Johnson RDE 17R repair

[MartinZ]

It's locked up solid because it was outdoor decoration, but I'm gonna see what I can do with it. Currently have it taken apart down to the powerhead. I might have to remove it from the lower and split the case to get it free. Being patient and avoiding more damage. It is very similar and still not the same as the 5.5 I am putting the final touches on. I could use a parts catalogue if someone has a pdf.

 

[MartinZ]

Just remembered this model usually has the bad seal, so I will have to tear it all the way down anyway.

 

[racerone]

My bet is that the crankshaft / rods / bearings are scrap.-----Your location ?

 

[racerone]

If in Canada used parts are available.----Or use ----OAMCI----To find good buddies and help.

 

[MartinZ]

Location is Texas. If it turns out to be a mess, I don't know if I will rebuild or part it out. Haven't decided yet. Don't see very many of these being offered up for sale.

 

[timguy]

Yes it looks pretty rough. Might be a parts motor, corrosion has taken its toll. Great motors, however. I have a few of them around that I still use every now and then. A few folks manage to infect them with "modern" ethanol fuel then improperly store them. The results are what you see.
They are cheap, simple and very fun to rebuild. I did my first before I hit my teens, now 58 years later I've learned to love and rely on these beautiful and simple motors....this engineering is basic and brilliant....2 traits that are no longer found today in our engineers.

 

[MartinZ]

Spent a little more time on it today. The lower shifts correctly. Next step is get the magneto off the top and split the case. Not too familiar with the lower seal, but I think that broken plastic ring might be the low quality seal I've read about.

 

[MartinZ]

Yes it looks pretty rough. Might be a parts motor, corrosion has taken its toll. Great motors, however. I have a few of them around that I still use every now and then. A few folks manage to infect them with "modern" ethanol fuel then improperly store them. The results are what you see.
They are cheap, simple and very fun to rebuild. I did my first before I hit my teens, now 58 years later I've learned to love and rely on these beautiful and simple motors....this engineering is basic and brilliant....2 traits that are no longer found today in our engineers.

I'm hopeful it's just cosmetic and it will clean up. If not, I can make my money back just by selling the electric starter.

I have a 5 & 1/2 hp that is pretty much finished, mechanically. I picked up a little jon for it today and I'll start sea trials as soon as I get it registered. If everything goes well mechanically, I'll make the decision on doing a full paint restoration.

 

[timguy]

Great job. The seal is ruined, likely from ethanol. Did you get everything freed up yet? We can fix this, Racer will be a key helper here. We both grew up with these. Great motors.

 

[racerone]

Crank/ rods are likely scrap.----Motor must come apart.

 

[timguy]

When you get it right they may stop you at the landing and say "wow that runs good"!
That's what I enjoy most about running my vintage outboards....other than catching fish with my friends. Now on oil....just my advice, and that's for only the last 51 years....I avoid much smoke while using Amsoil pre mix @ 50:1 and 64:1. (2oz. Per gallon). I was personal friends and fishing partner with Al Amatuzio Sr....founder of Amsoil, yes the very first in synthetics for the public. We worked together testing the original 100:1 premix 2 stroke oil since 1975. Great and humble man, starting with his humble beginnings. Gets folks talking with you and often gets you valid fishing information....Ha! Been doing this over 60 years....I look forward to each day. Just recovered from major heart surgery and my outlook is good. Hope to try to beat Joe Reeves and Racer....but probably a long shot!

 

[MartinZ]

I got it apart. The top cylinder looks much worse than the bottom. I'll get big bucket of solvent or parts cleaner and dunk everything so I can see better.

 

[timguy]

Gonna need a crankshaft and connecting rod, at least one piston, reed plate, possibly block too, for starters.
I don't and will never understand how these are left out to get full of water and rust. It's really sad. How is the rest of the motors condition like the lower unit and the cowling and the ignition parts? Do you have the pressurized two line fuel tank for it with the coupling, and is that in decent condition?

 

[timguy]

If not, then I can ship you a can, hose, coupling should you decide on the project. I have dozens of them and decided to start selling a few. I know as I reach my golden years I will always enjoy getting these running right till they take my tool cabinets away. These are an example of practical engineering not "engineered obsolescence". Engineering today is "brilliantly planned worthlessness". Why would someone design something to last a lifetime? There's no money in that....is there?

 

[MartinZ]

If not, then I can ship you a can, hose, coupling should you decide on the project. I have dozens of them and decided to start selling a few. I know as I reach my golden years I will always enjoy getting these running right till they take my tool cabinets away. These are an example of practical engineering not "engineered obsolescence". Engineering today is "brilliantly planned worthlessness". Why would someone design something to last a lifetime? There's no money in that....is there?

I have a 2 line tank that I rebuilt for my 5.5 (it still leaks anyway) but if I get this motor running, I will add a fuel pump to it.

 

[timguy]

Yes you could do that, I have done it....converting to suction and a regular tank. The pressure tank is brilliant engineering, however. Only thing that wrecks them is ethanol....because they have rubber parts, ethanol destroys rubber. The society's way to destroy our old stuff, make us buy new. I'll never get there, I can fix anything I set my mind to. Sometimes it's not worth my time, but I can be stubborn.