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1962 Johnson RDSL-24 40 hp Outboard - Sat 20 years in the garage

T

tbo1019

New member
Hi All, I am new to this forum and boating, and my first boat was gifted to me by my neighbor. It is a 1962 Glasspar G3 with a 1962 Johnson RDSL-24L 40HP OB. Boat is in final stage of repair, so time to work on the engine. The OB has sat in his garage on a stand for 20 years, and I am sure it was put away in good running order. I read another post about putting Marvel Mystery Oil in the spark plug hole, and let it sit for a week or so before trying to move the pistons manually to get things moving again. I am sure there is a laundry list of things to consider replacing before I attach a battery, and I was looking for some guidance and education (OB 101) on next steps? Thanks!
 
Check the compression and the spark on an open air gap spark tester set at 1/4 ".
 
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#1 oil in cyclinders,turn flywheel slowly with pull cord or with wrench on flywheel,plugs out. Then follow posts 2&3.
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Get a can of fogging oil and spray it into the cylinders. Hold the carb fully open and crank on the starter while spraying fogging oil in the carb. That will lube the bearings and seals that may or may not be dry. Then do the compression test to determine the condition of the cylinders. Then pull the flywheel and look at the coils if they are dark blue or black just replace them with new points and condensers. Grab the points plate and see if it wiggles up and down if so it needs a new mount bracket and ring. All these parts are cheap and readily available probably about $125+ for a new ignition system. You need to pull the plate to replace the coil so take pics before taking it apart and both sides of the plate so you know how it goes back together. No need to try and be too gentle with it, either its good or it aint, odds are with some TLC you will have it up and running in no time. I have a 61 lark III with exact same history. Put new head gasket, thermostat, coils points and condensers, rebuilt carb and fuel pump with new fuel lines and she runs like a top. Replace the impeller and housing if necessary housing probably the most expensive part and change the gearoil. If the gearoil comes out in good condition just run it and keep a eye on it for water intrusion.
 
Thanks All! Took all advise, and replaced a few hoses, fuel filter, lower until oil chnage, and will be starting her up this weekend - after cleaning the crud out of the old tanks. Fuel mix will be 24:1.

Thanks again!
Tom
 
If tank has crud,lines, filter,carb may also have cruddy gummy mess unless fuel was runout of engine 20 years ago. Clean entire fuel system thoroughly or replace it all to prevent troubles down the river "road". After 20 years impeller could be dry rotted,keep an eye on telltale and head temperatures,good luck with her.
 
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