1958 Johnson 5.5 CD-15

[Kark]

Another fine mess I have have gotten myself into. I just could not pass it up it was so clean looking, I will try and start her tomorrow and that will really tell the tale. Owner said her dad purchased her new in 1967 (I let her know about the real year and pressurized tanks). He then purchased a boat w/motor and no longer needed it so there she sat and was seldom used. Well time to bring this sleeping troller back to life and catch some fish. Sure is clean for her age, hope she wakes up in a good mood.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1958 Johnson 5.5 CD-15

Looks like a great buy. Very nice original Id say. What did you get it for? Let us know how it goes.

If she wakes up grumpy, Ill still take her off your hands.

 

[dockrat100]

Re: 1958 Johnson 5.5 CD-15

I have the same motor, but mine isn't as shiny as yours. Nice piece!

 

[Kark]

Re: 1958 Johnson 5.5 CD-15

I paid $120 for her so just a bit over 20 bones per horse. I look forward to working on her tomorrow. I know she takes 24/1 fuel but thought it was kewl they even used to print that on the old cans. I have a few of the old larger pressure cans but they are so used and beat up you really cant read anything on them.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1958 Johnson 5.5 CD-15

Great buy. Ill give you $125 no questions asked. LOL

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1958 Johnson 5.5 CD-15

I would actually run 16:1 in that. It calls for 1/2 pint per gallon on 5.5's built before 1961.

http://www.nymarine.ca/58JOGTANKSM.gif

That motor is a thing of beauty. You got a nice deal on it. I happen to own a couple 5.5's myself. A 1955 Johnson and a 1958 Evinrude. Both of mine are on my restoration list.

 

[Kark]

Re: 1958 Johnson 5.5 CD-15

Thanks Zephyr, I will do just that. They were really oily back in the day it seems. I assumed 24/1 because thats what that 1953 Big Twin 25 electric I found takes and other 10 Hp ones of the same era. Thanks again.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1958 Johnson 5.5 CD-15

Yea, 10hp and above would take 24:1 because they're what some would call, "non-friction motors" They're built with needle bearings in the crank and rods. So, 24:1 on your Big Twin is correct. hose 53 Big Twins are one of my favorite motors BTW,
However, 7.5hps and smaller, are what some would call "friction motors" There are no needle bearings at all. The smaller motors simply have the babbot style rods, that are reamed to fit the crank. You can actually run it's these at 24:1 but I think its better to have a foul plug, than risk shortening the life of a beautiful classic.

The 5.5's in 1961 started building the powerheads with needle bearings, so those were a lot safer to run at a leaner mix. The 3hp Light twins never did. Those stayed as a "friction motor all the way up into the 70's but after 1964, they went to a 24:1 mix and everything else went to 50:1
Funny thing is, the little single (1 1/2, 2hp) went to a needle bearing set up, but the Light Twin did not.

 

[Kark]

Re: 1958 Johnson 5.5 CD-15

It's Alive! Fires right up now after the first or second pull. Changed the plugs and changed the lower unit oil. Changing the O-Rings in the dual line connector for the pressure tank with tweasers and a piece of wire was kind of a pain but the tank is taking on and holding pressure really good.
It runs and idles just fine and water is pouring out of it so the impeller and pump seem to be fine but when I throttle up it gets to a point and then has a hard time going anymore and the rpms start going up and down (your thoughts?), almost to a stall sometimes. I think the carb may need to be rebuilt and after such a long sleep it only seems logical. Will look into that tomorrow. have a great evening

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1958 Johnson 5.5 CD-15

You probably will need to check your points and make sure they're clean and gapped right. Make sure the point cam has a little tiny dab of grease on it, so the heels of the points don't wear prematurely. If the coils are cracked, then you will need to replace them.

 

[Jeff Scroggins]

Re: 1958 Johnson 5.5 CD-15

I paid $120 for her so just a bit over 20 bones per horse. I look forward to working on her tomorrow. I know she takes 24/1 fuel but thought it was kewl they even used to print that on the old cans. I have a few of the old larger pressure cans but they are so used and beat up you really cant read anything on them.

I have the same motor. It was my dad's and has been in my garage 30 yrs. I used it about 15 years ago and the tank I have has since rusted. The outside of mine does not look as good as yours, but when you remove the cowling, it looks brand spanking new. The motor probably has less than 50 hours on it. I am trying to figure out what it is worth. Any idea? I know it is a heck of lot more than $120.

 

[Walkwolf]

Re: 1958 Johnson 5.5 CD-15

Just saw this thread. Beautiful '58 5.5 for a great price. I'd love to find one as nice.

Prices for older outboard motors will are based on if they are for collecting
or usable for fishing, however, they are not like conventional antiques
that command huge prices. A lot of people think that because
something is old, it's worth loads. If an outboard runs well,
a fisherman will likely pay more than a collector.

Below is a 1958 10HP displayed at a meet last spring
that sold for $275. I was too slow with my wallet
and just missed it.........

 

[Daviet]

Re: 1958 Johnson 5.5 CD-15

Man, I wish I could find those types of engines at those prices around here, I would own a shop full.

 

[nwcove]

Re: 1958 Johnson 5.5 CD-15



heres a 7.5 that was destined for the recyclers....a $60 purchase to keep it from being crushed! nice to see others keeping these old gems alive. ( i did convert it to fuel pump, and it runs as good and smooth as any "modern" two stroke)

 

[Walkwolf]

Re: 1958 Johnson 5.5 CD-15

Below is a 1957 7.5 that was given to me a couple of months back.
The former owner used to run a small marina. His father got it
running in 2002 and passed away 2 years ago. He said he
had no use for it.........

 

[nwcove]

Re: 1958 Johnson 5.5 CD-15

Here's 1957 7.5 that was given to me a couple of months back.
The former owner used to run a small marina. His father got it
running in 2002 and passed away 2 years ago.

He said he ''had no use for it''.........!

any chance you wanna give it away again???

it is so nice to see the old motors getting a second chance!!

 

[Walkwolf]

Re: 1958 Johnson 5.5 CD-15

Lol ! - It does run, but there are issues. I also think it's cool
to run these old gals.........!

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1958 Johnson 5.5 CD-15

nom nom nom......drool drool drool. I loooooooove the '58 OMC motors. That is a gem! I gotta get one of these for a kicker. Congrats again on the pretty new toy. Vroom-Vroom!!!!