Gale Model 5D18 Outboard Motor Specs & Overview

Overview of Gale Outboard Motors and Model 5D18

Gale Products, a division of the Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC), played a crucial role in post-WWII recreational boating. Operating alongside OMC’s flagship brands, Johnson and Evinrude, Gale produced durable, budget-friendly outboards under their own brand name as well as for major department stores (such as Montgomery Ward’s Sea King and Goodyear’s Sea Bee). The Gale Model 5D18 represents a popular 5.0 HP twin-cylinder outboard engine engineered for small fishing boats, rowboats, and dinghies. Featuring a full Forward-Neutral-Reverse gearshift, a full 360-degree twist-grip control, and a separate remote fuel tank, the 5D18 delivered modern convenience and reliable OMC mechanics in a compact 55-pound package.

Key Technical Specifications

• Model: Gale 5D18
• Horsepower: 5.0 HP @ 4,000 RPM (O.B.C. Certified)
• Operating RPM Range: 3,500 – 4,500 RPM
• Engine Configuration: 2-cylinder, 2-port, alternate firing 2-stroke
• Displacement: 8.84 cubic inches
• Bore & Stroke: 1-15/16″ Bore x 1-1/2″ Stroke
• Gearshift Control: Full Forward-Neutral-Reverse (F-N-R)
• Gear Ratio: 15:26
• Speed Control: Synchronized spark and throttle twist grip
• Carburetor: Float feed with high and low-speed adjustment needles, automotive-type choke
• Ignition System: Built-in flywheel magneto
• Cooling System: Rubber blade combination displacement and centrifugal water pump
• Propeller: 2-blade, 8″ diameter x 7-1/4″ pitch
• Starter: Automatic rewind recoil starter
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 6-gallon separate pressure/vacuum fuel tank (approx. 6-hour runtime)
• Weight: 55 lbs (less tank)
• Recommended Transom Height: 15″ or 20″

Maintenance, Restoration, and Fuel Mix Advice

2-Stroke Fuel/Oil Ratio: Like most OMC-built small outboard motors from the 1950s and early 1960s, the Gale 5D18 relies on a fuel-to-oil mixture to lubricate its internal bronze bushings and bearings. The standard recommended mix is 24:1 (1/2 pint of high-quality TC-W3 marine two-stroke oil per 1 gallon of gasoline). Do not use modern lean mixtures like 50:1, as reduced oil content can cause severe internal engine wear. Always use ethanol-free gasoline whenever possible to protect fuel system components from corrosion and deterioration.

Cooling System Care: The cooling system uses a rubber impeller inside the lower unit gearcase. If servicing a motor that has been sitting, replace the impeller before running the engine. Never run the motor out of water, even for a few seconds, as running dry will instantly tear or heat-damage the rubber blades. Ensure the lower unit water intake screens are clean and free of debris.

Ignition System Service: The flywheel magneto system is straightforward and shares many common parts with contemporary Johnson and Evinrude 5.5 HP models. Inspect the ignition coils under the flywheel; vintage OMC coils frequently crack over time and short out. Modern replacement coils, breaker points (set to 0.020″), and condensers are widely available and simple to replace.

Carburetor & Fuel Lines: The carb features adjustable high-speed and low-speed mixture screws. When rebuilding the carburetor, replace the cork or rubber float if saturated and renew the packing washers around the high and low-speed needle valves to prevent air leaks. Inspect all fuel lines on the motor and remote tank for cracks to ensure proper fuel delivery.