Gale Model 5D19 Outboard Motor Specs & Overview

Produced by Gale Products—a specialized division of Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC)—the Gale Model 5D19 5.0 HP outboard motor represents classic mid-century American marine engineering. Gale outboards were manufactured alongside OMC’s flagship Johnson and Evinrude brands, sharing many of the same robust internal components while serving as dependable, cost-effective workhorses. The 5D19 model is particularly popular among collectors and enthusiasts due to its practical full gearshift (Forward-Neutral-Reverse), twist-grip speed control, and standard 6-gallon remote fuel tank setup.

Technical Specifications

• Model: Gale 5D19
• Horsepower: 5.0 HP @ 4000 RPM (O.B.C. certified)
• Operating Range: 3500 – 4500 RPM
• Powerhead Type: 2-cylinder, 2-cycle, 2-port, alternate firing
• Displacement: 8.84 cubic inches
• Bore & Stroke: 1-15/16″ bore x 1-1/2″ stroke
• Gear Ratio: 15:26
• Gearshift Control: Forward – Neutral – Reverse (F-N-R)
• Ignition System: Built-in flywheel magneto
• Carburetion: Float feed with high and low-speed adjustable needle valves, automotive-type choke
• Speed Control: Synchronized spark advance and throttle twist-grip control
• Cooling System: Rubber blade combination displacement and centrifugal water pump
• Fuel System: 6-gallon separate remote fuel tank (approx. 6 hours running time)
• Starter: Automatic recoil rewind starter
• Propeller: 2-blade, 8″ diameter x 7-1/4″ pitch
• Weight: 55 lbs (less tank)
• Recommended Transom Height: 15″ or 20″

2-Stroke Fuel Mix & Lubrication

Because vintage OMC two-stroke engines utilize bronze bushing wrist pin bearings, proper oil mixture is critical for long engine life. Use a fuel-to-oil mix ratio of 24:1, which equals 1 quart (32 oz) of quality TC-W3 marine two-stroke oil per 6-gallon tank of fuel (or 1/3 pint per gallon of gas).

Fuel Caution: Avoid using modern automotive gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol (E10), and non-ethanol premium fuel is strongly recommended. Ethanol absorbs moisture, degrades vintage cork carb floats, and damages non-alcohol-resistant rubber fuel lines over time.

Maintenance and Restoration Advice

Bringing a classic Gale 5D19 back to reliable operating condition requires attention to four main areas:

• Ignition System Refurbishment: The flywheel magneto uses dual coils, breaker points, and condensers common to OMC motors of this vintage. Original epoxy coils almost always crack over time, causing intermittent misfires or total loss of spark once the engine warms up. Replace aging coils with modern potted OMC replacement coils, clean or replace the ignition points, and set the point gaps precisely to .020 inches.
• Water Pump Service: Never run the engine out of water, even briefly. The combination displacement/centrifugal water pump uses a rubber blade impeller that hardens or disintegrates over time. Replace the impeller before taking the motor out on the water, and ensure the cooling passageways are blown clean of salt crust or insect debris.
• Carburetor Rebuild: Remove and disassemble the float-feed carburetor, solvent-clean all internal passages, and inspect the float valve. Initial needle settings to get the motor started are typically set at 3/4 turn open for the high-speed needle valve and 1-1/2 turns open for the low-speed idle adjustment. Fine-tune both needles under load while operating the engine in a test bucket or on a boat.
• Gearcase Lubrication: Drain the lower unit oil and inspect it for water contamination (which presents as a milky emulsion). Replace the upper and lower drain plug washer seals and refill the lower unit with modern marine SAE 80W-90 non-corrosive gear lubricant. If water ingress persists, replace the propeller shaft and shift rod seals.