Johnson Outboard: love the sloppy work!

Picked up a little 6hp Johnson the other day. got it running (starts extremely easily and just purrrrrrs) but the cowling was dribbling water (this model does NOT have a tell tale). took the cowling off and ran it. water was spraying out the top of the thermostat housing. Took a closer look and found it was obviously removed at some point by a monkey. (Didn't think to take a photo before I removed the cover) the original bolts had obviously become seized and the last owner (Who had told me he was a marine mechanic apprentice in his 4th year) had attempted to drill them out. He unfortunately couldn't see straight and drilled on an angle. rather than then tapping a thread and replacing the bolts he used tech screws!!!

He did not replace the gasket (Not even with goo) and just removed the thermostat completely! This genius assures me however he replaced the impeller... I'll pull the water pump down next and check that little detail

Also a keen eye will see some of one of the original bolts is still protruding from the top of the housing.

Still ... Good little engine. pumps plenty of water and plenty of power. Now I'm just waiting for a new prop and thermostat to arrive and I'll take it for a spin on a tinny.

Pete

Portal Box 6

Re: Johnson Outboard: love the sloppy work!

ihatewetsocks #69933 15/11/15 05:11 AM

Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 6,938

Likes: 303

Tasmania

CyberJack

Forum Historian

Hello IHWS

I wish I knew more about outboards.

I know enough to know that the leisure industry exploded in AUS
from about 1960, and Johnson had a presence here from the 1930s.

The surprising thing, for me, was local production in the 1960s.
Following lawnmowers, some outboards were 'built' here, including ...
Johnson and Evinrude.

[Linked Image]

I wonder whether your machine was Aussie built?

Cheers
-----------------
Jack

Re: Johnson Outboard: love the sloppy work!

ihatewetsocks #69940 15/11/15 05:41 AM

Joined: Apr 2015

Posts: 325

Likes: 1

Adelaide, South Australia

ihatewetsocks

Apprentice level 4

Hi Jack,

Sorry but nope. This particular machine was built in America.

Evinrude and Johnson are still to this day practically identical in most respects. They started as completely serperate companies in early 1900's but around 1930 OMC (who owned Evinrude) bought Johnson out.

Interestingly in the 1920's OMC (Outboard marine company) bought into Briggs and stratton. They also owned several boat manufactures like Chris Craft.

More interstingley to people on this forum in 1950's they manufactured a lawnmower with a removable engine which doubled as an outboard. I believe they sold it as a store brand and later as a lawnboy.

I'll try get a few pictures.

Pete