OMC 9.5's - Why or why not?

[Sargent Skiff]

I like the whole concept behind the J&E 9.5 motors. Low profile and unique in appearance.
But I've been waved off by many who say they're troublesome, and hard to work on.
Plus several people have said they were down on power - more like a good 7 1/2 than a 10.

Were they, are they really that bad?

 

[McGR]

Re: OMC 9.5's - Why or why not?

Overall, they are pretty good small motors in my book. The only thing that can be somewhat troublesome with these motors are exhaust leaks. My first motor (many moons ago) was a used 9.5. I completely rebuilt the powerhead, ignition and fuel system on that motor only to find out the root of my problems was an exhaust leak. No regrets though, it was a good education in outboard repair. Eventually, I finally figured out that the internal seal in the exhaust housing was leaking. After fixing the leak, it ran like a champ.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: OMC 9.5's - Why or why not?

Overall, they are pretty good small motors in my book. The only thing that can be somewhat troublesome with these motors are exhaust leaks. My first motor (many moons ago) was a used 9.5. I completely rebuilt the powerhead, ignition and fuel system on that motor only to find out the root of my problems was an exhaust leak. No regrets though, it was a good education in outboard repair. Eventually, I finally figured out that the internal seal in the exhaust housing was leaking. After fixing the leak, it ran like a champ.

Mc, just a curious question. Since you fixed your problem, by fixing your exhaust leak that was obviously the root cause of your problem (since you fixed it), I was wondering what were your symptoms? I find it very interesting that a leaking gasket in the exhaust (as it turned out) would have enough of an impact upon your engine (performance I am assuming) to cause you to do what you did.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[seahorse5]

Re: OMC 9.5's - Why or why not?

I like the whole concept behind the J&E 9.5 motors. Low profile and unique in appearance.
But I've been waved off by many who say they're troublesome, and hard to work on.
Plus several people have said they were down on power - more like a good 7 1/2 than a 10.

Were they, are they really that bad?

The 9.5 was built from 1964 to 1973. That means any engine you are looking at is between 37 and 46 years old !

Back in their day, they were the best selling fishing engine in their class.

 

[McGR]

Re: OMC 9.5's - Why or why not?

This was over 25 years ago... I was young and stupid, but determined nonetheless. I bought the motor after agreeing with the seller that all it needed was a tune-up. So, I proceeded to do the normal tune-up things i.e. plugs, points, carb rebuild etc. It still ran like garbage... surging, coughing, shaking, stalling etc. So, I slowly proceeded on the path of replacing everything I could on the motor. Nothing helped. So, I decided a rebuild was in order. I did that, no improvement.

After the rebuild didn't work, I slowly started to disassemble the motor again to further investigate the problem. This time, I took a good look at the exhaust housing. In doing so, I realized that there was a damaged internal boot that seals the water tube (and the shift rod? - I think). I could see that someone had been hacking in there and snapped off screws, damaged the boot and cracked the housing.

At this point I looked around for a used exhaust housing but had no luck (no Internet in them days). Eventually, I got disgusted and went out and bought a brand new Wards Sea King/Chrysler/Force 15hp. I put the 9.5 to the side, but was determined to not let it beat me.

A couple of years later in my travels to the UP of Michigan, I came across an old guy in a repair shop with old OMCs in peices everywhere. I asked if he had a 9.5 exhaust housing. After several minutes of rumaging around, he eventually emerged with the part I needed. $15 later it was mine. Anyway, I installed the housing and the 9.5 has run wonderful ever since.

There you have it - my personal OMC 9.5 Saga.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: OMC 9.5's - Why or why not?

the 9.5 back in the day was a good little runner.
35 years later I wont touch one.
saltwater does nasty things to them.
if the water tube pulls out while removing the lower for service the complete midsection has to be dissasembled to correctly reinstall the water tube.
in my area all the motor and cover supports will break and are all pretty much NLA.
symptom of the exhasust seal failure is it runs great with the hood off but wont run with it on.
there again,in the fresh pond if you can find or make that NLA part you may get lucky. in the salt pond its simply not gonna happen.
there are several groups that restore and tinker with old stuff but none near the salt pond as its usually not much left.
if you can catch a crab or a flounder or a spot then your boating in the salt pond.
I do this for a living and at 85 an hour it doesnt take long to rack up a bill while I play on the phone hunting parts or play with the oxy acetlyne rig or play with the drill and the heli coil kits.
I spent 11 hours last week simply removing a 1983 merc alpha gimbal ring. freshwater boats would have been maybe 3 hours.

 

[ultra353]

Re: OMC 9.5's - Why or why not?

I think there good little motors. I went the same route this summer with my 1968 9.5 evinrude. I didn`t have an exh leak though, but now she runs great. The motors are just a little more difficult to work on though because of the engine cowling. the powerhead sits low, so to get at many areas means removal of the cowlings. Not real hard just more time consuming. Light weight too- only about 60lbs, easy to move around. Powerwise, i`d say a nice running 7.5 - 8hp will run right with it or better. The 9.9 evinrude/johnson will walk away from it. I had mine topped out at 17mph- 12 ft alum with batt/ trolling motor/wood floors/ gear and myself and 7 yr old son. Hope this helps a little.

 

[ChrisAG]

Re: OMC 9.5's - Why or why not?

I like the whole concept behind the J&E 9.5 motors. Low profile and unique in appearance.
But I've been waved off by many who say they're troublesome, and hard to work on.
Plus several people have said they were down on power - more like a good 7 1/2 than a 10.

Were they, are they really that bad?

Are you looking for a motor in that hp range, or do you already have one? If you are hunting for a motor, I believe the 1974-92 generation 9.9 are superior in every way, and because so many were sold, you have a better chance of finding parts/used motors to work on.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: OMC 9.5's - Why or why not?

OK, i have and service the 9.5's, you have to understand them. but, parts are getting harder to find. the corrigated tale tell hose is almost NLA, you have to hunt for them. i bought the last 2 a dealer in So.Fla had. the carb floats are hard to set, but when right. the motor runs great.

i have to agree if you can find a 9.9, you will be better off.

 

[Sargent Skiff]

Re: OMC 9.5's - Why or why not?

Thanks, guys.

I like working on the old motors, especilly the late 50's models. They're very predictable -plugs, points, coils, impeller and carb kit and they're ready to go another twenty years. My pet is a '56 7 1/2 Johnson which trolls all day then pushes my butt home at all of 16 mph.

As far as the 9.5's go,I think the answer, at least for me, is to look for a nice, running, low time, fresh water example. I won't be in any hurrry.

Sarge

 

[bonzoscott]

Re: OMC 9.5's - Why or why not?

I have a '73 9.5 and other than water getting in the lower unit, it has never had anything go wrong since bought new. Very informative information though.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: OMC 9.5's - Why or why not?

I can say I've had the experience of replacing that lower boot, which usually is part of the problem of exhaust leaks too. It's a good day's job to pull one of these motors apart and replace it. If these motors are in good shape though, they are probably just as good as any of the others, just not as easy to work on as the others.

 

[mikesea]

Re: OMC 9.5's - Why or why not?

for all the above neg.points I wouldnt buy one.Unless it was an absolute steal of a price and in great shape.The later 9.9 and 15 are exceptional ,I had a few and worked on many.As Tashasdaddy said,parts are a big consideration,because they are scarce and expensive if you find them.Im also a fan of engines that dont have points,they are a major cause of trouble

 

[bktheking]

Re: OMC 9.5's - Why or why not?

for all the above neg.points I wouldnt buy one.

I second that, get a 9.9, lots of used parts available and they are a delight to work on plus make much more power than the 9.5.