50's ? Elgin 301

[mckeemm]

Hi I have an old Elgin 301. It's a very cute little outboard and one I'd like to fix. It was seized when I got it but it's freed up now. I will need some new rings at a minimum. Maybe a piston and cylinder as well. The compression is down around 45-50 lbs. The rest is complete.<br /><br />Any idea of the age and or parts availability would be appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks, Mark

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 50's ? Elgin 301

That's a little 1.25 hp Elgin. It was first made in 1946, and the last 301 models were built in 1950-1951. It was made by West Bend.<br /><br />Internal engine parts will be quite hard to find, given the age of the motor and the short model run.<br /><br />You might try Twin City Outboard. They have lots of old stuff on hand, but you might not like the prices.<br /><br />Also, you said the compression was 50 psi. That's not that low for such a small old motor. You might see if you have a spark from the magneto. If so, then clean the carburetor and fuel tank and give it a try. It might just surprise you by firing up.

 

[mckeemm]

Re: 50's ? Elgin 301

It has spark. I will pull the carb and clean it up and see if it will run. Last year when I tried it I could only get it to fire once and a while so I put it away.<br /><br />Mark

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 50's ? Elgin 301

Those little 1.25 hp engines are not the easiest to get started. They're a little touchy about the throttle setting and choke.<br /><br />The 50 psi is not all that low, and will probably improve once you get it running for awhile.<br /><br />Don't completely disassemble this carburetor, since you won't have a carb kit. Mainly, make sure any gunk in the float bowl is cleaned out and that you have an open main jet. Very simple carb.<br /><br />Then, check the inside of the tank and the hose that leads from the tank to the carb. Those may well be gunked up a bit, too.<br /><br />Finally, for your first few starts (it'll start, then die) spray a little pre-mixed fuel into the carb throat. If you have spark, the little bugger will try to run. <br /><br />Use a 16-1 mix in this little engine. Once you get it to run reliably, mix a little Seafoam in the gas to help clean it out even more. This will help free up the rings on the piston and raise your compression.<br /><br />When starting the little thing cold, once you get it running OK, close the choke, then open the thottle about 3/4 of the way. If it tries to start, open the choke a little and keep trying. You'll eventually figure out just what the thing wants when starting.