1956 Johnson Seahorse FD-10 S, Short Shaft Conversion

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  • August 19, 2024 at 12:51 pm #289958
    Sputter
    Participant

      US Member

      Hi,

      I’m a new member and just getting started with vintage motors.

      I got a non-running FD-10 on FB Marketplace, with the intent of putting it on my friend’s boat while I repaired his 1958 Seahorse 5.5 Hp (CD-15).  The FD-10 has a blue (Evinrude) extension that makes it a long shaft.  I figured that someone used a kit to add 5 inches to the driveshaft, shift, and water tube.

      I removed the lower unit, and the driveshaft and water tube were one piece, but the shift-rod has a long coupling.  Is this normal?  Am I mistaken in thinking this motor was originally a short shaft?

      No luck finding a short driveshaft or the short shift-rod coupling.  I’ve looked on eBay, marineengine.com. and T-Mike’s.

      I’d appreciate any advice.  I think this FD-10 will be a sweet motor if I can get it going.  Thanks, Larry

      FD-10-Lower-Unit-2

      1956 Johnson 15 Hp, FD-10
      1958 Johnson 5.5 Hp, CD-15

      August 19, 2024 at 4:32 pm #289962
      Steve D
      Participant

        Yes, with the blue extension it most likely started out as a short shaft. The long shift rod connector coupling is normal and necessary for the long shaft set-up. And obviously the drive shaft and water tube would have to be 5″ shorter for a standard shaft. I sent you a PM with my email if you want to contact me about the parts you need.

        1 user thanked author for this post.
        Sputter
        August 19, 2024 at 6:29 pm #289967
        frankr
        Participant

          US Member

          Last time I looked, the long shift rod connector was worth $$$$$ more than the short one.  Dunno about today’s values.  Also, with careful machining, the long one can be used to make several short ones.

          Needless to say, you can simply cut 5″ off the water tube.

          1 user thanked author for this post.
          Sputter
          August 20, 2024 at 10:10 am #289982
          Sputter
          Participant

            US Member

            Thanks, Frank!

            A friend has a small machine shop in his basement, so I’ll look into slicing the 5″ shift-rod extension.  I’ve seen the short coupling in parts diagrams, but don’t know the dimensions.

            Maybe I’d be better off selling or swapping the extension.

            In Oregon, the long shaft is probably worth more than the short shaft because many boats have tall transoms and put short kickers on lift brackets.

            But I want to put the FD-10 on my friend’s 12 ft aluminum boat with a 16″ transom.

            1956 Johnson 15 Hp, FD-10
            1958 Johnson 5.5 Hp, CD-15

            August 20, 2024 at 9:04 pm #290001
            frankr
            Participant

              US Member

              Measure the center-to-center distance between the holes in the long connector.  Subtract 5″.  Result will be the distance between the holes in a short connector.

              August 20, 2024 at 10:02 pm #290007
              Sputter
              Participant

                US Member

                Thanks Frank!  Steve D. messaged me.  He has the short drive shaft and coupler, so I’m going to buy them from him.

                What an awesome club AOMCI is!

                I’m really jazzed about getting this FD-10 up and running.  It’s fall salmon season here in Oregon and I’d love to get the boat out. Later, I’ll do more to pretty the motor up.

                1956 Johnson 15 Hp, FD-10
                1958 Johnson 5.5 Hp, CD-15

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