Topic: 1958 Evinrude 5.5hp Fisherman Cowl – Antique Outboard Motor Club,Inc

This topic has 6 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 3 years, 10 months ago by Mike Nazarenko.

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

Author

Posts
March 8, 2022 at 9:38 pm #255798
Mike Nazarenko
Participant
Recently acquired a 1958 Evinrude 5.5 hp Fisherman. I have finished the rebuild and awaiting warmer weather to barrel test. Today I struggled with reattaching the cowl, a lot of twisting and maneuvering and in the process scratched the side of the cowl with the shift lever. The spacing between the cowl and the shift level is very tight. Any suggestions on how to get it back on. I was going to repaint the cowl but with this issue the repainted cow will surely get scratched.

I do own a 1958 10 hp Sportwin that allows the shift lever to be inverted clearing the way to remove and install the cowl…

Am I missing something on the Evinrude 5.5.

Thank you.
March 8, 2022 at 9:48 pm #255799
Buccaneer
Participant
US Member
Some of the shift levers “pull out” and you can rotate them upside down so you
have clearance.

Prepare to be boarded!
March 8, 2022 at 10:58 pm #255801
rpsiii
Participant
US MEMBER PAY BY CHECK
Slip one of your old socks on over the shift lever to prevent scrathing the cowl. It helps the cowl slide right on past the shift lever too.

Hope it helps!

Respectfully,

Bob
March 9, 2022 at 8:14 am #255834
frankr
Participant
The special shift lever was used on Gale motors. Can be retrofitted on your Evinrude if you so desire.

Otherwise, remove the lower spark plug and put the shifter in reverse. Put the front end of the cowl on first, then with everything positioned just so, the rear. Yeah, I know, it’s a pain. Johnson had it over us in that instance.
March 9, 2022 at 9:35 am #255838
fleetwin
Participant
US Member
rpsiii wrote:

Slip one of your old socks on over the shift lever to prevent scrathing the cowl. It helps the cowl slide right on past the shift lever too.

Hope it helps!

Respectfully,

Bob

Yes, this seems to be the best method. Sometimes, shifting into forward or reverse gear helps also. You are not alone, this is a wrestling match at best. But, the sock will protect your engine cover at least.
March 9, 2022 at 10:06 am #255842
seakaye12
Participant
US MEMBER PAY BY CHECK
Like Frankr says…..removing the spark plug(s) at least the bottom one certainly seems to help.
March 9, 2022 at 10:53 am #255847
Mike Nazarenko
Participant
Removing the spark plug and adding the sock, thank you.
Author

Posts

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.