Elgin outboard 1959 won't start

stewbedo

Recruit
Joined
Aug 23, 2002
Messages
4
I was recently given this boat I have been trying to start It all day Gas leaks out of the hole below the motor. I think I been flooding It. I don't know much at all about boats. When I first attempted to start It at least it almost started. I waited an hour, then tried again. It just keeps cranking over but doesn't even sound like It is going to start. Then, this cloud of smoke comes out of the bottom.. Please Help......
 

iRich

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 7, 2002
Messages
219
Re: Elgin outboard 1959 won't start

how old is the gas? 2 cycle gas has oil in it and if it has been sitting for more than 60 days or so it is probably no good.<br /><br />Rich
 

rolmops

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
5,670
Re: Elgin outboard 1959 won't start

Hello.<br />I do not know what you know about engines in general, but do buy yourself a manual before going any farther.You can probably find a copy of your year in a public library.
 

Solittle

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: Elgin outboard 1959 won't start

Spend a couple of hours browsing this forum and try out the red Search at the top of the page. You will find plenty of info to get you (not the motor) started. In general you want to find out if the spark plugs are sparking and the motor is getting fuel. The smoke you describe (exhaust) is a good indicator that you will be able to get it started.
 

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: Elgin outboard 1959 won't start

On these old motors that have been sitting around <br />fuel system is usually pretty gunked up.I recommend going through from tank to carb and clean, check and rebuild as required.<br /> If your motor is a 59 it was built for Sears<br />by West Bend Motors.
 
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