1968 Johnson Skee-Horse snowmobile owners Manual

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Tipo: Snowmobile

Proveedor:

SKU: 155123

Etiquetas: 1968 EF Johnson Johnson Powersports Skee Horse Snowmobile Snowmobiles

Variantes de producto

Descripción

The 1968 Johnson Skee-Horse, available in models 1580A, 2080A, and 2085A, represents a robust entry into the early recreational snowmobile market. Designed for utility and trail riding, these machines feature a simple, reliable construction centered around a two-stroke, air-cooled engine and a track drive system. With a focus on essential controls and a straightforward operational design, the Skee-Horse was built for its era, offering a direct and functional experience for winter exploration. This owner's manual provides comprehensive guidance for operating, maintaining, and performing basic troubleshooting on your 1968 Johnson Skee-Horse. It covers critical areas such as engine operation, fuel and lubrication systems, ignition, drive and braking systems, and essential safety precautions. The manual is intended to assist owners in understanding their snowmobile's functions and performing routine upkeep, ensuring continued performance and longevity of the vehicle.

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Johnson

Model:

Skee-Horse

Year:

Covered Models:

1580A, 2080A, 2085A

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Segment:

Early recreational snowmobiles, designed for utility and trail riding.

Competitive Analysis

Competitors:

Polaris, Ski-Doo, Arctic Cat, Scorpion, Rupp.

Key Features

Features:

Simple, robust design; two-stroke engine; track drive system; essential controls for operation.

Target Audience

Audience:

Owners of 1968 Johnson Skee-Horse snowmobiles seeking to understand operation and perform basic upkeep.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive owner's operations, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for 1968 Johnson Skee-Horse snowmobiles.

Page Count

Estimated Pages:

40-60

Manual Type

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

Printed

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine Operation:

Start-up procedures, warm-up, operating limits, shutdown.

Fuel System:

Fuel type recommendations, fuel tank capacity, fueling procedures, basic fuel system checks.

Lubrication System:

Oil mixture ratios for two-stroke engine, lubrication points.

Ignition System:

Spark plug type and gap, basic ignition system checks.

Cooling System:

Air cooling principles, keeping cooling fins clear.

Drive System:

Chain drive lubrication and tension adjustment, clutch operation.

Braking System:

Brake lever operation, brake adjustment procedures.

Electrical System:

Headlight, taillight, and brake light operation, battery maintenance (if applicable).

Suspension System:

Skid frame and track system inspection.

Controls:

Handlebar controls, throttle, choke, kill switch operation.

Procedures Included

Pre Operation Checks:

Daily inspection checklist.

Routine Maintenance:

Lubrication points, chain adjustment, spark plug replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Basic starting issues, engine performance problems, clutch engagement.

Storage Procedures:

Seasonal storage guidelines.

Safety Precautions:

Safe operating practices, protective gear recommendations.

Technical Depth

Depth:

Owner-level maintenance and basic adjustments. Does not cover in-depth engine teardown or complex electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

Quality:

N/A (Printed Manual)

Print Quality

Print Quality:

Likely standard factory print quality for the era, potentially with some fading or yellowing if original.

Binding Type

Binding:

Stapled or saddle-stitched pamphlet.

Paper Type

Paper:

Standard paper stock, likely uncoated or matte finish.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Make:

Johnson

Type:

Two-Stroke, Air-Cooled

Displacement 1580A:

Approximately 14.3 cubic inches (234cc) - Based on common 1968 Johnson 15/18 HP engines.

Displacement 2080A 2085A:

Approximately 19.5 cubic inches (320cc) - Based on common 1968 Johnson 20/25 HP engines.

Horsepower 1580A:

15-18 HP (estimated)

Horsepower 2080A 2085A:

20-25 HP (estimated)

Performance

Torque:

Not specified in typical owner's manuals of this era, focus on usable power.

Fuel System

Carburetor:

Single carburetor, specific model varies by engine (e.g., Tillotson, Mikuni).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline with proper two-stroke oil mixture.

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Type:

Centrifugal Clutch

Optional

Optional Types:

None specified for this era; typically single speed via clutch.

Features

Engagement:

Clutch engages automatically based on engine RPM.

Drive Ratio:

Fixed gear reduction via chain drive; specific ratio not usually detailed in owner's manuals.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Length:

Variable by model, typically 70-80 inches.

Width:

Variable by model, typically 28-36 inches.

Height:

Variable by model, typically 30-36 inches to handlebars.

Weights

Dry Weight:

Approximately 250-350 lbs, depending on model and engine.

Track Width:

Approximately 15-20 inches.

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

Crash Ratings:

N/A - Snowmobiles of this era were not subject to standardized crash testing.

Active Features

Kill Switch:

Engine kill switch located on handlebar.

Headlight:

Standard headlight for visibility.

Taillight Brake Light:

Standard taillight, often functions as brake light when activated.

Passive Features

Frame Protection:

Basic frame construction; no modern impact absorption systems.

Recommendations

Protective Gear:

Helmet, eye protection, warm clothing, gloves, boots.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Features:

None. Basic controls for operation only.

Driver Assistance

Features:

None. Relies entirely on driver input and control.

Connectivity

Features:

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Pre Ride Checks:

Daily/before each ride: check fuel level, oil mixture, lights, brakes, chain tension, track condition.

Spark Plug Replacement:

As needed, or every 50-100 hours of operation (estimated).

Chain Lubrication:

Every 10-15 hours of operation or after exposure to water/mud.

Clutch Cleaning:

Periodically (owner's manual might suggest visual inspection).

Carburetor Cleaning:

As needed, based on performance issues.

Fluid Specifications

Two Stroke Oil:

Recommended: Specific 2-stroke snowmobile/outboard oil. Mix Ratio: Typically 20:1 or 24:1 (gasoline:oil) - verify specific model recommendation.

Chaincase Oil:

N/A - Open chain drive, requires external lubrication.

Grease Points:

Steering post, idler wheels (if applicable), suspension pivots (if applicable) – use general purpose grease.

Known Issues

Engine Starting:

Can be difficult if carburetor is fouled, ignition is weak, or fuel mixture is incorrect.

Carburetor Fouling:

Common with old fuel or incorrect oil mixture, leading to poor running.

Clutch Slippage:

Can occur if clutch weights or springs are worn, or if belt (if applicable, unlikely on this model) is damaged.

Track Tension:

Requires periodic adjustment to prevent excessive wear or slippage.

Ignition Coil Failure:

A common failure point on vintage ignition systems.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Brand Focus:

Johnson Motors was primarily known for outboard motors for boats.

Entry Into Powersports:

Johnson entered the snowmobile market in the mid-to-late 1960s.

Model Evolution

Skee Horse Positioning:

Part of a wave of new snowmobile designs aiming for consumer recreational use.

Production

Manufacturing Location:

United States (specific plant not detailed in owner's manual).

Production Period:

1968 model year, part of a few years of Johnson snowmobile production.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Awards:

No specific industry awards for this model are documented in owner's manuals.

Ratings

Consumer Ratings:

Historical consumer satisfaction data from the 1960s is not readily available in a standardized format.