1958 Johnson 5.5 Model CD-15

[TTravis]

I've got this 1958 Johnson 5.5 Model CD-15 that I am in the process of tuning up. I am sure that when it is done and running this summer, it will be quite a conversation piece. I've been looking at some ads and other listings on ebay for this motor and it seems like it was a highly popular motor in it's day. I would appreciate if someone can give me some background information on this model of motor. What years was it made? What was their primary market or use for the motor? What were the advantages and disadvantages of this motor?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Tom Travis

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1958 Johnson 5.5 Model CD-15

Tom, you might be interested in this site:<br />The Old OMC Site <br /><br />The CD series (and the Evinrude varient the Fisherman) 5.5hp was made between 1954 and 1964. Over those years a number of changes were made both internally and to external components like the fuel system. In '65 it was redesigned into the 5 and 6hp engines. The 6hp had full gearshift while the 5hp only had forward. Production of the 6hp went on into the 70's although the 5hp ended in 1968. As you have noticed they were very popular engines.<br /><br />Like the other 2 cylinder Johnson and Evinrude engines of that period, those engines suffer from ignition problems caused by cracked ignition coils. Fortunetly, due to their popularity and the fact that they share ignition components, new coils are still available - fairly cheaply too. When checking out one of these engines, good healthy spark is my first check.<br /><br />One major annoyance with the 5.5hp is the fact that you have to remove the powerhead (the engine itself) to access the shift linkage. This must be disconnected in order to remove the lower unit, which is a fairly frequent activity since the water pump impeller must be serviced every year or two. It's not a big deal though - just a hassle. A replacment powerhead gasket is also widely available.<br /><br />Being an inexpensive, smaller engine it has aluminium alloy connecting rods. Also, it employs plain bearings rather than roller bearings throughout. This, and the the use of an oil slinger rather than an oil seal on the crankcase makes it somewhat sensitive to the volume of oil used in the mix. Stick to the 24:1 ratio and use TC-W3 outboard oil. Later, (in 1961) many of the plain bearings were replaced with roller bearings.<br /><br />Naturally though, it's a great engine. It's inexpensive and easy to work on. Any engine that's lasted over 45 years must be - if it wasn't, it would have been dropped off the back of a boat a long time ago.<br /><br />I'm sure other's can fill in some more detail!