1963 Gale 5hp(Buccaneer-model maybe..?)

[Turd Ferguson]

Looking for any help availible, was given a boat and motor for Father's Day-boat and motor-- both oldies but goodies.<br /> I broke the pull-cord, fixed it, but now I have at least 6in of slack that won't retract back into the motor, any ideas? Did I do something wrong...?<br /> Also, is it possible to put a 3 blade prop on it to give it a lil more power without harming the motor?<br />Thanx guys,<br /><br />Jake

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1963 Gale 5hp(Buccaneer-model maybe..?)

Welcome to Iboats!<br /><br />I know it seems obvious, but when you replaced the pull-cord you replaced it with the same amount as was there, right? <br />If so, likely the pull-start spring got bent backwards when the cord broke and the starter rapidly rewound. You'll need to take the pull-start apart to fix it.<br /><br />I strongly suggest you pick up a manual for this. That pull-start spring can be dangerous, and there's a few tricks to setting the pull-start just right. If you don't want to buy one, you can most likely pick one up at the local library. A manual that covers Johnson and Evinrude engines would be fine, since your outboard is virtually the same as an early 60s J/E 5.5hp.<br /><br />As for switching the prop, adding blades won't give you extra power or we would all be running around with 12 blade props. But if you've got the engine on a heavy craft, a lower pitch prop might be a good idea. Tell us what you're running it on.

 

[Turd Ferguson]

Re: 1963 Gale 5hp(Buccaneer-model maybe..?)

Paul, <br />Thanks for the quick reply. I did not replace the entire cord, I only lost about 3in at the handle.<br />I did this today and have no problem starting it, but I did notice another worn area near the beginning of the cable near the motor- this looks like a rainy day project. I just pulled a little bit more out and used it to thread through the handle<br />I am new to the boating aspect but have been a fisherman my whole life.<br /><br />I'm running the motor on a 14' foot flat-bottom jon boat with a trolling motor on the front and back to lessen the load on Ol' Bessie.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1963 Gale 5hp(Buccaneer-model maybe..?)

Ah, it's most likely a bent back recoil spring then. You may be able to straighten it out with a pair of pliers. I'm pretty sure new springs are still available though if it breaks.<br /><br />As for the prop, BRP only lists one prop for that engine, the same 8"x7.25" 2 blade that came with it in '63. Michigan Wheel (available at Iboats) has a 6.5" 3 blade in addition to a copy of the 7.25" 2 blade. That would help get your revs up with those heavy TM batteries. But that will limit you to around 14mph absolute maximum.

 

[Turd Ferguson]

Re: 1963 Gale 5hp(Buccaneer-model maybe..?)

ok, I'll have to check that out in the morning. I'm taking my daughter(4yo) and a friend(5yo)out on a local pond.<br /> Thanx for the info.<br />I'm not looking to go skiing from it, just a lil more oohhh and aahhh, I guess. I spose that's asking a lil too much from the old war horse. I'm completely happy with what I have, just trying to squeeze every bit out of it I can. <br />Anything you can reccomend about a tune-up....?<br />Wish me luck tomorrow,<br /><br />Jake<br /><br />ps--I think my car might match the condition of the boat and motor, I have an 87 Camry with 430k on it AND I use it to pull my boat!

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1963 Gale 5hp(Buccaneer-model maybe..?)

If it has spark, compression and it runs well you probably don't need to do much other than check and possibly replace the impeller. Ignition parts and impellers should be available from anyone who stocks Evinrude/Johnson parts going back to the 50's. Those recoil springs can be tricky and dangerous, as already mentioned. If you don't want to mess with it, you can always pull the recoil mechanism off and use the slotted/grooved flywheel and a rope to turn it over. Some recoils are beyond repair unless you want to sink $$$ into it. You will need another set of hands if you attempt the recoil spring replacement...be careful. Might want to post on the Ask A Member board at www.aomci.org to see if any of the old iron gurus there have any tips on how best to fix the recoil.

 

[alderman]

Re: 1963 Gale 5hp(Buccaneer-model maybe..?)

It is indeed quite a job to replace the rewind spring on this motor, I have had to replace it on mine once. If the spring came undone and doubled backed you may want to just replace the whole spring. Like Paul said sometimes they can be returned to there original shape, I have never had much luck at it. NAPA was able to supply me with all the parts I needed to repair mine, be vary carefull when winding the spring in as it can come out of there in a hurry, best if you have a second set of hands, a pair of needle nose vise grips ain't bad to.<br />To replace the impeller on this motor requires you pull the power head, there is a cork gasket that will need to be replaced between the power head and the exaust leg. As said earler a manuel is a great deal of help, I have a Seloc for mine it's not the best but I get by with it.<br />I use mine on the smaller lakes around hear that have a horsepower limit. I use it on a 14 foot 1965 deep V Starcraft, with my 250# and one other person and gear it will push around about 14mph at wot. I still have the standard 2 blade prop it came with, mine is a great running motor and they will last a long time with proper maintance.<br />Hope this helps<br />Ray

 

[Turd Ferguson]

Re: 1963 Gale 5hp(Buccaneer-model maybe..?)

Thanx for the help, guys. I was able to find out what happened, the cable must have unwound once when it broke(and nearly threw my dumbass out of the boat) I was able to pull all of it out of the recoil and wind another loop around it while it was out and voila!--problem fixed.........fer now, no more slack..