Elgin Outboard Advice

[tpiehl]

I inherited a 1950 Elgin 7.5hp motor.(Mod# 571.58741) This motor has not been run for a long long time! The fuel was like sludge. I get spark to the lower plug, but not to the top. I need advice an what to do, as well as info on Fuel/Oil ratio, spark plug and point gaps, and plug, and point part numbers. I have info about the spark plug but it shows a plug # A4-120. I don't know how that translates to modern plugs.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Elgin Outboard Advice

You need to pull the tank, fuel line and carb and clean them all thoroughly with carb cleaner from auto parts stores. Otherwise the sludge you found will remain in the line and carb and keep gunking up the system. As for spark on one only, you probably need to pull the flywheel and check, file, regap the points. That's generally all it takes to get spark back. You also should check and replace the impeller, if it has one...I think that model Elgin is water cooled. It takes a Champion J11J plug gapped at .050, gap the points at .020 and use 3/4ths pint of TCW-3 marine oil per gallon of gas. A modern day J11JM is the same as a J11J plug. Good luck. Anyone's guess as to where to get parts numbers or parts...maybe a Sears site, since they sold them.

 

[tpiehl]

Re: Elgin Outboard Advice

tim Mc,<br />Thanks for all the info. If anyone knows where I can get a copy of a repair manual(even a copy of a copy) I would appreciate it. After closer inspection I noticed that the plug wire was pulled out from where it goes into the magneto. If anyone has specific info on how this system works, please let me know.<br /><br />Terry P.<br />tpiehl@prodigy.net

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Elgin Outboard Advice

Sounds like you need to pull the flywheel and solder the end of the plug wire back to its terminal on the coil. Clean and regap the points while its apart. You can pull the flywheel this way: pull the spark plug and rotate the flywheel until the piston bottoms out, feed a foot or so of some 1/4 inch rope into the cylinder...this will block the piston's travel. Rotate the flywheel until the piston pushes up against the rope. Loosen the flywheel nut and unscrew it until the top of the nut is flush with the top of the shaft it threads onto. Take a large screwdriver and use it to lift up on the edge of the flywheel, or have a buddy lift it up with both hands. Put a piece of wood over the flywheel nut and rap it smartly with a hammer. The flywheel should come loose. Or you can get/use a harmonic balancer puller from an auto parts store. Be careful not to bugger up the end of the shaft that the flywheel nut goes onto. It's not that hard, just sounds complicated. Good luck.

 

[tpiehl]

Re: Elgin Outboard Advice

Once again, Thank You! I can't believe the knowledge you have of these old engines. I'll let you know how it turns out when it's complete.<br /><br />Terry