Questions 40 hp Johnson ? 1960

[Quill]

New at this so. Hi Everyone
Bought a Johnson 40hp elec. start.
Model- rds 23
SR # 326470
Yr-- 1961 ?
Question - rds Means?
Right year?
Cheers all -

 

[joereeves]

Re: Questions 40 hp Johnson ?

RDS-23 = 1961 40hp Johnson

 

[mnobfan]

Re: Questions 40 hp Johnson ?

The RD has no known meaning other than to provide a quick reference to a HP model series and if only 2 letters indicates a standard recoil start, short shaft motor. The S makes it the electric start Super Quiet version of the RD line. Lack of an L in the model number makes it a short shaft. The 23 makes it the 1961 40HP model. The RD series began in 1951 as a 25HP motor, changed to 30HP in 1956, 35HP in 1957 and 40HP in 1960. From 1954 to 1958 an E after the RD was the electric start version.

 

[Quill]

Re: Questions 40 hp Johnson ?

Thanks all for yor fast reply. Cheers Quill