Trying to identify year of this Johnson 5.5HP

[neilholtz]

Good evening everyone,

I am wondering if anyone can help me with this two part question. I am trying to identify the year of this Johnson 5.5 HP engine, and approximately what it is worth. It started on the first pull and seemed to run very smoothly. It looks a little rough, but paint can freshen things up a lot.

Thanks
Neil

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trying to identify year of this Johnson 5.5HP

need model number under front of motor above transom clamp. i say early 60's.

 

[neilholtz]

Re: Trying to identify year of this Johnson 5.5HP

I will double check, but I didn't see any identification on the motor anywhere.

 

[neilholtz]

Re: Trying to identify year of this Johnson 5.5HP

I will have to go with your best guess, since I can see the holes where the screws used to hold the model number plate on. Do you have a rough idea on how much this engine is worth? It belongs to someone a few houses down and he is asking 400.00

 

[EN2]

Re: Trying to identify year of this Johnson 5.5HP

About two hundred dollars to high.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Trying to identify year of this Johnson 5.5HP

Here's the same motor for $200. This one hasn't been run in a couple of years, but that could end up as little more than a carburetor rebuild to fix.

When you get to the page, scroll down the right column of ads to get to the motor that is in the thumbnail. Click on the actual ad and you get a full sized pic.

http://images.google.com/imgres?img...tboard&gbv=2&ndsp=20&hl=en&sa=N&start=60&um=1


I'm not 100% sure, but I think your motor is a 1959 model. That would make the model # a CD-CDL-16.

Take a look at this 1959, 18hp Johnson for comparison.

http://www.nymarine.ca/59jo18front.JPG

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Trying to identify year of this Johnson 5.5HP

I also believe it's a '59 model and that the price is at least $100 too high if not more. As Samott wisely told me once....."they all run good in a barrel".
The motor may have a leaky lower unit, a bad clutch dog, or may be running on one cylinder and need coils. And the impeller probably needs changing, too. I'd never pay $400 for a used 5.5hp motor. There's a million of them out there. Also, if the serial/model number plate is missing, I believe that's a good indication that some funny business went on with that motor in the past. Those serial number plates are riveted to the tiller bracket and shouldn't come off without help. i've got early 50's motors that all still have their model number/serial number plate and it's still on there good. I believe in my state if the warden sees you fishing with a motor that has no serial number on it, they'll confiscate it right then and there.
I think this is one you should pass on if the seller doesn't get right on the price. I'd sell you a really nice 7.5hp evinrude for that price with new coils, new impeller, and perfect lower unit.
JMO,
JBJ

BTW, a 5.5hp OMC from the 50's or 60's is a super motor, and that one could be a good one, AND you would probably get your money's worth out of it even if you spent $500 on it. However, the price is a little high.