Maybe got lucky- 1955 cd12 5.5 seahorse

knifemaker

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May 19, 2007
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Dad's neighbor had a yard sale with this 5.5 seahorse included. Said he only had it in the water a couple times and bought it new in 1955 (year I was born) . The owners manual was on top the motor and the mile master tank sitting beside it. It's a cd12 with nice green paint and I believe Dad paid 75.00 for it. Been in my basement now 3 years and its time to make it go. Coils were shot (cracked) , impeller has been replaced and now waiting on gasket to go under power head. Need to know if I need to torque the nut that holds flywheel on and if so how much ? Probably got the cart before the horse but went over to Bass Pro here in town ( Springfield, Mo.) and bought a new 14 ft john to put it on, think it will push it ok ? Getting quite a kick out of having a vintage boat motor the same age I am. Not getting such a kick out of trying to get it title here in Mo. The original owner/purchaser has since passed on and I dont think he ever titled it. Paul
 

CATransplant

Admiral
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Feb 26, 2005
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6,319
Re: Maybe got lucky- 1955 cd12 5.5 seahorse

Tashasdaddy is right. That translates to 40-45 ft.-lb. on the torque wrench. No higher, no lower.

As for it pushing your 14' jonboat, it will, just fine. It's not going to be a speed demon, but it'll go OK, and troll really good.

He's also right about the title. Just get someone to write you a bill of sale from Florida or another state that doesn' title outboards. Be sure the bill of sale includes the serial number on the outboard's plate. Folks buy outboards from out of state all the time.

Have fun with your new boat and old motor!
 

knifemaker

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Re: Maybe got lucky- 1955 cd12 5.5 seahorse

Thanks for the good info, we'll see how it all goes back together. I had read about the coils being shot after sitting so long and sure enough when the plugs had no fire I took off the flywheel and the coils were split and cracked open bad. Ordered coils, points and condensers, and have replaced impeller. The last order of business may be a rebuild kit for carb but I'm going to wait and see how it runs. Paul
 

F_R

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Re: Maybe got lucky- 1955 cd12 5.5 seahorse

Don't ignore that carbon seal assembly under the powerhead. That thing is vital. You should put a new gasket on it and a new o-ring. If it leaks, water goes up past the crankshaft bearing into the crankcase and is distributed throughout the powerhead by the oiling system. Then it throws a rod and somebody will blame the oil.
 

knifemaker

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Re: Maybe got lucky- 1955 cd12 5.5 seahorse

Yes and thank you, I was just at the work bench looking at that assembly and realized the o-ring is broken but I was unaware that the carbon piece had a replaceable gasket. I just installed a new impeller then found out that I would need a gasket for the power head so I re-ordered a impeller kit that has the gasket included and I believe the O-ring and maybe the gasket for the carbon piece ( atleast I hope so ) is in there . The impeller kit is supposed to come complete with directions and all you need. I certainly hope so because this is the first boat motor I've ever had apart. I have the two new coils, condensers and points sitting there in the box but waiting on the power head gasket before I do anymore. Honestly, I'm a little concerned I'll get something apart and not remember how it goes back together. I keep thinking the only other two issues might be carb kit and work on the milemaster tank. I dont want my brain to get overloaded so I'll take it one step at a time. I really want the motor running good for a planned trout fishing trip to lake taneycomo August 1st. Paul
 

tashasdaddy

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Re: Maybe got lucky- 1955 cd12 5.5 seahorse

pictures alongs the way help in reassemble. what is did the plug wires look like, while fly wheel is off replace also. i like laingsoutboards.com for my old parts. they don't rip you for shipping.
 

knifemaker

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Re: Maybe got lucky- 1955 cd12 5.5 seahorse

Very good idea on the pictures, I have 2 digitals why didnt I think of that. The plug wires will definately need to be replaced. We have a very good mower/chainsaw shop in Springfield that may carry the solid core wires but I have'nt checked yet. I'll check out laings today and see about ordering from them. Seems like I keep making orders and then need more, can you anticipate anything else I should order with the wires.
Heres what I have so far: 2 coils, 2 condensers, 2 sets points, new plugs and a impeller kit that I ordered from an antique outboard parts place in washington state. Do you think it would be a good idea to go ahead and order the carb kit and possibly the kit to restore the old milemaster tank. Just might save enough in the shipping to actually pay for some of the stuff I'll eventually need ?
The old plugs I took out were champions I believe and J6J however O'reilly's autoparts cross referenced and gave me a replacement plug and the brand I was unfamiliar with. Maybe I better double check and make sure they gave me the correct match on the plugs ? Thanks again, Paul
 

tashasdaddy

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Re: Maybe got lucky- 1955 cd12 5.5 seahorse

to test the tank put a gallon of gas in it. then pump up the button, then carefully push in on the gas side of the connector, look out if it's good it's going to squirt gas. if it doesn't get the kit. there are 2 types one is for the tank with the black plastic button, the other is for the tank with the silver metal button. carb kit would be a good idea, and they are simple to do. i just did my 58 35 johnny coils, points,plugs,wires, carb kit, impeller, prop cone, $140 with shipping. new starter $180. now starts 1 bump of the key without choke.
 

knifemaker

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Re: Maybe got lucky- 1955 cd12 5.5 seahorse

Thank you so much for all the good information ! My confidence level has come up a bit , now I just need to head to the basement shop monday evening and get started. I cant wait to someday hear this little jewel purr and in the winter months admire it sitting on its stand. My knifemaking shop looks more like a engine repair shop right now but thats ok its all worth it. Just found out a friend of mine has a 1949 scotts 40hp-- interesting ! thx Paul
 

F_R

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Re: Maybe got lucky- 1955 cd12 5.5 seahorse

1949 Scott 40??? I don't think so.
 

knifemaker

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Re: Maybe got lucky- 1955 cd12 5.5 seahorse

I know I had done a quick search on scotts and couldnt seem to find the correct information he described the motor as being. I also ask about the title and he was a little unsure about the information on it. Anyway it got him thinking and he is supposed to bring me the serial numbers off the motor and he'll probably have better info. He said the thing is so heavy its all he can do to drag it across the garage on the motor stand. He also bought a old corp of engineers alum 16 ft boat to put it on so I hope for his sake its more than 4 hp. I think he gave the old man 200 for it and he said the old boy fired it up for him and it says scotts on the side and swan on the front. I'll post a little more about it when I see the serial numbers this next weekend. Paul
 
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