1956 Evinrude Bigtwin 30hp

[swannytheswan]

I am looking to buy a 1956 bigtwin 30hp and I am curious how hard it is to find parts for them and what kind of fuel economy I should be expecting to get with this motor. I haven't bought it yet and would like your opinions. Honestly I can't afford a new motor so that is not an option right now. Thanks

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Bigtwin 30hp

ign. carb, and water pump part's should not be a problem.

 

[CBGale2]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Bigtwin 30hp

Its not the gas that kills ya, its the oil. Great motors.

 

[Woodstock60]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Bigtwin 30hp

Check this out

http://worcester.craigslist.org/boa/1731631014.html

 

[swannytheswan]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Bigtwin 30hp

Also the motor I am looking at hasn't been run in 3 yrs but it was in covered storage what do I need to be looking out for I am pretty decent in mechanical ability but haven't had any experience with outboards.

 

[swannytheswan]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Bigtwin 30hp

If you want to look at it
(edit: took down the link so you can't steal it)

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Bigtwin 30hp

I own a really good '56 30hp. I can tell you for a fact that if it doesn't have electric start, you don't want it. I don't mind cranking a bigtwin 25hp, but the '56 30 hp has really good compression and is a blankety-blank to crank with the pull starter.
THey're good motors, but DO NOT get good fuel economy. But not THAT much worse than my '99 30hp johnson. Neither are that great on gas.
Don't be afraid to get it though, it's easy to work on and there's lots of new and used parts for 'em.
Good luck,
JBJ

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Bigtwin 30hp

I just saw the ad. I'd cut a double back flip trying to get out the door to buy it. That's a good looking motor and has the rare tiller handle, too.
great deal!
JBJ

 

[CBGale2]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Bigtwin 30hp

Good thing your a couple thousand miles away or Id be going to get it for that kinda money. Can hardly buy the gas tank and the motor stand in my neck of the woods. Look at it this way, you can part it out and double your money if its totally roached.

 

[swannytheswan]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Bigtwin 30hp

That it kinda what I thought with the price. I called an Evinrude dealer and he kinda scared me talking about fuel economy but I wasn't sure if he was just trying to sell me a new motor or not. I am going to go look at it (prolly get it) tomorrow. Oh it does have electric start on it.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Bigtwin 30hp

Sweet and reliable, but as JBJ said...hope yours has electric start...otherwise cold starting is a bear on your arm/shoulder. Rotator cuff surgery sux, so take that one to heart. They can empty a six-gallon tank in less than 2 hours at WOT, so they can be thirsty...better gph (gallons per hour) is attained just shy of WOT.

 

[swannytheswan]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Bigtwin 30hp

what is the oil to gas ratio for this motor

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Bigtwin 30hp

24:1 is the fuel/oil ratio.
I like pennzoil synthetic when I can find it at walmart.
I hope you bought it; as long as it has a good clutch dog I think you will really like it. It will have a 6 volt starter on it and 6 volt choke solenoid as well if it's all original, so you might want to rig up a resistor in the choke solenoid circuit or find a 12 volt choke solenoid. The 12volts won't hurt the 6 volt starter as long as you don't stay on it long and overheat it.
The 12volt system came out in '57, so a choke solenoid from '57 or '58 should work, I believe.
Check you water pump impeller. Those big twin pump a heckuva stream of water out the exhaust relief if they're working right. The impeller could be "set" or dry rotted so it's best to check them so you don't overheat your new motor. An impeller is about 20-30 bucks for it.
Good luck,
JBJ

 

[swannytheswan]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Bigtwin 30hp

thanks so much I haven't been able to get ahold of the guy yet but I hope to buy it.

 

[swannytheswan]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Bigtwin 30hp

I am talking with a friends dad who know quite abit about old motors and he is saying the hose and connectors are going to be a bit expensive.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Bigtwin 30hp

If I didn't already have a tank, connector, and hose, I'd just convert it over to a modern fuel pump and use a regular single line hose and $25 walmart plastic tank. It will cost you around $100 to change it over. If you buy it and are serious about converting it over to a fuel pump, just post a request for help on here and it can be had. There is a thread already here on how to convert one over to a modern fuel pump with pictures and everything. It's very easy to do and requires no special tools. A helper here can fix you up with an adapter plate for the intake bypass cover very cheaply in order to accept the new pump. The same helper that has the cover is also one of the most knowledgeable OMC guys there is. You can also post questions about the motor at aomci.org's ask-a-member section; you will be amazed at the info and helpfulness!!!
JBJ

 

[CBGale2]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Bigtwin 30hp

The hose is no big deal, just fuel line. The connectors can be had but you'll pay a little bit for them. Keep an eye on eBay, and Im sure some of the guys on here have buckets full of them in the shed. Someone may lend a hand.

I hope he's still got it, that thing would last about 30 minutes around West Michigan.

 

[CBGale2]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Bigtwin 30hp

if you want to look at it
(edit: Took down the link so you can't steal it)

lol

 

[swannytheswan]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Bigtwin 30hp

Well I emailed him yesterday and his son answered me and told me to call so I called once yesterday and twice today with no answers and I left a message so... not much else I can do till he calls or email or something

 

[swannytheswan]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Bigtwin 30hp

CB I just read your entire resto thread and I am impressed! your boat is very similar to mine here are pics of mine so far. Any Ideas on what kind it is?

windshield off and turtled