1947 elgin 1-1/4 outboard restore

todd281

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Jan 21, 2015
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I am in the process of restoring this little 1-1/4 hp. Elgin model 571-58301 outboard, I need to find out what lube went in the gearcase . regular 80/90 weight lower gear oil , or lubriplate 105 . The owner manual says, Sears Underwater Grease. Does anyone know what the replacement was for that? Thanks in advance.
 

F_R

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Jul 7, 2006
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28,226
Lubriplate 105 "Motor Assembly Grease", sold by NAPA Auto Parts stores. OR "Corn Head Grease" sold by John Deere tractor dealers. The Lubriplate is handier because it comes in a squeeze tube.
 

todd281

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Jan 21, 2015
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I have some 105 on hand , I just was not sure if it was the right replacement. Off to the garage .... Thanks all
 

82rude

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May 8, 2012
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Todd I put a thread in non repair outboard discussion about replacing elgin coils with omc coils.Im currently doing it with mine and its easy.Dont know if it applies to you but its a neat way to get around the almost impossible coil finding problem with orphan motors.
 

F_R

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Very valuable info on the coil, but if I remember correctly, the little 1.25 has the orange shellac Wico coil. One of the best coils ever made, just about bullet proof.
 

todd281

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Jan 21, 2015
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yup mine does have the orange Wico coil , I am thinking I will replace the plug wire but the coil is fine. There is a guy in upstate NY that has the replacement coils very reasonable. [like $25] let me know if you need his name/address/web page. I am replacing the plug with a Champion, I am see the gap should be .045? The new paint [ Moss Green] should be in tomorrow. as soon as its done I will post a picture.
 

F_R

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My info* says .040". That still seems pretty wide. I wonder if that's really necessary?

*Original owner's manual
 

82rude

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I cant even tell you the color of my coils theres no color left and they were cracked all over.mines a 1955 7 .5 elgin.I wondering if that fella is doing what I did ,seems the logical way to fix a coil that's nla..My new coils should last me till I'm dead.Does your little guy have an impeller ?If so did you find a source ?
 

F_R

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If they are cracked, they are not the good ol' orange shellac ones.

The little 1.25 is air cooled, no impeller.
 

todd281

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Jan 21, 2015
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I do not know if he is using the omc coil parts or not. As I understand it , you have to send him the $s and your old coils as a core charge. Like FR said no impeller air cooled, The best part is, I found this in the garbage some 25-30 years ago . It was my first outboard, I got it home , sprayed some penetrating oil in the cylinder , got it to turn , some fresh gas , an presto .. had it on my canoe . Its been with me through 3 wives, several living quarters, and a few canoes. Still runs great. I had some spare time last week ,[waiting for parts for the other outboards ] and heard it calling me, for some new paint,decals, tuneup.
 

todd281

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Jan 21, 2015
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Ok so I am setting the plug to .040 [seems wide to me also] and the points at .020
 

brim_buster

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Jul 9, 2013
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1,219
I did the coil swap with some OMC coils. It was on my 54 Firestone. Worked great.
 

todd281

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Jan 21, 2015
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159
OK so here is a picture with some new paint and decals
 

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