Tell me about my outboard motor

[Double-Eh]

I will admit that this is a second attempt at a post I put up in General. It helped slightly, but I'm looking for any advice and help I can get.

I have a Vanguard Banshee with this 1978 55HP Evinrude outboard. So far all I know is it's 2 cylinder, 2 stroke, and is likely a model 55874S or 55875S, though I don't know how to tell which of the two it might be.
It runs well, though it has some a quasi hard start in that it needs the choke on, then off as soon as it fires.


It's been painted over and it's old and dirty.
Question(s) I have are:
Does this motor have a stator?
What type of fluid should I be putting into the bottom drive?
Maybe a carb cleaning or carb sealing job to be done there, though one person told me I should be putting it into high idle on the start, is that a thing? I'm going to take it on this friday so the more I know the better my odds.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f99/AlbertoA/IMG_1357_zpsh0goui8d.jpg (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/AlbertoA/media/IMG_1357_zpsh0goui8d.jpg.html)
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f99/AlbertoA/IMG_1360_zpst7ejabou.jpg (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/AlbertoA/media/IMG_1360_zpst7ejabou.jpg.html)
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f99/AlbertoA/IMG_1359_zps9q3f8j2t.jpg (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/AlbertoA/media/IMG_1359_zps9q3f8j2t.jpg.html)
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f99/AlbertoA/IMG_1358_zpstvnelcz7.jpg (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/AlbertoA/media/IMG_1358_zpstvnelcz7.jpg.html)

[liv2fish]

I had a 76 or 78 70 hp evinrude. Most outboards ive had you want to release choke as soon as it starts if needing to use the choke. Generally on the cold starts you will want high idle on for a bit. Not max but a couple hundred rpm. I usually put high idle up a bit hold choke and turn key for cold starts. Release choke when fire. And adjust the idle arm so your not over revving cold engine. Not saying this is absolutely the right way but ive never had any issues

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[liv2fish]

As for stator im not sure. Leg oil is all pretty similar. Outboard leg oil i usually use quicksilver. Very good oil. Fill from bottom drain plug till it comes out the top plug then quickly replace bottom drain and top up as needed

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[pikeman06]

Fresh gas is a must. Change the plugs too that eliminates a couple easy but common problems. Use that choke to keep it running without throttle till it warms and runs on its own. If it sounds like its gonna stall just give her a quick choke to keep it running then no choke. Repeat until it idles on its own without choke. Then run her. It will save you working the starter to death and old outboards can be a little finicky like that. Don't just fire it up and go. Make sure the water pump is discharging warm water and your thermostat works before you get too far from the dock. Hope that helps. I run old junk cuz it adds to the adventure.

[fish99]

stator is under flywheel , 75-90 gear oil for bottom end , Johnson or evinrude

[Okotokian]

Download the service manual. $7.95
http://johnsmanuals.com/1978-EVINRUDE-JOHNSON-55HP-OUTBOARD-SERVICESHOP-PDF-REPAIR-MANUAL-DOWNLOAD-P5474173.aspx

Other sites seem to sell them for $14. Maybe paper copy.