Evinrude Johnson 10HP 1955-1958

[bob-d]

Looking to pick up a project motor, a Evinrude or Johnson 10HP 55 to 58. Had a 56 10HP Evinrude for many years, until a dopey relative dumped into the lake, so I know they are great motors. What is the difference between the years? Any years better? Don’t want to go into the 59’s, don’t like the look. Should I expand my search into the early 50’s as well?
Give me some ideas. Thanks.

[RICHARD A. WHITE]

I love the ’56 Johnson’s due to the one year circular badge….Unique to that year I believe and the first year of Holiday Bronze….

http://www.richardsoutboardtools.com
classicomctools@gmail.com

[frankr]

The 10hp underwent significant changes in 1958. The lower unit and mid-section were changed. Some would say for the better some would say for the worse. On one side, the ’57 had a modified 15-18hp lower unit, meaning tougher than it had to be. But the redesigned ’58 was lighter.
I also am a fan of the isolated drive shaft design of the ’58-up. On the con side, the ’58 needs a little better care and maintenance of the lower unit if you want it to survive.

[chris-p]

55 to 57 is the same motor as mentioned. Buy what appeals to you cosmetically.

Personally, the early QDs are a bit different, parts can be a little harder to track down.

The ’58 is my favourite personally. I don’t care that it has the 4 bolt gearcase. They are slightly faster top end.

[bob-d]

Frank, what is an isolated drive design?

[garry-in-michigan]

The drive shaft is in it’s own housing, separate from the exhaust. Fewer problems with the lower powerhead seal and driveshaft spline. . . 😉

[jerry-ahrens]

I’ve got a 1955 QD Johnson, one of the green and white cowling motors. It runs like a top, and has a lot of power for a 10 hp.
I think any of the aforementioned motors would be good ones though..

[20mercman]

I have to keep strong…… 😉 .I have been wishing for a 58 Sportwin for years. We did get a 59 QD last fall, have not had a chance to run it yet, but I love the look of the 58 Evinrude motors. We ran with one at Tomahawk two years ago, and I was really impressed with the thing. I imagine that the QD will be just as nice a motor, but still want one to match my Fleetwin. I keep telling myself that I will resist and not get one, but we have our club swap meet at Ohatchee Lake near Oconomowoc WI this Saturday and last year there were 3 of them there.

Steve, with too many motors………….

[kerry]

quote 20mercman:

Steve, with too many motors………….

What are those foreign words you speak???????????????? 😮 😮 😮 😮

If you have too many, AND not enough, you're a collector.

[bob-d]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and history of the 10. I have narrowed it down to a 58 QD 19.
I think the holiday bronze, warm white combo has a classic look. What would be a decent compression for a 10. 70-80psi?
Hey Steve with too many motors, I think everyone on this forum probably has too many motors!

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