Clinton 25hp

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wavygravy

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Joined
Nov 28, 2011
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Can anyone shed some light on this outboard??

http://www.ebay.com/itm/vintage-ant...-25hp-motor-parts-/350474794452#ht_500wt_1287

I recently acquired an outboard similar to the one on ebay posted above. After hours of online searching, I have found absolutely no information regarding the motor. This is a 25 hp but every source I've found about Clinton Engine Corp. shows that Clinton never made an engine this big. Also by the design of the housing, it appears as though this outboard was produced sometime in the 1980's or later. According to Iboats.com, Clinton stopped making motors in 1980 and never made a motor over 9.5 hp.

Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for reading.
 
Chinewalker

Chinewalker

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Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
8,902
Re: Clinton 25hp

That's a new one on me! I've been involved with collecting vintage motors, repairing late model motors and otherwise around outboards my whole life and I've never seen one of those! Never even knew Clinton made them, either... My guess is that unless you can find a Johnrude or Mercury crossover part that is similar, most of the consumables will be hard to find. Sometimes you can find a common waterpump impeller that is close enough to an off-brand one that a little trimming or boring can make them work. Often ignition parts are sourced from other suppliers, not actually made by Clinton, so you might be able to find a set of points through the maker (.ie R.E. Phelon or Wico made ignition). Same for carbs - Tillotson, Mikuni, etc. supplied many carbs for outboards.

Good luck with it!
 
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wavygravy

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Re: Clinton 25hp

Chinewalker said:
That's a new one on me! I've been involved with collecting vintage motors, repairing late model motors and otherwise around outboards my whole life and I've never seen one of those! Never even knew Clinton made them, either... My guess is that unless you can find a Johnrude or Mercury crossover part that is similar, most of the consumables will be hard to find. Sometimes you can find a common waterpump impeller that is close enough to an off-brand one that a little trimming or boring can make them work. Often ignition parts are sourced from other suppliers, not actually made by Clinton, so you might be able to find a set of points through the maker (.ie R.E. Phelon or Wico made ignition). Same for carbs - Tillotson, Mikuni, etc. supplied many carbs for outboards.

Good luck with it!
Click to expand...

Wow! Not the answer I was looking for, but the one I was expecting.

A little more history about the engine - my father-in-law who is giving the motor to me said he bought 10-15 years ago from an acquaintance. His friend worked at Walbro Corporation in Cass City, MI, a carburetor and engine component creator. My father-in-law said he was told that the engine was shipped from Japan to get a carb designed for it. It has a very different type of gas hose hook up, similar to a chuck on an air compressor house. My father-in-law bought it for $100, used it once, and then stored it. His 14' fishing boat was to small for 25hp. He said it ran great.

I contacted the parts distributor for Clinton Engine in IA, this morning. While I don't have the badge information handy, he told me it sounds like I have a mid-80's Tohatsu W-250 which Clinton distributed under their name plate until they lost it to other companies. While I would like for this to be true, I have not found any information backing up his claim. I cannot even find info on the tohatsu w-250.

I also contacted the gentleman selling the engine on Ebay. He had no information at all about the motor nor did he have a ID plate. He said he found his and thought he could get some money for it.

This motor is extremely mysterious to me. I am starting to think that perhaps this could be a prototype, is that possible?
 
Chinewalker

Chinewalker

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Messages
8,902
Re: Clinton 25hp

Another outboarder friend of mine confirmed the Tohatsu connection, but the vintage is more 1970s, rather than 1980s. Clinton imported them and rebadged them...
 
W

wavygravy

Recruit
Joined
Nov 28, 2011
Messages
4
Re: Clinton 25hp

I now have more information regarding this outboard. Two tags were present on the outside of the housing:

Tag #1

Manufactured by Clinton Engine Corp.
Maquoketa, Iowa

Model No. 250 1000
Serial No. 11328

Tag #2

Passed by Japanese Government: No. 07375

The engine block is also stamped with 11328.

----------------

Quick web searches still produce little (no) information. Thank you for your replies Chinewalker. Pictures to come soon.
 
S

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: Clinton 25hp

The carb and fuel pump sure resemble the Tohatsu 25 in my 69-89 after market ser. manual.
Also shows a Cylinderical coil with 2 plug wires coming out of the side.
Unfortunately my manual doesn't indicate the year only prior to 85 and 85 and after.
85 and after is similar,though I couldn't pinpoint the ignition coil.
 
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