57 Johnson CDL-14 5.5HP Shift rod question

[s.Dave]

Hello
Sooo glad I found this forum, lots of fun and info it looks like
Anyway
Taking apart my newly acquired 57 Sea Horse 5.5 to replace impeller and inspect whats inside.You know how it goes, just ordered other seals and gaskets because why not. seems to be a honey. Bought it from an older gent that had it in his basement. His father purchased it new, got the booklets & bottom of the gas tank looks like a mirror.
Any way not real familiar with the shift rod for this motor. Should it be dead straight ? or is the normal shape having two very slight gentle bends to the rod ?

Thanks for any impute

 

[racerone]

I would not worry about any wee bends in that shift rod.-----Those are sweet running motors.----Run at 24:1 mix.

 

[s.Dave]

Hey
Thank you
I have heard 16:1 and 24:1 mix
Why the different info would you think ?

 

[racerone]

Oil and lubrication in a 2 stroke is not well understood.----Run that motor at 24:1 to last another 60 years !!