Gas/oil mixture

[igotworms]

I inherited an old Johnson 6 horse...what is the proper oil/gas mixture for a motor this old?

[marine_man]

How old is old?

marine_man

[igotworms]

Maybe early 60's or very late 50's

[kc0myy]

40:1 or 50:1 either one will work but I would stick to the low end. i have a 59' johnson seahorse and I heard to run the between 40:1 and 50:1 but again try to keep in closer to 40:1. the worst you can do the foul plugs.

[swamptiger]

I'm thinking your 6 hp is probably a late 60s or early 70s model, and if so, it should be OK at 50:1. If I remember correctly, the old 1950s and early 60s Johnsons and Evinrudes called for a 24:1 ratio, but all they had for 2 cycle oil back then was 30w non-detergent motor oil. The oils they formulate for 2 strokes are much better oils now. I ran a mid-60s Johnson 75 hp V-4 for a number of years in the 1990s and I remember I always mixed 4 ounces of oil per gallon (I think that figures out to 32:1 ratio). Must have worked, because that motor is still running today - I know because my daughter owns it now, and it still runs like a top...

[SkunkedAgain]

My '63 Johnson Seahorse 5.5hp runs at 24:1 oil/gas mixture

[igotworms]

So 40:1 would be pretty safe?

[SkunkedAgain]

It's always better to run more oil than less. If you are intent on running your motor prior to finding out the actual year, run it at 24:1. Otherwise, find the motor number and type it into the internet. You'll probably find specs for the gas/oil ratio.

[theoilman]

Most older than 1960 (ish) take more oil - richer oil ratio (smaller first number) 24-1 is common for a lot (1 quart of oil to a 6 gallons of gas).

Even if you choose to run AMSOIL ( Saber Outboard ) or another synthetic run it rich!

[JimBuck]

Someone brought up the idea of an oil measuring container and I can't seem to find one. Anyone know where I can pick up one of these?

[Black_Bay]

Someone brought up the idea of an oil measuring container and I can't seem to find one. Anyone know where I can pick up one of these?

Go to a motorcycle shop. Most will probably have them. The brand I have is called a ratio rite. They're about $5.

[JimBuck]

Thanks Black_Bay, just what I was looking for.