Restoring a Johnson CD-12, 1955 5-1/2

Bwana Don · Jan 16, 2012

I just bought a 1955 5-1/2 horse Johnson outboard. I plan on using it on my 12' Starcraft rowboat. I had planned on using a QD-16 (55' 10 horse) but opted for the lighter 5.5 horse. The $60 price helped sway me. It came with a 58', 5-1/2 that is a parts motor.

I plan on tearing this one down and honing it out, plus rings. I want to paint it too, it looks a bit weathered. I've never rebuilt an outboard before and I'm pretty amped to get going on this one. I'll do the coils, point, condensers, impeller etc..

Pictures and lots of questions to follow.

I ordered a cd repair manual off of Ebay;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/320726377054?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

HighTrim · Jan 16, 2012

Re: Restoring a Johnson CD-12, 1955 5-1/2

What is the compression? I personally would not bother rebuilding it unless it truly needs it

They are fairly simple motors, so the tune up should be no problem. Any problems let us know, and keep us updated!

nwcove · Jan 16, 2012

Re: Restoring a Johnson CD-12, 1955 5-1/2

i agree with hightrim, check the compression, if i doesnt need the overhaul, dont do it. and its cheaper to find a good powerhead ( i got one from doug penn, long block, way cheaper than parts/time to rebuild a dead one)

Bwana Don · Jan 16, 2012

Re: Restoring a Johnson CD-12, 1955 5-1/2

OK, compression test it is. I bought a tester from HF and need to try it out. That place (marine engine) has an owners manual for a good price. I need one too. When I pull the rope I get a healthy kerchunk. Maybe compression is good.

I have a pressure tank from the 10 hp I bought. Maybe I can rebuild it, or just switch over to a fuel pump.

HighTrim · Jan 16, 2012

Re: Restoring a Johnson CD-12, 1955 5-1/2

If the pressure tank is shot, it can easily be rebuilt. Kits are easy to come by.

Equally as easy to do a fuel pump conversion, personal choice which way to go.

If compression is good, might be a bad idea to open her up.

Did you already order the manual? If not, PM me.

bbstacker1 · Jan 16, 2012

Re: Restoring a Johnson CD-12, 1955 5-1/2

I picked up one of those (CD-12) also this past late fall. The one I got was part of a package deal, it was stuck so I bought it as a parts engine ($25). After a few days of soaking the cylinders and some light tapping it came free. Mine has right about 70 psi in both cylinders, so I would definitely do a compression test if I was you before you tear it down. I redid all the normal stuff, ignition, carb, impeller and foot seals, now I am waiting for spring to try it out. Very neat little motor.

1946Zephyr · Jan 16, 2012

Re: Restoring a Johnson CD-12, 1955 5-1/2

Yea, I own two of these myself. A '54 and a '55. 70psi or better is good and it'll run fine. A good tune up is always good for those little buggers and a lower end re-seal kit. There are a lot of them still out there and they're very reliable motors.

jmendoza · Jan 17, 2012

Re: Restoring a Johnson CD-12, 1955 5-1/2

Great engines, they typically need the coils replaced, water pump and carb rebuilt, and check that the lower unit is not leaking. I added the Mikunin pump mod. Tom's outboard page is down, or I would put a link to this excellent site on rebuilding a CD series engine.

HighTrim · Jan 17, 2012

Re: Restoring a Johnson CD-12, 1955 5-1/2

SHort of that this may help

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/05/columns/max/5/index.cfm

Bwana Don · Jan 18, 2012

Re: Restoring a Johnson CD-12, 1955 5-1/2

OK I've been playing Dad, no time at the moment to work on the outboard. It's on a stand in the basement right now. It is complete and shifts into forward and reverse gear. The guy who sold it to me knows outboards pretty good, he works at a marina. His description of it was "a diamond in the rough".

I'll do a compression test either Friday or Saturday. My 7 yo has Karate 3 days this week so I won't have time to work on it. The timetable is to run this in a barrel in the back yard before ice out.
Goals:
a) To have a fully functional and reliable outboard for the 12' rowboat.
b) Pretty this thing up while I'm fixing it up. That would be paint and decals.
c) Have it ready for ice out fishing in late March, early April.

HighTrim, I didn't buy the owners manual, I did buy the repair cd off of ebay. I'll send a pm.

Thanks for your input guys, I really appreciate you stopping by.

HighTrim · Jan 18, 2012

Re: Restoring a Johnson CD-12, 1955 5-1/2

Post a pic of her!

How is the original paint/decals?

When I started with the antiques, I started soda blasting and painting right away. Knowing what I know now I wish I wouldnt have. I ruined a few very nice originals by not knowing any better. However, if she is in rough shape, a paint job/decal job is in order. Just my 2 cents, your motor of course but something to think about.

Here is a good link for original paint/decals

www.nymarine.ca

1946Zephyr · Jan 18, 2012

Re: Restoring a Johnson CD-12, 1955 5-1/2

Yep, both of my old CD's are diamonds in the rough, infact they both look like HELL! LOL But they run great. They're two motors in the plans of strip and repaint. That link HighTrim posted also has good sample pictures of restored motors, to give you a good idea of what to do on yours too.

64osby · Jan 18, 2012

Re: Restoring a Johnson CD-12, 1955 5-1/2

BD - It's been 2 days and no pics yet, what's up with that? Nice find at a good price.

I have a CD16 - The 1959 version of your motor that's pretty clean. It will be on the bench after I finish my Fastwin 18. I'll be watching so I can learn even more. The guys here are very knowledgeable and a huge help on these old OMC's.

The motor will be perfect for your son, he can operate any motor under 7hp legally in Michigan. That's after Dad is done playing with it.

I'd say get it running, make sure it's sound and then worry about dressing it up, if it needs it. (can't tell cus there's no pics)

Bwana Don · Jan 18, 2012

Re: Restoring a Johnson CD-12, 1955 5-1/2

64osby said:
BD - It's been 2 days and no pics yet, what's up with that? Nice find at a good price.

I have a CD16 - The 1959 version of your motor that's pretty clean. It will be on the bench after I finish my Fastwin 18. I'll be watching so I can learn even more. The guys here are very knowledgeable and a huge help on these old OMC's.

The motor will be perfect for your son, he can operate any motor under 7hp legally in Michigan. That's after Dad is done playing with it.

I'd say get it running, make sure it's sound and then worry about dressing it up, if it needs it. (can't tell cus there's no pics)

Ahh the mob finds me everywhere. Once your in the Starmada (Starcraft section of Iboats forums)there's only one way out. Dues/pictures to follow shortly. I am trying to document my steps so others can follow if they want. I have never worked on an outboard, except putting coils etc in the QD-16. It sits unfinished and will be attended to after the 5-1/2.

Little man will get to run the Minn Kota. Once he masters that he can move up.

Bwana Don · Jan 18, 2012

Re: Restoring a Johnson CD-12, 1955 5-1/2

Some pics. The basement is dark and pis are not great. I'll move it to better lighting. To appease the mob I will post these pictures.

Don

1946Zephyr · Jan 19, 2012

Re: Restoring a Johnson CD-12, 1955 5-1/2

Compared to mine, that motor looks nice. LOL You won't have to do nearly as much to yours as I will mine.

Chinewalker · Jan 19, 2012

Re: Restoring a Johnson CD-12, 1955 5-1/2

That don't look so bad!

That's weird, though - I had one that also had the lower end painted Kelly green like yours, from about the same area on down. Mine was a '54 (silver wings on the cowling), so it's not THE same one...

Bwana Don · Jan 23, 2012

Re: Restoring a Johnson CD-12, 1955 5-1/2

Compression checks in at 30 psi both cylinders. Both cylinders are nearly identical (maybe 1 psi). Test was done cold of course.

What do these motors usually run on a hand pull compression test when they're cold? Should I be concerned with the low numbers?

nwcove · Jan 23, 2012

Re: Restoring a Johnson CD-12, 1955 5-1/2

the low numbers are a cause for concern......are you using a screw in tester or a rubber tipped press in type?

lindy46 · Jan 23, 2012

Re: Restoring a Johnson CD-12, 1955 5-1/2

Try spraying some penetrating oil in the cylinders, with the spark plug holes pointing up. Let soak overnight and re-check compression. You should be seeing 65psi+ on that motor.

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