40hp Johnson - hacking, wheezing, coughing, gagging

LOL just picked up this old Johnson 40 Sea Horse.
I was told it may be in the 1958 range, but not sure.
Boat and motor has sat in a barn the past 35 years so
dirt daubers took it over.
The motor will need a COMPLETE teardown and rebuild
before I even attempt to turn it over. 35 years is a LONG
time to just sit idle. It is electric start as well as manual pull cord.
Gonna be fun fun fun !!

First step is to "gently" remove the mud nests with the ShopVac
to prevent as much debris as possible from falling down into
the lower leg. Then a good degreaser and cleaning before removing
the lower unit to make it easier to move around.

what are the pros/cons about the brass prop ???
I still have a handful of brass shear pins left over from the
last '58 35hp Johnson I had.

Oh my ... I am lost for words ... I think I'll go to replacing a transom, which looks easier :wink:

Definitely not a 1958. Johnson started with the fiberglass cowls around 1960 or so. You have a "Super Quiet" and from the looks of it....quite a project. Give us a model number and we can pinpoint the year. I think it is a 1960 from the looks of it. Edit - It is a 1960!
If you keep this up you will have to join the Florida chapter of https://www.aomci.org and show up at some of the meets.
This is the Florida Chapter site. Very new so not too much information there yet.
https://www.flaomci.com/
Also a Florida chapter on Facebook somewhere. Not on FB but I understand it is becoming quite active

ON that engine the thermostat will need to open before water flow becomes visible.
Your water pump will have two tubes going to it.
Check all mounts on that engine.

Pappy, thanks on the info.... you are always the most sought after on motors !!
I just now saw the very faded label on the LU that says "Super Quiet".
and it does have the fiberglass cowl as you stated. I can not find another tag
that may give the model/serial number with the letters in it.... but the search continues. (I know where it should be)
The lady I bought the boat from (for $100.00) advertised it as 1958 which is only
from her memory. They won't be able to get into the family safety dep. box until
next week to get the title. Am pretty sure the boat and motor came together so
the boat may be a 1960 also. It is a 14' Borum Ranger built by Otis C. Borum in
Jacksonville, FL. I think Otis has passed on but his brother is still there in Jax.
This boat has some AWESOME woodworking in it. When I repaint the outside,
I want to paint the Faux Wood planks like an old Gar Wood or Chris-Craft body
with the bleached teak vinyl covering for the bow deck and gunnel tops. (the walk-around).
Also, THANKS for the link to AOMCI . . . I have lurked there a few times but never
joined. There is a meet in Ocoee Aug 15th at Starke Lake which is about 10 miles from me.
I will definitely be there !!! Starke Lake is not all that big and as round as a chili bowl.
There is a lot of room for static exhibits and hopefully a swap meet. Hope you can make down.
time and money - time and money LOL









.

Let me check on the Starke lake meet. I heard it was cancelled.
There are quite a few of us heading down to Lk. Placid for a little one-day "run what'cha brung" meet.
Looked at your model number photo. The engine is a 1960.
Borum used to produce a cool looking little low-profile ski boat called the Borum Bobcat as well. I remember seeing a bunch of Borums through the years.

I joined the AOMCI club. The return mail said it can take up to 6 weeks
for me to receive the new member package. Dang, I hate to be the new kid LOL.
After I get my number, I will join the Florida chapter.

Thanks again for the info.

and on behalf of hundreds here, thank you for your educational input over the years.

I checked and it looks like Starke Lake is a go.
Being the new kid will be easy at this particular meet. You simply walk up to someone there and introduce yourself as the new guy. I dare you to find one of the guys or gals to be unfriendly!
There will not be a lot of members there due to the typical Summer heat.
The other factor is that Starke Lake usually has a bunch of PWCs out there to contend with. They come by slow, with the bow high leaving a huge wake that shoves boats and restored engines up on the shore.
September is one that you want to attend for sure. Plan on saving up a little money for that one. That meet will be on the Suwanee River and is a favorite to attend.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QElxuZwb6vA
This is an old video from that meet. Will give you an idea of what to expect there.