Home › Forum › Ask A Member › Johnson 10 power head upgrade? › Re: Johnson 10 power head upgrade?
I cannot say for absolute certain, but I don’t think you could get the 50s clamshell hoods on a 60s leg. Not without major modification. Maybe someone will chime in for certain.
In my humble opinion, the best QD to build would be a ’57 (my favourite colour scheme, but any of the pre ’57s would work) due to the larger gearcase, then install the ’63 powerhead components in it.
I actually just finished one. Im just painting the cowl now and it is done. Ill post pics soon when the decals are on. It got the works, complete new powerhead internals, all new gaskets throughout whole motor, new ignition, carb cleaned and rebuild, new fuel lines, gearcase rebuilt and re sealed, all new water pump, full cosmetics, paint and decals and medallion, you name it I did it.
Guy came over last night to buy a motor from me and offered me 200 bucks for it. I politely declined. I have more than that into the powerhead in new parts.
ill admit, its not a real cheap thing to do, but if you have to open her up anyways to rebuild I would recommend it. The pre ’61 10hps had an issue with the wrist pin bushings wearing and causing slop. It can be tested by rotating the flywheel until the piston is on its down stroke, then push a punch or the like against the piston, and push in. If the bushing is worn, it will have some play. Ideally, it should have no play there.