Johnson Seahorse 5.5 CD10 or C11

[Dave Crabtree]

I have a 5.5 HP Johnson Seahorse. It’s been in my immediate family since 1964. Dad bought it used when I was 12. It hasn’t been run in probably 50 years.

It appears to be a model CD-10 or 11, but the model number seems to be double stamped on the tag. Any thoughts as to what year and model this outboard may be? Or does it matter if you know the exact year and model of the motor when it comes to spare parts?

The power head is not frozen and it appears to have compression, but I have not measured the compression yet. Do you think there are parts available for this motor?

[Dave Crabtree]

Here is a better picture of the manufacturer’s tag.

[Mumbles]

CD-10 and CD-11 are both 1954 models but I’m not sure what or if any differences are in them. Maintenance parts such as points, condensers, coils, carb kits and water pumps are readily available and were used on later six horse motors.

One thing to remember, this motor needs a 16:1 fuel mix to survive. Not 24:1 or 50:1 as 1964 and later motors used.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Dave Crabtree

[crosbyman]

if you plan changing the impeller it is a bit tricky because you need to pull the powerhead by taking out 7 bolts, disconnecting the throttle linkage and fuel hose

 

it sounds complicated but  it is not.   pulling the PH  may… damage the  base gasket so a new one is needed…work carefully .

18-3001B – water pump kit for Johnson/Evinrude 5.5 hp 1954-55, Evinrud – VintageOutboard.com

As a AOMCI  member you would have access to the maintenance 400 pages +  ” bible” for your oldy. It containsall you need to know to keep your engine going another generation …or two or three

AOMCI Membership is worth the price of the book !! you can download and print & bind  locally

see typical pages on dropping the gear case

 

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

1 user thanked author for this post.

Dave Crabtree

[crosbyman]

so lots of help  available here to get you going…   btw  the ignition needs a good look into to refurbish coils concensers plug wires etc…old coils crack up …all easy stuff to repair with parts available.

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[fleetwin]

Most all parts can be found for this engine, if not new, than used or “old new stock”.   I would start by checking the basics, like compression and spark.  Then I would drain and inspect the gear lube.  Have you had any experience working on outboards?

Another thing to consider is that you will need the two line pressure tank for this engine, do you have it?  If so, have a look inside to be sure it is not fouled or rusted from old fuel being left inside it for a long time.

[Buccaneer]

Perhaps they had left over CD-10 ID tags when they switched
over to CD 11 models mid year, and re-stamped the tag.

https://www.marineengine.com/parts/engine-model-guides/omc-johnson-evinrude-model-number-guide/omc-johnson-evinrude-model-number-guide-00044.html

 

 

Prepare to be boarded!

[crosbyman]

good points !   check for pin holes in the tank !!!  mine dumped 5 gallons out the rear drain  while the boat  was on  my tilted  trailer.!

if  and I say if           you  do not have the tank or  wish to purchase one…the engine can be converted to pump…but ” one step at a time! “

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[Dave Crabtree]

Fleetwin…thanks for your response!

I do not have any experience with restoring outboard motors. I did restore a 1984 John Deere 210 lawn tractor a couple of years ago, including rebuilding the engine. My background is in power generation engineering so I have a good sense of machinery and equipment repair. I was hoping to learn from those that have restored outboard motors. I think I’ve heard of some enthusiasts that actually open their shops to help individuals restore their motors.

Regarding the fuel tank, it was stored with fuel in the tank and it was rusted beyond hope. Are there any aftermarket tanks that I will be able to purchase?

[Dave Crabtree]

Hey Buccaneer…your explanation of why this motor’s ID tag might have been double stamped seems very plausible. Great thought!

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