Pre-1940s Outboard Motors

[Maui]

I just picked up 6 antique outboard motors today. Here are a couple of photos. The pic that includes 4 of them has a 1940s era WaterWitch on the left, a 1939 or 1940 Johnson 5 hp next to it, then a 1925 or 1926 A-25 Johnson, and then a 1939 Evinrude Elto. Pictured by itself is a Champion motor, and then another (earlier) Evinrude Elto. They all have good compression, and I'm going to see if any of them will run. Any suggestions on what websites to visit for good information on getting these motors back up in running condition? I can tell you that 4 out of the 6 have a significant amount of rust inside the tanks, so that has to be cleaned out before anything else gets done. What is the best way go about doing that in your opinions?

 

[RTM]

I was reading on a Dietz lantern rehab page to put a bit of kerosene in the tank, and a foot of sash chain, and swirl for a while. I suspect that could be scaled up to a motor tank.

 

[zendriver]

Got spark?

Tank cleaning, Unless you got a lot of time to kill, I'd suggest rigging an separate small fuel tank, until they are verified to run.

I fiddled with an old Neptune that was at fishing cabin we were at. Definitely got a good workout on my pulls start arm and a chance to practice up on swear words.

Looks like a pretty fun find for you.

 

[RTM]

Here is the web page

Frequently Asked Questions - The Source for Oil Lamps and Hurricane Lanterns

~Tubular Oil Lantern~ Frequently Asked Questions On this page you will find answers to the most frequently asked lantern questions. Many of the e-mails we receive pertain to specific lantern models, and when they were made, etc. We do not appraise or provide values for lanterns, nor do we...

lanternnet.com

 

[Maui]

Thanks for sharing that info RTM.

 

[MushCreek]

The AOMCI is the authority on this stuff. It costs to become a member, but I think you can ask questions on their website. I used to be a member, as I have about a dozen old motors, going back to 1922. Most old motors aren't worth as much as people think they are worth.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Remove the tank, half fill with soapy water and a handful of nuts/chain, shake it around a bit, drain and rinse.
Run some solvent through if at all oily.
Evaporust.
Leak check.

Outboards you ann pick up with one hand are the best! I dig the tank on the leftmost unit, not familiar with that one.

 

[RonnieC]

There’s a book called cheap outboards that is very helpful in restoring these.

 

[Maui]

Remove the tank, half fill with soapy water and a handful of nuts/chain, shake it around a bit, drain and rinse.
Run some solvent through if at all oily.
Evaporust.
Leak check.

Outboards you ann pick up with one hand are the best! I dig the tank on the leftmost unit, not familiar with that one.

The motor on the left hand side is a WaterWitch. It does stand out from the others in how it was designed.

I did check out the AOMCI website. I am still deciding whether or not to join up. I probably will.

I’ll try to find that book on Amazon Ronnie. Thanks!