Name/Title
Engine, outboardEntry/Object ID
1982.016Description
Outboard engine, Johnson, prototype #1. Note on printout: "OLDEST JOHNSON IN THE WORLD. 100 OF THESE 1.5 HP MOTORS WERE PRODUCED IN DEC. 1922. JOHNSON BROS. PREVIOUSLY BUILT MOTORCYCLES. WARREN CONOVER WAS JOHNSON ENGINEER AND VICE PRES."
This engine was assembled for the museum in 1982 from new old stock parts by Warren Conover, a brother-in-law of the three Johnson brothers, who joined the company as Service Manager in 1922. The Waterbug is a simple light twin, opposed, with direct throttle adjustment. Notches in the starting wheel, and the absence of tapered grooves or hooks, indicate that this engine was started with a special tool that would hook into the notches and then be thrown out once the engine fired. This tool is not present. Cooling water is taken in from a valve on the lower unit, then discharged through tubes out the top of the cylinders. The engine has a cast aluminum exhaust manifold and a copper muffler and turns over well.Collection
Outboard motorsAcquisition
Accession
1982.016Source or Donor
Conover, WarrenMade/Created
Manufacturer
JohnsonDate made
1921Edition
Model: Prototype WaterbugNotes
Early Date: 1921
Engine: 0.000
Cylinders: 1Other Names and Numbers
Other Numbers
Number Type
Old NumberOther Number
5119Location
Building
*Cleveland E. Dodge Memorial Launch Building
