1955ish johnson 5 1/2 motor??

[Rebil79]

I had asked about a 3 hp evinrude the other day, it got sold on me the day I was going to look at it. I found a 1955 (the guy believes) 5.5 hp johnson, same questions, any reason to stay away? Any problems they have? Are parts still available? He says it runs good. He has the pressure tank with it and is asking $150.

Motors seem to be expensive in my area so Im looking for a deal if I can find one.


I did find another (1960) 3 hp evinrude but the guy wants $200. The one I missed out on was $135.

Thanks

Rebil

 

[nwcove]

Re: 1955ish johnson 5 1/2 motor??

the cd series of motor is generally a very good motor ( actually my favorite vintage omc).....all the parts can still be found, carb kits, coils etc can be gotten right here on iboats. but with all vintage motors.....check the compression, and gear case oil. do you have any pics? is it green.....or reddish and white?

 

[Rebil79]

Re: 1955ish johnson 5 1/2 motor??

the cd series of motor is generally a very good motor ( actually my favorite vintage omc).....all the parts can still be found, carb kits, coils etc can be gotten right here on iboats. but with all vintage motors.....check the compression, and gear case oil. do you have any pics? is it green.....or reddish and white?

Its green
This should bring you to the pic of it

Johnson 5 1/2 short shaft. Running | Washington ME 04574 | Classified Detail | Uncle Henry's

There is actually an identical one to it one page back from that listing that runs but wont stay running, if I get it, it would be nice to have for parts but they are asking to much imo for it not running well.


Rebil

 

[nwcove]

Re: 1955ish johnson 5 1/2 motor??

hard to tell from the pic, but it looks like a 1954. but, with a working pressure tank, and if the motor runs well the price isnt outrageous. ( people "ask" big bucks for the pressure tank alone on ebay). as mentioned, check compression, and the gearcase oil.

 

[kodibass]

Re: 1955ish johnson 5 1/2 motor??

I have a 57, & a 62 the 5 1/2 are outstanding motors when tuned & taken care of, has it been used in salt water?

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1955ish johnson 5 1/2 motor??

It is a 54.

Dont get lured into the cheaper motor is always the better deal.

 

[Rebil79]

Re: 1955ish johnson 5 1/2 motor??

I have a 57, & a 62 the 5 1/2 are outstanding motors when tuned & taken care of, has it been used in salt water?

Not sure about the salt water, I will find out.


Rebil

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1955ish johnson 5 1/2 motor??

Well, I am a big fan of the old green CD's. I currently own two of the '55 models and a '57 model, plus a '58 Evinrude Fisherman, 5.5. There are still bunches of these out there, just like the one you have pictured and there will be plenty of parts available. The only difference from the one you have pictured and the '55 model, is the color of the trim. The '54 has silver trim and the '55 has cream color trim. These two model years are 99.5% compatible with each other, partswise. The only difference is how the front half of the cowling mounts, to the powerhead. The earlier ones, typically have thumbscrews holding them on and the later one slips off, like the following years do. In this case, the shroud mounting wings on the intake manifolds will be different. They did away with the thumbscrew mounts somewhere in '54 A lot of parts on the same model years of Evinrude Fleetwins are interchangeable too, except for the powerhead. Same midsection and lower unit, plus the same ignition system.

 

[Crosbyman]

Re: 1955ish johnson 5 1/2 motor??

I have revived a 58 7.5 last winter they are similar motors ....
I conveted my 7.5 to pump and on my recent fishing trip it proved to be a fantastic smooth runner along side my 75 ETEC

p.s. price peek... a local 3hp JW is going for 120$ I have one paid 50$... and just found another JW for 20$

 

[handifly]

Re: 1955ish johnson 5 1/2 motor??

There is a lot of info and help to be had with these vintage motors from
The Antique Outboard Motor Club Website - AOMCI.org - the antique outboard motor club

I had a 4 hp '64 Johnson and couldn't get it running after a carb rebuild. One of the members met me at a lake, drove me around with a bunch of his old motors going back to 1928, and got mine running in 5 minutes

It was my first and last old motor. I am not a mechanic and it seems that there is no free lunch. Either you are a good small engine mechanic with a real feel for these motors or you should get A - a new one or B a restored old one.
The new motors have 5-year warranty promos and the dealer performs an initial service free. Adding up what you get out of the warranty it makes an old motor look expensive. Think fixed cost vs variable cost.

The family never liked it when my old cars broke down and we came home on a flatbed. With a boat you can't call AAA

I had asked about a 3 hp evinrude the other day, it got sold on me the day I was going to look at it. I found a 1955 (the guy believes) 5.5 hp johnson, same questions, any reason to stay away? Any problems they have? Are parts still available? He says it runs good. He has the pressure tank with it and is asking $150.

Motors seem to be expensive in my area so Im looking for a deal if I can find one.


I did find another (1960) 3 hp evinrude but the guy wants $200. The one I missed out on was $135.

Thanks

Rebil

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1955ish johnson 5 1/2 motor??

There is a lot of info and help to be had with these vintage motors from
The Antique Outboard Motor Club Website - AOMCI.org - the antique outboard motor club

I had a 4 hp '64 Johnson and couldn't get it running after a carb rebuild. One of the members met me at a lake, drove me around with a bunch of his old motors going back to 1928, and got mine running in 5 minutes

It was my first and last old motor. I am not a mechanic and it seems that there is no free lunch. Either you are a good small engine mechanic with a real feel for these motors or you should get A - a new one or B a restored old one.
The new motors have 5-year warranty promos and the dealer performs an initial service free. Adding up what you get out of the warranty it makes an old motor look expensive. Think fixed cost vs variable cost.

The family never liked it when my old cars broke down and we came home on a flatbed. With a boat you can't call AAA

The only thing here I agree with is that the AOMCI members are a bunch of great guys. The rest, not true.