1952 Gale Outboard 35HP (Johnson-Evinrude) maintenance

What maintenance required for this outboard engine? Oil and oil fill site

Also, on passenger side of engine under cowling is a black ground wire on bolt on side of engine. Where does this wire go?

Wiring diagram for this motor?

 

You will need to change the lube in the lower unit if the engine has been in storage for a while. Use Hypoid oil for that application. If the motor has been in storage for a long time you will probably need to change the water pump impeller. It is a rubber like star shaped thing that deteriorates over time.

The black wire is probably only a ground wire that is part of the starter circuit. Leave it attached to the motor or the starter will not work. There is a solenoid somewhere on the motor where the battery cable will be attached. The battery cable probably has one red and one black wire along with a smaller switching wire that energizes the solenoid which causes the starter to engage.

I suspect that you would be better advised to find someone to help you get the engine going. If it has been sitting for a long time the piston rings might be stuck. Check the compression with a suitable gauge. If the compression is low the pistons and cylinders may be worn or the rings might be stuck. In either case the fix involves a complete tear down of the power head. Best get a knowledgeable mechanic person to help you check these items out.

Those old engines had "iffy" ignition systems with breaker points and condensers that were famous for making problems. You will need to verify that the ignition system is working well or nothing but problems will be your fate. Also the carburetor is likely to have become clogged with varnish like gunk that will render the carburetor useless. That will need careful cleaning and perhaps some repair work. You may need a repair kit to replace the small parts of the carb.

Best of luck.

 

Thanks for your advice. Might be cheaper to upgrade to larger outboard motor. Lol

 

There are websites devoted to these old dinosaurs, whilst what messabout said was good general advice, there may be people around on those websites that know their intricacies better than most mortals, I doubt many practising outboard mechanics would ever have worked on one.

 

You would be better advised to get a late model outboard. Newer ones have better components and make less trouble. A modern 25 will probably make as much net thrust as that old 35. Not because the OMC (Gale) HP figure was dishonest, but because the old dinosaur is sure to be a bit tired even after lengthy repairs. For sure a newer one will be quieter and have better fuel economy.

 

You'd think many parts would be unobtainable, and things like gaskets especially. Unless you are a collector and restorer of vintage machinery, it is not a practical proposition for someone who just wants a reliable outboard, and isn't going to offer any advantages other than curiosity value.

 

If you are serious about getting this Out Board to work, check into Fiberglassics.com FiberGlassics® - Index - FiberGlassics® Forums http://www.fiberglassics.com/glassic-forums They have a forum for vintage outboards. And you might want to look here Kenadianoutboards - The Gale Page https://www.kenadianoutboards.com/the-gale-page/