Reply To: Johnson RDS-23 1961 40 HP acquired; need general advice

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April 12, 2026 at 7:25 am #315127
Don
Participant

    US Member

    OK, don’t know if I trust those low compression readings.  I don’t think this engine has the compression relief feature like earlier models.  Perhaps the HF compression gage is not reading correctly.   You might add some outboard oil to the cylinders and try checking compression again with a different gage.  Have you drained/inspected the gear lube?

    These were great engines, and rugged also.