1956 Gale 3 hp

[Drowned Rat]

Just picked up this motor on ebay. Can someone tell me what the little white knob in the picture does? Is it a carb adjustment or something? How do you adjust it?

<br /><br />The owner said this motor runs like a clock, but what should I do to it before I try to run it? I've never has a motor this old before. How do these old motors hold up? Thank you very much for your help.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1956 Gale 3 hp

Well its a 56 and still runs like a top...that ought to tell you something about how well the old iron holds up, in the right hands. The knob is probably a rich/lean knob. Clean the tank, fuel line and carb. Then turn the knob clockwise gently until it stops...don't force it further. Now back it out counterclockwise about 3/4 to 1 full turn. That should get it started. After it starts, warm it up a bit then run the throttle up to about 3/4. Adjust the rich/lean knob to where the engine runs best at FAST, then idle it down and see if you have to adjust again for SLOW. Make note of the settings, roughly. You may have to adjust a little bit with a change in altitude or gas quality. The older the fiddle, the sweeter the music...if you take care of it. Good luck.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: 1956 Gale 3 hp

Tim Mc, thank you very much for the great info. I'll make sure she's clean before I try anything. Also thanks for the info on the lean/rich adjustment. I've never used one before. Do you know what kind of L/U lube to use on this motor? Is it just regular 90 weight gear lube or some kind of grease? The previous owner said it pumps plenty of water, but I guess I should change the impeller just to be safe? Thanks again, I can't wait to try this motor out!

 

[BillP]

Re: 1956 Gale 3 hp

Drowned Rat,<br />Yep, my dad bought me one of those back in the late 50s. It was my first motor and gave lots of fun for years. The only problem I had was one of the handle bolts broke where it was tapped into the block. The knob is a mixture control. I believe lube was specified as 1/3 pt of 30w per gal of gas (pre 1964)and Type C lube for the lower unit.