Johnson 25 HP RDEL-17-S

[mmatheny]

Hello, I wanted to introduce myself, MIchael, just joined AOMCI and just getting started down the collecting and restoration for specificially the OMC Johnson & Evinrude 1949-59 pressurized tank / outboard era. I just got a 1955 Johnson RDEL-17-S 25 HP off of craiglist, and wanted to try to start working on it, thankfully not seized but a bit of a frankenstein, looks like it got converted back to a pull over, missing all the tiller parts, the spark plug harness is a mess, and it goes on and on. I wanted to ask if anyone had the parts manual for that covers the RDEL-17-S. I found a couple of other 55’s but not specifically the RDEL-17-S version, and there was one link in 2018 that went to a full Johnson library but that link is not working anymore. Thanks for your time!

[crosbyman]

if you look up Garry’S drop box in the “members only” section you will find a file of documents… locate the johnson red book in the INNER SANCTUM section and download it ……..to service your RDE

you will find it way past the slew of pictures in Garry’s drop box

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

• This reply was modified 3 years, 10 months ago by crosbyman.

[outboardnut]

If you want a parts list for RDEL-17 – RDE17
private message me email address

[frankr]

I lost my -17S parts list in a computer crash. BUT I still have the Evinrude version. The difference in the -17 and -17S is the main bearings and seals. Evinrude showed the difference by serial numbers. Up to 17000 is equal to -17 and 17000-up is equal to -17S. Note the pictorial view shows the carbon seal type—-you have to go to the part number page to get the other type. Confused yet?

• This reply was modified 3 years, 10 months ago by frankr.
• This reply was modified 3 years, 10 months ago by frankr.

[mmatheny]

Thanks, that’s a treasure trove! I found a RDEL-17 manual, does that cover all the versions the S and L (assuming long and short tiller?)
Thanks!
MIchael

[frankr]

I don’t know about your manual, but as I said they are the same motors except for the main bearings and seals. I might add that the design change that made the change to -17S was the 303804 lower crankshaft seal which was a horrible mistake, trashing many motors due to water ingestion.. OMC had to replace many powerheads under warranty. You really ought to remove the powerhead and see what you have. Who knows, it might be one of the warrantied powerheads with the carbon seal.

[oldlure]

I have the parts catalog 376556 that covers RD-17S and RDL-17S and RD-17R and RDL-17R but not with electric starting. If I can be of any help let me know.

[outboardnut]

old lure- private message me your email address

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