1961 motor information

[coondawg]

Hey all my buddy bought a 1961 johnson 5.5 model number cd-18 and need help with some information on it. Reading around i see that it mixes at 24:1? Do we use 2stroke oil or some kind of standard weight oil? Also what are the plugs and gap? Any information would sure help. Thanks scott

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: 1961 motor information

Hiya Scott....

You're already up to post #2...so maybe someone already said it but

'WELCOME TO IBOATS"!
There are a lot of 50-60's OMC fans here so you'll be sure to get your questions answered.

Use TWC-3 oil (2-stroke) at 24:1
Plugs are gapped at 30; points at 20....not sure what plug most folks are using.
Before you run her...check lower unit oil.....hopefully no water in there.
Most people replace the impeller in the water pump if it hasn't been done in a few years...

Chuck

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1961 motor information

HI coondawg. Welcome to iboats. 24:1 mix is fine. That comes out to about 5.5 fl. oz. of oil per gallon of regular 87 octane gas. I usually just round to 6.0 oz. It never hurts to run a little extra oil in these older motors. You want to use outboard 2-stroke motor oil, which should be available at Wal-mart and most auto parts stores. There are lots of brands, but they're all about the same. Look for the TCW-3 on the label to be sure you're getting the right stuff. Here's a pic.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1961 motor information

24::1 is a quart of oil to 6 gal of gasoline or 1 pint of oil to 3 gal of gasoline.

In 1961 most folks used SAE-30 non-detergent motor oil in their outboards. OB oil was available, however, a lot of it was SAE-30 non-detergent oil with some coloring.

TCW-III oil is much better than the old motor oil. It mixes better and burns better.

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: 1961 motor information

I had the 61 Evinrude 5.5 and sold it last fall after buying an 8HP longshaft. It was an impressive motor that pushed my 16' Starcraft pretty well as a kicker motor. If it has sat for a while replace that impeller, check the coils for age, cracks etc, the points for surface wear and gap, and the lower unit for water. The other potential problem would be the carb. Those have wooden floats in them and mine had decayed and was plugging off the carb....After a rebuild and new plugs it ran well. Will smoke a bit with the 24-1 than a newer motor but no big deal.

 

[coondawg]

Re: 1961 motor information

Hey all thanks for the replies and the welcome..i pulled the bottom plug out to check for oil and it was full of water.....that sucks...now is just the impeller thats causing the water leak?

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1961 motor information

HI coondawg. If you really had water in the bottom cylinder then you've probably blown a head gasket and you'll need/want to get the water out ASAP :/ The impeller only send water into casting channels in the block and around the cylinders, but never into the cylinders themselves. Be careful taking the head gasket bolts off. They can shear off, so take your time and use a bit of heat and penetrating oil to help loosen them up. If the water damage is bad, you'll have to decide for yourself it it's worth fixing.

 

[JB]

Re: 1961 motor information

Hey, coondawg.

Welcome to iboats.

Well, you got plenty of good advice above on the oil and mix ratio, spark plug and points gap.

The original plug specified was the Champion J4J, which has been replaced by the J4C.

Over the years people who idled or trolled a lot found that the J4C had a tendency to foul, so they began using the J6C, which is now more commonly used than the J4C.

If I was using your outboard for long distance cruising at or near full throttle I would use the J4C. For trolling I would use the J6C.