Reply To: 1954 10hp Johnson outboard with a good gas tank

[Don]

Yep, she is a 55, one of my all time favorites for sure…. The selling/asking price might be a bit steep if the engine needs work… First, I would start with the tank, looks like someone has rehabbed it, which is fine, provided it is clean/not varnished inside. I wouldn’t trust the tank if someone has coated the inside with some sort of sealant or similar fix.
Next, I would check compression…Will probably be around 80PSI which is normal for these engines.
Next, I would pop out the lower gearcase drain plug for a second to see what comes out. Milky colored or raw water means trouble.
Inquire about recent repairs/servicing.
Look the entire engine over carefully for signs of being dropped or damage to any castings. Have a look at the rear rubber bumpers inside the back of the engine cover along with the two rubber bumpers alongside the intake manifold. The engine cover will rattle/bang around if the bumpers are worn/missing, or if the two little pins are broken off in the engine cover.
Finally, ask to see the engine start and run in a barrel if possible.
The engine is worth every penny of the $350 if everything checks out and it has been serviced recently/properly.
The engine is worth much less is if needs work…