Gale Model 5D13 Outboard Motor Specs & Overview

Overview of the Gale 5D13 Outboard Motor

Gale Products, a former division of the Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC), manufactured durable and dependable outboard motors from the late 1930s through the early 1960s. Sold under the Gale Buccaneer name as well as various store brands such as Montgomery Ward’s Sea King, these motors shared many robust mechanical designs with their sister brands, Johnson and Evinrude. The Gale Model 5D13 is a classic 5.0 horsepower twin-cylinder outboard known for its reliability, smooth alternate-firing powerhead, and full gearshift capability in a compact package.

Key Technical Specifications

• Model: 5D13
• Horsepower Rating: 5.0 HP @ 4000 RPM (O.B.C. Certified)
• Operating RPM Range: 3500 – 4500 RPM
• Cylinders: 2 cylinders (Alternate firing, 2-port 2-cycle)
• Bore and Stroke: 1-15/16″ Bore x 1-1/2″ Stroke
• Displacement: 8.84 cubic inches
• Gearshift Control: Full Forward-Neutral-Reverse (F-N-R)
• Gear Ratio: 15:26
• Cooling System: Rubber blade combination displacement and centrifugal water pump
• Ignition System: Built-in flywheel magneto
• Carburetor: Float feed with high- and low-speed adjustment needles and automotive-type choke
• Speed Control: Synchronized spark and throttle twist-grip control
• Starting System: Automatic rewind starter
• Fuel Tank: 4-1/4 gallon separate external tank (Approx. 4 hours running time)
• Weight: 51 lbs (excluding fuel tank)
• Recommended Transom Height: 15 inches
• Propeller: 2-blade, 8″ diameter x 7-1/4″ pitch

Maintenance, Restoration, and Fuel Mix Guide

Two-Stroke Fuel/Oil Mixture: Like most OMC-built outboards from this era, the Gale 5D13 relies on oil mixed directly into the gasoline to lubricate internal bronze bushings and bearings. It is recommended to use a 24:1 fuel-to-oil ratio (16 oz or 1 pint of TC-W3 rated outboard oil per 3 gallons of gasoline). Always use unleaded 87-octane fuel, preferably ethanol-free, to prevent fuel line deterioration and rubber component failure in the carburetor.

Ignition System Service: The built-in flywheel magneto is straightforward to service. Common restoration steps include pulling the flywheel to inspect the dual ignition coils, breaker points, and condensers. Vintage OMC coils frequently develop cracked insulation over time and should be replaced with modern universal OMC coils. Set the breaker point gap to 0.020 inches at maximum opening.

Cooling System Care: The combination displacement and centrifugal water pump uses a flexible rubber impeller located in the lower unit gearcase. Never run the engine out of water, even for a few seconds, as dry operation will ruin the rubber blades. When restoring a motor that has been sitting, always replace the impeller and inspect the water bypass passages for debris or mineral buildup.

Carburetor & Adjustments: The float-feed carburetor features adjustable high-speed and low-speed mixture needles. For initial startup after a rebuild, turn both high- and low-speed needles gently clockwise until seated, then back them out approximately 1 to 1.5 turns. Fine-tune the low-speed needle while idling in forward gear for smooth performance, and adjust the high-speed needle under full load on the water.

Lower Unit Lubrication: Before taking the motor out on the water, drain and refill the lower unit with quality marine gear lubricant (SAE 80W-90 or dedicated outboard gear lube). Replace the drain plug washer seals to prevent lake water from intruding into the gearcase housing.