Gale Model 5DL19 Outboard Motor Specs & Overview

Overview of the Gale 5DL19 Outboard Motor

The Gale 5DL19 is a classic 5.0 horsepower twin-cylinder outboard engine manufactured by Gale Products, a former division of Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC). Built in Galesburg, Illinois, Gale outboards were marketed as dependable, value-oriented alternatives to their sibling brands, Johnson and Evinrude. Beneath the unique Gale badging and distinct styling, these motors share many robust mechanical components with contemporary OMC engines, making them exceptional performers for small fishing boats, rowboats, and vintage craft.

Featuring a full gearshift (Forward-Neutral-Reverse) and an external 6-gallon fuel tank, the 5DL19 offered big-motor convenience in a portable 55-pound package. Its twin-cylinder alternate firing powerhead provides smooth, reliable power across a wide operating range.

Technical Specifications

• Model: Gale 5DL19
• Horsepower Rating: 5.0 HP @ 4,000 RPM (OBC Certified)
• Full Throttle Operating Range: 3,500 – 4,500 RPM
• Powerhead Type: 2-cycle, 2-port, alternate firing twin
• Cylinders: 2
• Displacement: 8.84 cubic inches
• Bore & Stroke: 1-15/16″ Bore x 1-1/2″ Stroke
• Gear Ratio: 15:26
• Gearshift Control: Full Forward-Neutral-Reverse (F-N-R)
• Starter: Automatic recoil rewind
• Carburetor: Float feed with high and low-speed needle adjustments, automotive-style choke
• Speed Control: Synchronized twist-grip throttle and spark advancement
• Ignition: Flywheel magneto
• Cooling System: Combination displacement and centrifugal rubber impeller water pump
• Propeller: 2-blade, 8″ diameter x 7-1/4″ pitch
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 6-gallon remote tank (Approx. 6 hours running time)
• Weight: 55 lbs (less tank)
• Recommended Transom Height: 15″ (Standard) or 20″ (Long Shaft)

Maintenance, Restoration, and Fuel Mix Advice

Restoring or maintaining a Gale 5DL19 is an enjoyable project due to the ready availability of shared OMC parts and straightforward engineering. Pay close attention to the following areas during service:

1. Two-Stroke Fuel Mix Ratio:
Unlike modern outboards that run on a 50:1 fuel-to-oil ratio, vintage 2-cycle motors like the Gale 5DL19 utilize bronze bushings in parts of the powerhead that require richer lubrication. Always mix fuel at a 24:1 ratio (1 quart of high-quality TC-W3 rated 2-stroke outboard oil to 6 gallons of regular unleaded gasoline). Use ethanol-free gasoline whenever possible to prevent degradation of original fuel lines, carburetor floats, and internal gaskets.

2. Ignition System:
The motor relies on a standard OMC flywheel magneto ignition. Pull the flywheel to inspect the ignition coils, breaker points, and condensers. Original cracked green plastic coils are a common issue on motors of this era; replace them with modern OMC/Sierra universal coils. Set point gaps to .020 inches and polish the contact surfaces clean.

3. Cooling System & Water Pump:
Never start the engine out of water or run it without verified water circulation. The rubber water pump impeller located in the lower unit should be replaced prior to putting a newly acquired engine back into service. Ensure the water bypass ports are clear of debris, mud, or insect nests.

4. Carburetor & Fuel Delivery:
Rebuild the float-feed carburetor with new ethanol-resistant gaskets and check the high- and low-speed needle valves for scoring. Initial bench settings for tuning are typically 1-1/2 turns open for the high-speed needle and 1 to 1-1/4 turns open for the low-speed idle mixture needle, adjusted finely while running under load in a test tank or on the water.

5. Lower Unit Gearcase:
Drain the lower unit oil before testing. If the drained lubricant is milky or clear water flows out, replace the gearcase seals and O-rings. Refill the gearcase from the bottom drain plug upward using proper marine lower unit gear lube until it flows from the upper vent plug.