Difference between 1948 Johnson, Evinrude & Gale 5 hp

[BruceAML]

I have a 1948 Goodyear 5 hp model 025-3564 motor. I know that in 1948 the Johnson, Evinrude and Gale were all different motors. At the time OMC believed that competition was good for product development. In 1948, which of these 3 was the most advanced and most reliable motor.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Difference between 1948 Johnson, Evinrude & Gale 5 hp

I have a 1948 Goodyear 5 hp model 025-3564 motor. I know that in 1948 the Johnson, Evinrude and Gale were all different motors. At the time OMC believed that competition was good for product development. In 1948, which of these 3 was the most advanced and most reliable motor.

I would say the 48 Goodyear is more primative.Though I believe it does share ignition parts with the Johnson TD series motors, and possibly with the HD series as well.The goodyear carb is kind of an odd ball with a strange float valve and throttle cam follower.Of course the TD and HD Johnsons had an odd carb setup as well.In 48 the Johnson and Evinrudes were unrelated design wise.I can't attest to the Goodyear or Evinrude but the TD series Johnsons were a sweet running motor.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Difference between 1948 Johnson, Evinrude & Gale 5 hp

In 1948, the Johnson TD was far and away the best of the 5s. Evinrude was still pushing their Zephyr 4-cylinder (some people love 'em, but you gotta REALLY love 'em!). The Gale 5s were probably even a notch above the Evinrudes at that point. In 1950 Evinrude dropped the Zephyr in favor of the Fleetwin at 7.5hp to fill that niche. They began their modular relationship beginning with the Big Twins in 1951 with the lines becoming increasingly similar with new models until 1956 when they were model for model the same, save for the cowlings...
- Scott