has good compression. He will run it for me. Only problem is it is a 1960 model! I am concerned that: a) even though it runs good now, if I have problems parts will be next to impossible to get for it, and b) the thing must weigh a ton.

He wants $400, which seems high to me. Any advice?

BC

 

[perchin]

round here you can find an old johnnyrude in that year range a dime a dozen.... parts are not that hard to come by for it though.

 

[Loggerhead Mike]

mines a 63, their built like tanks

as far as parts i havent had any trouble.

if it has good compression and in decent shape it may be a pretty good deal. pay close attention on how it shifts in and out of gear

 

[cajuncook1]

I found an 18 hp Johnson on CL. Guy says it starts easy, runs well, idles well, trolls well and has good compression. He will run it for me. Only problem is it is a 1960 model! I am concerned that: a) even though it runs good now, if I have problems parts will be next to impossible to get for it, and b) the thing must weigh a ton.

He wants $400, which seems high to me. Any advice?

BC

Hey BaitCaster,

I've read a bunch of articles by older mechanics and fisherman regarding the 18hp motors from 1956 to 1973. All who own them, love them. They are great motors if kept up well and easy to work on. The 18hp, 20hp and 25hp motors in that era have alot of interchangable parts. Parts can still be gotten.

Parts:

https://www.marineengine.com/parts/vintage-evinrude-johnson/378126/catalog.html?https://www.marineengine.com/parts/vintage-evinrude-johnson/378126/37812600001.htm

https://www.marineengine.com/parts/johnson-evinrude-parts.php?year=1960&hp=18

Hard to find parts or NLA(no longer available) can easily be gotten on ebay or better yet AOMCI (Antique Outboard Motor Club, Inc).

https://www.aomci.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?board=Webvertize

Just join the site(its free just like this one), but you a freely adverse for parts you want on there webervise section. I've gotten parts for my 1970 18hp Evinrude that I am currently restoring.

Check to see if the motor is using a fuel pump with a single line system or using the 2 fuel line system with a pressured tank.

Pressurized tanks are harder to get, but can be gotten on ebay, craiglist, and naturally AOMCI (Antique Outboard Motor Club, Inc).

If the motor is still using a pressured tank and 2 hose fuel system, you can convert to a fuel pump and single line system at an added expense.
Here is a write up.

https://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=205628 (you will have to join the site, just like this one to see the pictures in the diagram, and it is free just like this one.

https://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=380378

https://www.sschapterpsa.com/ramblings/Converting_dual_fuel_line.htm

I am not a 100% certain, but I think motors before 1963 used 24:1 gas to oil ratio (6 gallons of gas to 32oz (1quarts) of TCW-3 2cycle oil).

I think motors in 1963 and after used 50:1 gas oil ratio (6 gallons of gas to 16oz (1pint) of TCW-3 2cycle oil.)

If the motor is in excellent running and cosmetic condition and make sure it is pumping water out of the exhaust relief part on the back the midsection. Then about $300 to $350 is an good asking price. That is the price in my neck of the woods, your area may have a higher value.

If you buy the motor, please get a service manual for it, so you can properly maintain and service it. You would be hard pressed to find a mechanic willing to work on it. Most prefer the new outboards, because that it what they were trained on.

PM sent

Good luck my friend,

cajuncook1

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

A compression test will tell you if it's good motor. $400 does seem high. I bought a 1983 Mariner/Yamaha 25hp for $550 two years ago.

 

[blimp]

around 1964 they changed from bushing to bearings at the piston end of the rod, this made it so they could use 50:1 instead of 24:1 oil mix. If I were you, i would wait for a 50:1 motor. 24:1 can be a mess, but as far as i know, both types have a reputation for durability.

 

[Rat]

$400 for running motor isn't high, not around here anyway. Don't be concerned with the age, if it runs good, has good compression and all that it is proly a good motor. Parts are easily available for these motors and believe it or not, many of the older motor weight less then the newer models. A big plus is that the older models are easier to work on for the DIYer as well, just get the shop manual for it. I have '71 18 HP, good motors.

 

[BaitCaster]

Thanks for all the advice guys. It was very helpful and it sounds like this motor deserves a look. This website has been such a hugely valuable resource for me and I really appreciate all the help you guys have given.

Turns out the motor I am looking at is a 1957 model. I did some further research on the interent and it seems these old 1950's era motors are very well built and last a long time. Moreover, the 1957 18hp Johnson weighs about 30 lbs less than most brand new 15hp outboards.

I also found a guy in the Toronto area who services and restores them. You can check out his website and see some of the beautifully restored old motors - https://www.nymarine.ca.

I have now also found a guy who is selling an 18hp 1958 Evinrude Fastwin for $500, in good working condition. Any thoughts on which is the better motor - 1957 Johnson or 1958 Evinrude?

Cheers,
BC