3 hp, JcPenney motor info

[cnatsu1]

I've never owned a boat or boat motor before and need to know what I should do before taking this engine out on the water.

Earlier this year I bought a Old Town canoe and went in search of a 3 hp motor. I found a 3 hp JcPenney motor, model 0945-0006-A, ser# 08-278156. I found these numbers on the top of the engine: Tecumseh 642-30 and 9347.

I just dropped it in a trash can full of water and it seemed to run fine. I read on the motor that it is air cooled and at first there was a little water coming out of the two holes at the top back end of the shaft but it seemed to stop even though I could still feel air coming out.

I'd love to find a manual or parts breakdown.

Should I replace the oil in the lower end? If so, what does it take?

Should I check the impeller for (I'm guessing) a water cooled shaft?

Any help is appreciated. I tried googling and searching the forums but haven't been able to find anything.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 3 hp, JcPenney motor info

When running it in a can you need to be sure the water is up to the mounting bracket like it would be on a boat.Water should mist out the relief ports.
No water; be sure the intake is clear.67 and newer have a pump above the antiventilation plate.Before investing any more money try to determine if it runs well.Try it more than once.certified parts corp has parts.
These motors are noisy,vibrate and finicky.I would sell it and put the money toward an Evinrude/Johnson 3 from the early 50s to the late 60s.
Smooth,quiet,easy service and find parts,some parts right here at iboats.

 

[F_R]

Re: 3 hp, JcPenney motor info

Quote: I just dropped it in a trash can full of water and it seemed to run fine. I read on the motor that it is air cooled and at first there was a little water coming out of the two holes at the top back end of the shaft but it seemed to stop even though I could still feel air coming out."

The powerhead is indeed air cooled, but it also has a water pump to cool the exhaust column. If the water pump doesn't work the exhaust gets hotter than blazes and since the powerhead is sitting on top of it it is just like it is sitting on a hot stove, and it overheats also. Trouble is, the water pump is very chintzy and doesn't hold up very well.

It was built by Eska and the powerhead is a Techumseh lawn mower engine, if that tells you anything.

 

[cnatsu1]

Re: 3 hp, JcPenney motor info

Thanks for the information. I'll have to keep a lookout for a good used Johnson. I only paid about $40 for this motor and a smaller little Cruise n' Carry motor at a yard sale. I thought it would be easy to find an older 3 hp motor for sale when I bought the canoe, but am finding out they are extremely hard to find.