Gale Model 5D22 Outboard Motor Specs & Overview

Overview: The Gale 5D22 Outboard Motor

Gale Products, a former division of Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC), played a significant role in the golden age of recreational boating. Operating out of Galesburg, Illinois, Gale manufactured robust, economical outboard motors marketed directly under their own brand names (such as Gale Buccaneer and Sovereign) as well as house brands for major retailers like Montgomery Ward (Sea King) and Western Auto (Wizard). The Gale 5D22—part of the popular 5D17–5D22 series—is a reliable, twin-cylinder 5.0 HP outboard engineered with a full gearshift and a remote fuel tank connection, making it an exceptionally capable lightweight power plant for vintage aluminum fishing boats and skiffs.

Key Technical Specifications

• Model: Gale 5D22
• Horsepower: 5.0 HP @ 4000 RPM (O.B.C. Certified)
• Operating Range: 3500 – 4500 RPM
• Engine Type: 2-cylinder, 2-stroke, 2-port, alternate firing
• Displacement: 8.84 cubic inches
• Bore & Stroke: 1-15/16″ bore x 1-1/2″ stroke
• Gearshift Control: Forward – Neutral – Reverse (FNR)
• Gear Ratio: 15:26
• Propeller: 2-blade, 8″ diameter x 7-1/4″ pitch
• Ignition System: Flywheel magneto
• Carburetor: Float feed with adjustable high and low-speed needles, automotive-style manual choke
• Speed Control: Synchronized spark and throttle twist-grip control
• Cooling System: Combination displacement and centrifugal pump with rubber blade impeller
• Fuel Tank: 6-gallon separate remote tank (Approx. 6 hours running time)
• Starter: Automatic rewind recoil starter
• Weight: 55 lbs (dry, less tank)
• Transom Compatibility: Fits standard 15″ or 20″ transoms

Fuel Mix & Lubrication Guidelines

Like most OMC-manufactured two-stroke engines from this era, the Gale 5D22 relies on oil mixed directly into the gasoline to lubricate internal crankcase components and bronze bushings. Use a 24:1 fuel-to-oil ratio (16 oz / 1 pint of TC-W3 rated outboard motor oil per 3 gallons of fuel). Avoid modern automotive engine oils and stick strictly to Marine TC-W3 oil.

Always use 87-octane non-ethanol gasoline (rec-90) whenever possible. Ethanol-blended fuels attract moisture and can degrade vintage rubber fuel lines, carburetor packing, and original cork fuel float seals.

Maintenance and Restoration Advice

Because Gale motors share a high degree of parts interchangeability with contemporary Johnson and Evinrude models (particularly 5.5 HP OMC twins), sourcing service parts is straightforward for collectors and restorers.

• Ignition System: The standard OMC universal magneto housed under the flywheel uses two ignition coils, two sets of breaker points, and two condensers. Inspect the ignition coils for cracking in the outer epoxy housing—a very common point of failure. Set breaker point gaps to 0.020 inches and spark plug gaps (typically Champion J6C or J8C) to 0.030 inches.
• Water Pump & Cooling: Never start the motor out of water. Drop the lower unit to inspect the rubber water pump impeller before running an engine that has sat idle. If the impeller is hardened, cracked, or set in a permanent memory curve, replace it immediately to avoid overheating the powerhead.
• Carburetor Rebuild: Remove and thoroughly clean the carburetor body. Ensure needle valves are smooth and free of grooving. If the original float is made of shellac-coated cork, replace it with a modern ethanol-resistant plastic float to prevent fuel saturation and flooding.
• Lower Unit Gearcase: Drain and replace the lower unit gear oil with high-viscosity marine gear lubricant (SAE 80W-90). Inspect the drained oil for milky discoloration, which indicates water intrusion past the propeller shaft or drive shaft seals. Always fit new drain plug washers when re-sealing the gearcase.