1957 35 hp Big Twin - Good Motor to Purchase?

[wrfalpacas]

I have an option to buy a 1957 Big Twin, that "was running when I put it away" for $250. Is this a decent motor? I am looking for a period motor for my 57 starcraft ski champ

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=352569

I have a 56 lark, also needing a restoration, but am having a hard time finding cowling parts for it.

Comments??

 

[Daviet]

Re: 1957 35 hp Big Twin - Good Motor to Purchase?

Just a few questions. How long since it ran? Can you test compression? Does it have spark? Is there any water in the lower unit? Does it come with a tank, what condition is tank in? It might not be a bad price if everything works, and it is what you want.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1957 35 hp Big Twin - Good Motor to Purchase?

They're good motors, but one of the key problems with any old motor is the clutch dog, which you can't check unless running the motor or taking the lower unit apart. For that reason, I'd be leery of putting 250 into it unless it looked to be fairly low hours, had really nice compression, and the lower unit didn't have any water in it. In non-running condition, I'd think $150 or less would be a more reasonable price.
I'd be sure to do all the checks on it before I bought it, and would expect controls for that price.
JMO,
JBJ

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1957 35 hp Big Twin - Good Motor to Purchase?

Ditto...check all the normal stuff, compression/spark/wires/LU lube, then negotiate downward if you can't see/hear it run. They are great motors unless they have been severely abused. I run two on my boat.