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FD-19 / QD-23 delima

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Sam110

Regular Contributor
I am battering my brain trying to decide if buying a 50+ yr. old Johnson 18 (FD-19) is worth investing my time and money to bring back to life for everyday use. ?? I have read "Leroy's ramblings" on these models being very good engines as well as a number of comments in forums praising them but is a 50 yr old engine something worth the time, money and effort ? A '62 10 hp Johnson (QD-23) is part of the deal as well. I want a bigger engine than my '71 9.5 for my 14 ft fishing boat on the river; and I like the older engine 'simplicity', but I just don't know how reliable a 50+yr old engine can be. ? Provided compression is good and everything is 'free' and smooth do I take the dive?
 
These are both wonderful motors.--------Very well built and reliable.------------The fd model was built till 1976.------------Parts can be cheaper and easier to find then some newer motors too.----You have to invest some time and little money.------------Consider the price of just one fuel injector on a new E-tec at $400 + and it has 2 of them.-----------I have some of these motors that were hardly broken in.------Will run like new when done !!
 
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bobbyc - I truly don't know the history but having come from the Pitts. PA area I'm guessing fresh water. No salt corrosion build up is evident.
racerone - thanks for the encouragement! I wanted the motor (FD) but it was a 2 for one price deal and I wasn't needing the QD. But anyway, I went today and got them both for $300 (the pair). Compression was 110 for the FD and 80 for the QD, the gear case on both was smooth and both forward and reverse engaged and seemed to work as it should. The temp was around 22 degrees so I thought all was rather good. The QD looked really clean under the cowling and I'm very happy with it but under the cowling of the FD I'm not as confident, it was painted a dull black. The leg and outer cowlings were white so am I right to assume it had been repainted and most likely had some work done to it previously? Previously I had looked at another '75 Johnson and it had the same dull black paint and thought it was repainted? Is this dull or flat black factory? (under the hood only)
 
Sorry, I do not judge the condition of the motor by the paint job.----------Remove bypass covers on both motors and look at the pistons and rings.-----------Often you will still see original turning marks on piston rings.
 
I would say if you have good compression on both of them and they turn smoothly you haven't got a bad deal. You may need new coils and points if they are the originals but that's not too pricey.Remove the carbs and soak and clean them THOROUGHLY,I'd renew the needle packing too. They may be old but with care they may well outlive you.
 
Anyone know of a source for a water pump KIT for these motors. Seems impellers are available but in the 4 resources I now have (Crowleys, MarineEngine, Boats.net & IBoats) I'm not having any luck. Seems the Johnson 18's are completely off the map.
 
NOPE-------Look for that impeller and housing at local dealer, likely in stock.------Or look for the part # for say the 73 model 20 HP.----What I have done on a bad housing is to put it in a lathe.------Re-machine to factory new dimensions.
 
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Sam110 said:
Anyone know of a source for a water pump KIT for these motors. Seems impellers are available but in the 4 resources I now have (Crowleys, MarineEngine, Boats.net & IBoats) I'm not having any luck. Seems the Johnson 18's are completely off the map.
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The bits you need are available right here at Marineengine .com .Pump housing part #313543 $85.99 impellor plate part#303069 $7.73 or18-3013 $6.93.
This is a 65 motor and compared to most of mine it's just a youngster and most parts are plentiful.Always try here first.
 
If you need the whole kit, as in housing, plate, impeller, etc., it is a much better deal to buy the "kit" versus picking individual parts.
18hp, OMC kit #0382468, $63.89
10hp, OMC kit #0382296, $70.21
This was the prices today (and both available) right here at MarineEngine.com

And I might add, both are great old motors.
 
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