Home Forum Ask A Member 1953 Johnson 25HP

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  • #6651
    stanley
    Participant

      US Member - 2 Years

      I am going to look at one nearby.What are the issues this model usually has and are parts readily available and reasonably priced?Are they difficult to work on?

      #55306
      frankr
      Participant

        US Member

        Probably one of the simplest motors of it’s size. Parts that you would normally be expected to need are plentiful and/or still being made. As for other parts, a free want ad on this website will probably find them for you. My main observation (and it is a somewhat personal opinion) is that they are noisy. On the other hand, they have fewer bugs than some of the motors that came along later.

        #55307
        chas56x
        Participant

          US Member - 2 Years

          Parts are easy to get, tho getting more expensive all the time. Beware of after market ignition parts, they don’t always work too well. Very easy to work on. No special tools needed. I have a 1953 and a 1954 RD15 and RD16 respectively. Both on boats and running. These motors seem to have more power than most 25hp outboards.


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          #55317
          olcah
          Participant

            US Member

            1953 should have provisions for attachment of steering, throttle and shifting remote controls. If not there they are very difficult to add. Real plus if it comes with a tiller arm especially if you plan to start manually. Look at how it has been stored. Moisture damages the bearings and crankshaft. I run mine with earplugs. Distinctive LOUD sound. Simple as it gets once you are past the outer covers. Do not tighten spark plugs to factory specs!! (strips head). Requires the remote pressure tank and the fuel hose attachment fitting (tank side of tank to motor). Not having the tank/fitting can be expensive. Lower unit usually needs reseal. Needs coils, points, water pump minimum. Probably upper and lower crankshaft seals (must remove powerhead from the leg). My experience is plan on spending $200+ to resuscitate one. Love these engines. 1950s Rock!

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            #55320
            jerry-ahrens
            Participant

              They are very strong runners, and I think they may be as powerful as any 25 hp motor you can try. They take some extra muscle to crank over with the manual starter though, and for me after one torn rotator cuff, I make sure they are tuned and adjusted correctly so i don’t pull my arms off.

              #55337
              westwind
              Participant

                Canada Member

                Not sure it’s a problem exactly but they tend to be noisy. Maybe you like your music at 11, if you tiller steer one? The egg shape seems to amplify the music some I think.

                #55350
                garry-in-michigan
                Participant

                  Lifetime Member

                  They seemed quiet to me after running some of the old drum muffler antiques. . . 😆

                  They only became noisy after they came out with the super quiet models in the mid ’50s.

                  #55357
                  david-bartlett
                  Participant

                    I have a 1954 RD-16 and I love it. It starts great, runs great, and looks great. The cable operated magneto advance is a bit funky but it adds to the uniqueness of the motor and works well. Like others said, they are a bit loud, but I don’t mind. I can’t hear my wife when I am running the motor.

                    #55370
                    jerry-ahrens
                    Participant

                      I remember years back when I got my first RD, a 1954 model. My dad was running a 4 or 5 year [at the time] old 1985 Johnson 25 tiller motor. We raced his new 25 against my old RD motor, and on boats that were very close to each other, the Johnson RD would run neck to neck with dads new 25. They are a little noisy though, and it takes a little time to remove the cowlings . Very cool motors though. If you like OMC motors, you should have one !

                      #55374
                      crosbyman
                      Participant

                        Canada Member - 2 Years

                        i know i frequently copy in this link but if you do not have it here it is… again

                        http://boatinfo.no/lib/johnson/manuals/ … on.html#/0

                        Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

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