1962 Johnson 5.5 hp questions

[scooby369]

I just picked up this motor and it's been 45 years since I've owned one this old so of course I have a couple of questions. For this old outboard that originally called for a 24:1 gas/oil mixture is that still a valid ratio when using today's TCW3 2-cycle oil and is it ok to be using regular 10% ethanol 87 octane gas or should I use premium non-oxygenated (no ethanol) 91 octane which is about a buck more per gallon up here in MN right now? Also, I have no owner's manual, maybe someone can tell me what the two knobs on the front labeled 'Lean/Rich' and 'High/Low' are used for and when should they be used, like do they need adjustment when changing from idle, to low & high speeds then back again?
ps- If someone has a paper or scanned copy of the owner's manual for this model or one similar that I could get my hands on that would be great, just something to understand what the various knobs and stuff are.
Thanx

'

 

[racerone]

Steps to take.--Do a compression test first and post the numbers.----Do a spark test , does spark jump a gap of 1/4" or more on both leads?--Install a new water pump impeller before your first fishing trip..-----The lower needle is adjusted for best operation at full throttle.----The upper needle is idle mixture adjusted at idle speeds for best operation.

 

[F_R]

24:1 w/ 87 octane is correct. Some will argue.

Once the knobs are set, no need to mess with them anymore, except possible a little tweak in case of temperature / altitude variations, etc.

 

[scooby369]

Steps to take.--Do a compression test first and post the numbers.----Do a spark test , does spark jump a gap of 1/4" or more on both leads?--Install a new water pump impeller before your first fishing trip..-----The lower needle is adjusted for best operation at full throttle.----The upper needle is idle mixture adjusted at idle speeds for best operation.

Thanks for info, I havene't had a chance yet to do a compression check, however I did get fresh gas and with a shot of starter fluid it did start and seem to run somewhat ok, the only thing was it wouldn't idle unless I kept the choke out about 1/3 of the way out, it didn't matter what I did with the upper needle. I'm not sure how many years it had sat but do you think a carb removal & clean is probably what it needs?

 

[racerone]

Step #1 is to remove the recoil.---Then inspection plate on top of flywheel.-----Coils will be cracked or new ones installed already.----------Yes the carburetor will likely need cleaning.----And install a new water pump impeller before your next fishing adventure.

 

[scooby369]

Step #1 is to remove the recoil.---Then inspection plate on top of flywheel.-----Coils will be cracked or new ones installed already.----------Yes the carburetor will likely need cleaning.----And install a new water pump impeller before your next fishing adventure.

Yes I was planning on doing a electrical tune-up, however that pump impeller replacement looks like a helluva job, breaking down the motor and all, especially after I read this part in the service manual "WATER PUMP REMOVAL - Remove the screws securing the water pump to the lower unit housing. It is very possible corrosion will cause the screw heads to break-off when an attempt to remove them is made. If this should happen, use a chisel and breakaway the water pump housing from the lower unit". With my luck I'll end up with a busted lower unit

 

[jimmbo]

Starter Fluid is not something you use on a 2 Stroke, unless it is a Diesel. The stuff is very a good Lubrication Remover.

 

[racerone]

Actually a simple job to replace the impeller.----Just nuts and bolts.------And the motor does not have an overheat alarm or a shutdown system.,-----It would run till it came to a dynamic halt.