My first outboard

[stl]

I am new to the world of outboard motor maintenance. I recently aquired a 1964 5.5 hp johnson. I need to replace the plugs. Under the hood it says to use champion j4j, champions web site says j8c, and seloc says j6j, which one is best or does it matter? Also before I read the post on feul mixture ratio in the FAQ's section my buddy told me to mix the feul 32:1 to error on the side of caution with such an old motor. The post seems to say 50:1 is the correct mixture. Is it ok to run 32:1 or could it cause problems?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: My first outboard

The fuel mixture of 50/1 (1pt of 50/1 oil to 6gal gas) is what that engine calls for now. A octane rating of 87 will be fine.<br /><br />A J8 plug will be too hot and will cause piston damage. Use either J4C or J6C Champion spark plugs with the gap set to .030. The J6C plug may improve the performance of the engine. Do not exceed the J6C rating.

 

[stl]

Re: My first outboard

Thanks for the quick response. I just wonder why champion's cross reference lead me to a plug that could cause damage. I actually bought the j8 because it was the only one of the three that was available at the local auto parts store. I am glad I asked before I put them in.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: My first outboard

Champions book does not always mesh with OEM's book....we've noticed this alot with Briggs engines.