Re: johnson seahorse 5 1/2 hp
Your CD-11 is a 1954 - great old motor! It'll need a steady diet of 24:1 fuel oil mix (1-qt. oil to 6-gallons gas) using good quality oil (I prefer OMC branded stuff - but any motor branded oil will be fine - I happen to have an OMC dealer down the street). No need for high test gas, 87 is fine if you have a known quality source, otherwise use 89 as it tends to be more consistent in my experience.<br /><br />Pay no attention to the numbers on the face plate when setting the carb needles. Gently close both needles all the way, then open the low speed (upper knob) 1.5 turns, and the high speed (lower knob) 1 full turn. Once the motor is running in gear, adjust the high speed for optimum wide-open setting, then back off 1/8 turn for safety. Then set the low speed needle for optimum idle speed. These are done by screwing the needles inwards (clockwise) until the motor loses speed or "sneezes". Once set, loosen the center set-screw and center them on the face plate plate as a reference. If the needles move while the motor is running, tighten down the packing nuts behind the face plate.<br /><br />If you haven't already, replace the waterpump impeller. It's cheap, easy insurance...<br /><br />- Scott
