eska hard to start

[stoner_roofer]

my eska 4.5 takes about a hour of screwing around with the air screw and the choke to get it going and then it runs perfect till i kill it then it wont start again even when its hot

 

[CATransplant]

Re: eska hard to start

Yeah? It's an Eska. That's what they do.

Seriously, how long have you had it, what have you done to it, and what do you mean by "fiddling around?"

Oh, yeah...what's the model number?

 

[stoner_roofer]

Re: eska hard to start

cleaned the carb there was no needle so i got one that fits i will fier 3 times when you pull it no matter how long a rope

 

[CATransplant]

Re: eska hard to start

Without the model number, I can't help you. A needle that "fits" may not work properly. Many of the carbs on Eskas use a synthetic soft seat for the needle. If that's not replaced, and the correct needle used, the carb will flood, and you'll be out of luck starting your outboard.

You can get parts from www.certifiedpartscorp.com, but you have to call the phone number there and have your model number or the number on the tag on the engine.

You can fiddle with your Eska until the moon comes up twice in one day and still have a non-starter. Or, you can do the job right and maybe have one that will start when you want it to. Or maybe not. Eskas aren't the most reliable outboards.

 

[stoner_roofer]

Re: eska hard to start

i know what you mean about the needle but it dont flood anymore the modle number is 1974-A but it looks like someone put a aircold lawnmower motor on a outboard leg is it posible someone tryd a converion?

 

[CATransplant]

Re: eska hard to start

OK. That's a 1975 Eska. Engine number is 642-15C. You can buy a carb kit for it from www.discount-marine-parts.com. The part number is DI-52027.

It will have the proper needle and seat in it, along with other parts you need to put the carburetor back in shape.

Until you do that and thoroughly clean the carb with a soak in carburetor cleaner, you're just wasting your time. Your description of your problems with the outboard clearly indicate the need for a carb cleaning and a complete new carb kit.

Had you told us the model number in your first message, you'd have this information already and the carb kit could be on its way to you. We like to help, but you have to help us by giving us all the information on your outboard.

 

[alangf]

Re: eska hard to start

i know what you mean about the needle but it dont flood anymore the modle number is 1974-A but it looks like someone put a aircold lawnmower motor on a outboard leg is it posible someone tryd a converion?

If memory serves me an ESKA is a Tecumseh powerhead on a Hungarian lower unit assembled in Italy (or an Italain lower unit and assembled in Hungary). Unfortunately the best use for an ESKA is as an anchor.

 

[asdasc]

Re: eska hard to start

Oh, let's not be TOO hard on the Eska's!

I have one that seems to run VERY reliably and start easily everytime. The only complaint I have is that at lower speeds it wants to shake so bad it will disassemble itself.

The best advice I have had is to get it running, sell it quickly, and buy a decent small 1950-1970-ish Johnson/Evinrude!

I am keeping my eye out for the Johnnyrude first, then will sell my very reliable Eska!

And you are right, it basically is a small lawnmower engine bolted to an outboard leg. No one swapped it out, they came that way new from the factory!

 

[stoner_roofer]

Re: eska hard to start

seams like it was carp rite out of the factory

 

[CATransplant]

Re: eska hard to start

Not really. When new, they ran well, were lightweight, and cheap. But, after 30+ years, they're like an old lawnmower that's hard to start and needs to be junked. You can fix them and fix them, but they're still 30+ years old.

When they were new, parts were readily available, but now, 30+ years later, they're like a Studebaker. You can't find the parts you need, and some of them cost more than the whole thing is worth.

When they were new, they were an inexpensive alternative to the smoother-running, quieter Johnson, Evinrude, and Mercury outboards. Now, 30+ years later, you can buy an old one of those big three outboards for chump change, and you can still get parts for them.

As someone else pointed out, if you can get an Eska running...good job. But, soon, you'll have to do it again. Sell any running Eska to someone on Craig's list and put the money towards a Johnson or Evinrude of the same vintage and power. You'll always be glad you did.

 

[stoner_roofer]

Re: eska hard to start

i already have a 58 evinrude 3hp that i fixed and it worksfine but it to slow for my boat iwant to fix this one so i can put 2 on my boat

 

[steelespike]

Re: eska hard to start

I think a good running Eska 4.5 would be about as fast as a good running Evinrude 3.Properly setup on a reasonably light boat the 3 can run close to 9 mph.Get her running and sell put the money toward a OMC built 5,5.5 or 6hp.
The Gale 5 (55-63 ) is very close to the E/J motors and somewhat less.
Gale,Buccaneer,Sea King,Goodyear(Sea Bee),Speigel Brooklure,AMS saber,Atlas Royal, These all have full gear shift models available and share many of the readily available routine parts with E/J motors.