A Clarke Troller???

[suzuki40]

A buddy of mine just broght by a motor he got at a garage sale today. Can anyone tell me about it? I cant find any serial#'s on it. Its called a Clarke Troller, made by Clarke Engineering Company. Detroit, Mich It has 2 cylinders, very small 21" tall, about 10 lbs got a marking of 1.2 h.p. looks to be all chrome or polished aluminum?<br />My buddy gave 30 bucks for it and I just took it off his hands for $50.00 because I thought it was cool. Anyone have any info about this motor?<br /><br />Suzuki40

 

[Squeakit]

Re: A Clarke Troller???

Hi suzuki: You have a cool motor. Paraphrasing from Hunn's Old Outboard Book, page 87 "produced in small quantities between 1937 and 1941, From a collector's point of view, the Clarke is a gem ... sold for $35new ... l.2hp power plant equal in zing to a model airplane engine..." Looks like you made a find. Go to the Antique Outboard Motor Club at aomci.org and click on their Ask-a-Member forum to get more info. Congratulations on finding a really neat collector's item!

 

[suzuki40]

Re: A Clarke Troller???

The really cool thing is, it starts right up. Do you think this thing has a water pump? anyway for $50.00 it looks good.<br /><br />Suzuki40

 

[Squeakit]

Re: A Clarke Troller???

According to The Old Outboard Book,"The motor incorporated several unusual engineering features. The powerhead operated completely underwater (facilitating simple water cooling) and there were no bevel gears, as the crankshaft was also the propellor shaft. The rope starter sheave was on the propeller end of the crankshaft, with the motor tilted out of the water for starting. There was no magneto, so a battery was used to provide electric current to the coil. The motor was made largely from polished aluminum castings." So I guess there is no water pump - but don't take my word for it. Someone with more knowledge than I have can tell you more.

 

[suzuki40]

Re: A Clarke Troller???

 

[suzuki40]

Re: A Clarke Troller???

Thanks for the info Squeakit.<br /><br />Suzuki40

 

[suzuki40]

Re: A Clarke Troller???

I have the serial # E3874A could someone find out more about this motor.<br /><br />Suzuki40

 

[suzuki40]

Re: A Clarke Troller???

^

 

[Squeakit]

Re: A Clarke Troller???

Hi Suzuki: Wish I could tell you more, but I can only repeat what I have read in Peter Hunn's Old Outboard Book. You really need to get ahold of a real antique outboard collector, and the Antique Outboard Club I mentioned before is probably your best bet. What you have there is a real collector's item and somewhat of a rare bird, so not too many people are going to know much about it. Keep trying, and you will eventually find out more about it. If you are at all interested in old motors, Hunn's book is a worth while investment and a great source of information. One thing for sure, your motor is worth alot more than what either you or your friend paid for it. Best of luck and wish I could be more help.

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: A Clarke Troller???

If that is the motor with the engine in the foot area that runs underwater I can offer my opinions.<br /><br />If it appears to be pretty much operational now,<br /><br />Do not run it as you risk damage from water ingestion into the motor assy. from bad seals, ect. <br /><br />It's value is probably greatest as "complete, original, and apears to be operational"<br /><br />I (not too long ago) saw one on ebay and it brought ( not sure the amount) a sizable amount (maybe a grand) in nice original condition when compared to all the other $100-$200 nice condition 30's 40's motorsm from the other manufactuers.<br /><br />I sugest you try a info/value/interest needed post at the antique outboard classifieds.

 

[suzuki40]

Re: A Clarke Troller???

Thanks for your info fellas, I just found out today, that this is some kind of find. This is a twin cylinder clarke troller. A fella offerd me $1,200.00 dollers for it.<br />The lowest offer was $900.00 dollers. so, You know which one I took, fella is going to be here tomarrow.not a bad profit for a $50.00 purchase?<br />Yes, im going to give my buddy some of the money for buying it originaly and selling it to me for $50.00 Heck, he got it for $30.00 at the garage sale.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Suzuki40