Gale Model 5D11 Outboard Motor Specs & Overview

Overview of the Gale 5D11 Outboard Motor

Gale Products was a prominent division of the Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC), renowned for manufacturing durable, straightforward, and accessible outboard motors from the late 1930s through the early 1960s. In addition to marketing motors under their own Gale Buccaneer brand, Gale produced millions of private-label outboards for major department stores and retailers, including Montgomery Ward (Sea King) and Western Auto (Wizard). The Gale Model 5D11 is a quintessential 5.0 HP twin-cylinder outboard featuring an full Forward-Neutral-Reverse (F-N-R) gearshift, standard 15-inch transom length, and a lightweight 49-pound footprint, making it a favorite among vintage fishing motor enthusiasts.

Engine & Mechanical Specifications

• Model: Gale 5D11
• Horsepower Rating: 5.0 HP @ 4,000 RPM (O.B.C. Certified)
• Operating RPM Range: 3,500 – 4,500 RPM
• Cylinders: 2 cylinders (Alternate firing, 2-cycle, 2-port powerhead)
• Bore & Stroke: 1-15/16″ Bore x 1-1/2″ Stroke
• Displacement: 8.84 cubic inches
• Ignition System: Built-in flywheel magneto
• Carburetor: Variable venturi with synchronized spark/throttle twist-grip control
• Gearshift: Full Gearshift (Forward – Neutral – Reverse)
• Gear Ratio: 15:26
• Propeller: 2-Blade, 8″ Diameter x 7-1/4″ Pitch
• Cooling System: Rubber blade combination displacement and centrifugal water pump
• Starter: Automatic recoil rewind starter
• Fuel Capacity: 0.9-gallon integral fuel tank (Approx. 1 hour run time)
• Weight: 49 lbs
• Transom Fit: Standard 15″ transom height

Fuel Mixture & Lubrication Guidelines

Like most vintage OMC products from this era, the Gale 5D11 relies on oil mixed directly into the gasoline to lubricate the crankshaft, rod bearings, and cylinder walls. The recommended fuel mix for this model is 24:1 (approximately 1/2 pint of oil per 1 gallon of fuel).

• Fuel Selection: Always use 87+ octane non-ethanol (E0) unleaded gasoline. Ethanol blended fuels absorb moisture, degrade vintage rubber fuel lines, and corrode aluminum carburetors.
• Oil Selection: Mix fuel with a high-quality TC-W3 Marine 2-Stroke Oil. Avoid standard automotive 2-stroke oils, as marine TC-W3 oil is specifically formulated for low-temperature, water-cooled outboard engines.

Maintenance & Mechanical Service

The standard mechanical layout of the Gale 5D11 makes routine servicing straightforward, provided a few critical systems are properly maintained:

• Cooling Impeller: The rubber impeller inside the gearcase provides active water circulation. If the motor has sat unused for years, replace the impeller before running. Never run the motor out of water, as doing so will burn out the rubber pump blades in seconds.
• Ignition System: Access the flywheel magneto to inspect the ignition points, coils, and condensers. Dual-coil OMC magneto systems of this era commonly suffer from cracked ignition coil casings; replacements are widely available and interchangeable with many standard Johnson/Evinrude components. Set point gaps typically to 0.020 inches.
• Carburetor Rebuild: The variable venturi carburetor should be disassembled, thoroughly soaked in solvent, and cleared of gummed-up fuel deposits. Check packing washers around high and low-speed needle valves to prevent air leaks.
• Gearcase Lubricant: Drain and inspect the lower unit oil. Re-fill using modern SAE 80W-90 Marine Gear Lube (or Hi-Vis gear oil). If milkiness or water contamination is detected, replace the lower unit shaft seals and drain plug washers.

Restoration Tips for Collectors

Restoring a Gale 5D11 is a highly rewarding project due to the abundance of compatible OMC parts. Because Gale shared many internal powerhead and ignition designs with 1950s Evinrude and Johnson 5.5 HP motors, finding gaskets, ignition parts, and water pump impellers is usually hassle-free. When restoring the finish, ensure all grease and oxidation are stripped down to raw aluminum, apply a zinc chromate self-etching primer, and finish with period-correct marine enamel paint for a durable, show-quality appearance.